Ryan missed Tuesday’s games with muscle cramps, but his availability for the morning skate is a good sign that he will be back in the lineup tonight. Monitor his status following the morning skate.
Namestnikov, 22, was with the Lightning earlier in the season, registering three goals and four assists (7 points) in 25 games. While in Syracuse he had 24 points (9G / 15A) in 26 games. There is no word whether he will be in the lineup on Thursday.
Bishop allowed three goals on 28 shots in the Lightning’s 5-3 win over the Ducks on Sunday. He was given Tuesday night off, but it looks like he will be in goal tonight vs. the Blues. He allowed two goals on 18 shots in a 2-1 OT loss to the Blues 11 days ago.
Ward allowed four goals on 27 shots in the Hurricanes win in San Jose on Saturday. He has won each of his last two starts, while stopping 51 of 56 (.911 SV%) shots. Tonight it looks like he will get the nod at home vs. the Ducks—Ward is 8-6-3 with a 1.91 GAA and .926 SV% at PNC Arena this season.
Lindback, 26, is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He has gone 2-8-0 with a 3.71 GAA and .875 SV% with the Stars this season. He was already a scary option in Dallas, but now he is a terrifying option in Buffalo. He will likely serve as Michal Neuvirth’s backup, while Matt Hackett should stay in the NHL until next season.
Enroth, 26, is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He has gone 13-21-2 with a 3.27 GAA and .903 SV% with the Sabres this season. His addition gives the Stars a little more stability in goal, but he is likely to serve as Kari Lehtonen’s backup until he is able to start outplaying him.
Nabokov, 39, will retire as one of the greatest Russian netmiders of all time. Nabokov played 14 NHL seasons, going 353-227-29-59 with a 2.44 GAA, .911 SV% and 59 shutouts. He was 42-42 in the postseason but retires without a Stanley Cup ring.
Paquette will likely miss his second straight game with an undisclosed injury. Monitor his status during the Lightning’s morning skate on Thursday.
Holtby allowed two goals on 24 shots in the Capitals 3-1 loss to the Flyers on Sunday. In his last five starts, Holtby has gone 3-1-1 with a 0.80 GAA and .970 SV%. Tonight he will get a chance at redemption against the Sharks—he was pulled after he allowed three goals on seven shots in a 6-5 shootout loss in their last meeting.
Holtby allowed two goals on 24 shots in the Capitals 3-1 loss to the Flyers on Sunday. In his last five starts, Holtby has gone 3-1-1 with a 0.80 GAA and .970 SV%. Tonight he will get a chance at redemption against the Sharks—he was pulled after he allowed three goals on seven shots in a 6-5 shootout loss in their last meeting.
Carter missed Kings practice this morning but is reportedly fine and is expected to play on Thursday vs. the Flames. Nick Shore skated in his spot this morning, so if Carter is unable to go for whatever reason, expect Shore to replace him between Dwight King and Tyler Toffoli.
Niemi allowed three goals on 26 shots in the Sharks 4-1 loss to the Flames on Monday. Niemi has gone 1-2-1 with a 2.96 GAA and .907 SV% in his last four starts, but the Sharks will roll with him again tonight vs. Washington. He was lit up for five goals by the Capitals back in October.
Niemi allowed three goals on 26 shots in the Sharks 4-1 loss to the Flames on Monday. Niemi has gone 1-2-1 with a 2.96 GAA and .907 SV% in his last four starts, but the Sharks look like they will roll with him again tonight vs. Washington. He was lit up for five goals by the Capitals back in October.
Elliott allowed three goals on 27 shots in the Blues loss 4-2 loss to the Blackhawks on Sunday. Elliott has lost two in a row while stopping 34 of 41 (.829 SV%) in his last two outings. He best the Lightning in hid first start against them as well as going 6-4-1 with a 1.88 GAA and .931 S% at home.
With the addition of Drew Stafford and Tyler Myers on Wednesday, Byfuglien will head back to defence on Thursday vs. the Predators. In 25 games on the blue line, Byfuglien has 22 points (7G / 15A), which is better than his 15 points (7G / 8A) in 31 games he has played at forward.
Talbot fave up four goals on 34 shots in the Rangers 5-4 win over the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. He has gone 2-1-1 with a 3.01 GAA and .882 SV% since Henrik Lundqvist went down. Tonight he faces an Avalanche team who have lost three in a row while scoring a combined three goals in those losses.
Armia will start his Winnipeg Jets career in the AHL with St. John’s. He ranked fifth in point with Rochester having recorded 10 goals and 15 assists (25 points) in 33 games.
Tokarski gave up three goals on 32 shots in the Habs 3-2 loss to the Coyotes on February 1st. Carey Price has started the last four games, but Tokarski will get the nod tonight vs. the lowly Oilers. This is as good of a spot-start as you will find, so jump on it!
