Holtby stopped 18 of 19 shots that he faced in the Capitals 4-1 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday. Holtby is off to a nice start to the season, having picked up wins in three of four starts while posting a 2.05 GAA and .920 SV%. He has a strong matchup tonight against a Flames team that is tied for 23rd in the NHL with 2.00 goals per game.
Rinne allowed four goals on 28 shots in the Predators loss to the Islanders last Thursday. He was given Saturday night off, but is expected to be back in goal tonight vs. the Lightning. Rinne has been great so far this season, going 3-1-0 with a 1.51 GAA and .944 SV% in his first four starts.
Bishop made 31 saves on 32 shots in the Lightning’s win over the Sabres on Saturday. The win snapped a two game losing straight for Bishop, who is 4-2-0 with a 2.35 GAA and .911 SV% to start the season. Those are strong numbers, but his numbers vs. the Predators are not—he is 0-2-0 with a 4.19 GAA and .850 SV% in two starts vs. Nashville.
Ellis suffered a knee injury while blocking a shot on the weekend and he missed both Monday’s practice and Tuesday’s morning skate. Look for Viktor Bartley to take Ellis’ spot in the lineup on Tuesday vs. Tampa Bay.
Hedman practiced on Monday and was on the ice for today’s gameday skate, so it is not surprising that he will suit up tonight vs. Nashville. Hedman missed Saturday’s game vs. Buffalo but has four assists in five games this year.
Colborne missed the first five games of the season with a thumb injury that he suffered in the preseason but he will get into the lineup on Tuesday against Washington. Colborne is coming off of a strong year, where he scored eight goals with 20 assists (28 points) in 64 games. He will centre the third line with Michael Ferland and Josh Jooris on his wings.
Bennett was listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s game but after participating in the morning skate, Bennett was announced good-to-go for Tuesday’s meeting with the Capitals.
Niemi surrendered six goals on 28 shots in the Stars loss in Colorado on October 10th. Kari Lehtonen started the last three games, but Niemi will get back in goal tonight in Philadelphia. His first two starts with Dallas could not have been more opposite. Tonight gives him a nice chance to right the ship—he has a 1.83 GAA and .936 SV% in his career vs. Philly.
Luongo allowed three goals on 36 shots in the Panthers loss to the Stars on Saturday. Luongo has alternated wins and losses in four starts this season—but he has been rock solid, posting a 1.77 GAA and .948 SV% thus far. Tonight he will face a Penguins offence that is struggling to find the back of the net, but given their history, this still isn’t an ideal matchup.
Bartley will get into the lineup for the first time this season because Ryan Ellis is out with a knee injury. Bartley is not known for his offence having registered just 23 points (1G / 22A) in 111 career NHL games.
Hedman missed Saturday’s game after suffering an apparent head injury in Thursday’s loss to Dallas. However, his availability for the morning skate and recent practices suggests he will play tonight.
Bernier gave up two goals on 33 shots in the Maple Leafs 2-1 loss to the Penguins on Saturday. It was a strong outing for Bernier, who struggled in his first two starts of the season. He will get his fourth start of the year tonight in Buffalo—the Sabres have been held to two or fewer goals in four of their first five games.
Glass has served as a healthy scratch in the last three games and has been placed on waivers likely with the intent of sending him to Hartford (AHL).
Keith only missed two games last season and has missed a total of only 19 games over the last nine seasons. This is a tough blow for a thin Blackhawks blueline, who already said they were in the market for another veteran defenseman. Keith was averaging 24:21 TOI so there is a lot of ice time to be had now. Veterans Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Trevor Daley will be leaned on heavily with Keith out. Keith is expected to be sidelined until mid-to-late November and could even be out until early December.
Niemi surrendered six goals on 28 shots in the Stars loss in Colorado on October 10th. Kari Lehtonen started the last three games, but Niemi will get back in goal tonight in Philadelphia. His first two starts with Dallas could not have been more opposite. Tonight gives him a nice chance to right the ship—he has a 1.83 GAA and .936 SV% in his career vs. Philly.
Smith surrendered five goals on 43 shots in the Coyotes loss to the Bruins on Saturday. After starting the season 3-0, Smith has now lost back-to-back starts while giving up eight goals on 60 shots (.867 SV%). However, he has a chance to get back on track tonight as he draws a great matchup vs. the anemic Devils.
Atkinson has one goal and two assists but he is a minus-7 through six games this season. The Blue Jackets coaching staff wants more out of Atkinson which is why he will sit tonight in favour of David Clarkson.
Mrazek allowed three goals on 28 shots in the Red Wings loss in Edmonton on Wednesday. Mrazek has allowed three goals in each of his three starts this season and has lost each of his last two. His .922 SV% is strong, but the Red Wings are being outshot on a regular basis. He will look to get them back into the win column tonight in Vancouver.
Howard allowed five goals on 36 shots in the Red Wings loss to the Hurricanes last Friday. It was a rough outing for Howard, who won his first two starts of the season. Petr Mrazek started the last two games, but the Red Wings will go back to Howard tonight in Calgary. It is a strong matchup—the Flames have registered just 2.00 goals per game in their first six contests.
Halak allowed three goals on 25 shots in the Islanders win over the Sharks in his season debut. Halak will make his second straight start tonight against a struggling Blue Jackets team in Columbus. A season ago, Halak was 16-7-2 with a 2.39 GAA and .913 SV% on the road.
