Gibson stopped all 14 shots that he faced in the Ducks shutout win over the Flames on Tuesday. It was Gibson’s second straight win and sixth since being called up. Gibson has posted a strong 1.81 GAA and .926 SV% this season, but he still needs more help from his offence if he is going to continue to win hockey games.
Hellebuyck turned aside 33 of 34 shots in the Jets’ 3-1 win over the Red Wings on Tuesday. He has won two in a row while stopping 63 of 64 shots (.984 SV%). The 22-year-old has been spectacular since being called up, going 7-3-0 with a 2.01 GAA and .932 SV%. Where he has struggled a bit has been on the road, where he is 1-2-0 with a .900 SV%.
Gallagher has been sidelined since November 22nd after breaking two fingers while blocking a shot. Gallagher had 19 points (9G / 10A) in 22 games before getting hurt, so his return to the lineup is huge for the Canadiens’ offence. Gallagher will skate on the top line with Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty.
Condon surrendered three goals on 39 shots in the Canadiens win in Tampa Bay on Monday. The win snapped a lengthy losing streak for Condon, who was 2-7-0 with a 2.88 GAA and .888 SV% in December. The Winter Classic will be Gallagher’s third start vs. the Bruins—he has gone 1-1-0 with a 2.55 GAA and .907 SV% in the first two meetings.
Talbot was yanked after allowing three goals on 14 shots in the Oilers loss vs. the Kings on Tuesday. Talbot has gone 2-2-1 with a 2.68 GAA and .926 SV% in December. He has struggled recently, but has a good matchup against the NHL’s lowest scoring teams. Talbot comes in at 3-4-0 with a 3.06 GAA and .901 SV% on home ice this season.
Rinne allowed three goals on 29 shots in the Predators win over the Rangers on Monday. Carter Hutton started on Tuesday, so Rinne is expected to be between the pipes tonight in Dallas. Rinne has struggled on the road this season, going 3-6-3 with a 2.91 GAA and .891 SV%. I wouldn’t expect anything to be easy for him tonight against the NHL’s highest scoring squad.
Niemi allowed two goals on 18 shots after replacing Kari Lehtonen in the Stars surprising loss in Columbus on Tuesday. Niemi will close out 2015 after going 15-6-3 with a 2.31 GAA and .916 SV% in the first three months of the season. Tonight Niemi will face the Predators on home ice—he has gone 10-2-0 at American Airlines Center this season.
Calvert suffered a sprained knee on Tuesday and will miss roughly one month with the injury. The Blue Jackets will move him to IR and should recall a forward.
Andrighetto was a healthy scratch for four straight games before recording an assist in his last two games. Andrighetto’s return to the AHL suggests that Brendan Gallagher could be ready to play in the Winter Classic.
Ericsson has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury, but will be back in the lineup on Thursday. Ericsson is not an viable fantasy option having only scored one goal with four assists in his first 32 games.
Mrazek stopped all 11 shots that he faced after Jimmy Howard was pulled for the second straight game on Tuesday. Mrazek has gone 5-3-0 with a 2.30 GAA and .917 SV% in December and should see the bulk of the starts going forward with Howard struggling. Tonight he faces the Penguins at home, where he has gone 6-3-3 with a 2.15 GAA and .923 SV% this season.
Kostka did not play in Wednesday’s game after being recalled because Marc Methot was good-to-go. Kostka has one goal and 11 assists (12 points) in 23 games this season.
Mrazek stopped all 11 shots that he faced after Jimmy Howard was pulled for the second straight game on Tuesday. Mrazek has gone 5-3-0 with a 2.30 GAA and .917 SV% in December and should see the bulk of the starts going forward with Howard struggling. Tonight he faces the Penguins at home, where he has gone 6-3-3 with a 2.15 GAA and .923 SV% this season.
Clendening has been a healthy scratch in the last four games and with Kris Letang back in the lineup, he won’t see time any time soon. He heads to WBS to get some reps in. He has just one assist in nine games with the Penguins this season.
Backstrom left after playing just 14:35 (averages 19:16) and did not return to the Capitals’ bench after leaving. Because the Capitals have a back-to-back, Backstrom’s status for Thursday’s game is up in the air. They won’t have a morning skate, so expect an update closer to puck-drop.
