NHL Hockey Player News

Alfie will sit out of the Red Wings' season finale but will be ready for game 1 of the playoffs. Joakim Andersson will enter the lineup for Alfredsson.

Howard gave up two goals on 19 shots in a 2-1 loss to the Hurricanes on Friday. The loss and Columbus' win last night guarantees the Wings will play Boston in the first-round of the playoffs. He will start in the season finale this afternoon in St. Louis. Howie was pulled after allowing three goals on 25 shots in the first 30 minutes in their first meeting--but that will not be the Blues team he faces tonight.

Markstrom allowed three goals on 27 shots in a loss to the Avalanche in his first start with the Cancuks. He will get a second chance tonight and draws a much easier matchup in Edmonton. However, it is Ryan Smyth's last NHL game so the Oilers could come out flying for their veteran.

There is no word on what is ailing Orpik, the Penguins could be giving him another rest day with the playoffs around the corner.

Kunitz has been battling a lower-body injury, so today's absence is likely related to that injury. Expect him to be ready for game 1 of the playoffs.

Stewart was only in his third game back from an ankle injury, but lasted just one shift this afternoon. No word on whether he re-aggravated the ankle injury. Stewart likely will not play on Sunday.

Elliott has scored 14 goals with 14 assists (28 points) in 61 games with Lake Erie. He has been recalled because Tyson Barrie was injured on Friday.

Hanzal will miss his third straight game after suffering a lower-body injury on April 4th. With the Coyotes eliminated from the playoffs, don't be surprised if Hanzal does not play on Sunday.

Visentin has gone 14-19-4 with a 3.30 GAA and .901 SV% with Portland (AHL) this season. The 2010 first-round pick (27th) will have a tough matchup in his first NHL game. At this crucial part of the season, Visentin is not a good option.

Barrie played just 7:07 before heading to the dressing room for the night. The Avalanche have recalled Stefan Elliott this afternoon, which suggests that Barrie's injury may be serious.

Quick allowed three goals on 18 shots in Wednesday's loss to the Flames. He was given Thursday night off, but it appears he will get the start in the Kings' season finale. Quick has gone 0-2-0 with a 2.03 GAA and .902 SV% against the Ducks this season.

Visentin has gone 14-19-4 with a 3.30 GAA and .901 SV% with Portland (AHL) this season. The 2010 first-round pick (27th) will have a tough matchup in his first NHL game. At this crucial part of the season, Visentin is not a good option.

Andersen (upper-body) looks lie he will return to the Ducks' crease after missing the last three games. He stopped 30 of 32 shots in a win over the Oilers in his last start. Andersen has gone 19-5-0 with a 2.27 GAA and .924 SV% in his first NHL season. Tonight, he will look to move to 3-0 over the Kings this season.

Fleury allowed three goals on 37 shots in a 4-3 shootout win over the Red Wings on Wednesday. He has won three in a row and five of his last six. In that six game stretch he has posted a 2.11 GAA and .929 SV%, but the part of the season that haunts him is almost upon us.

Brodeur stopped 28 of 30 shits in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Islanders on Friday. The solid showing has earned him the start in the season finale this afternoon. Today, will very likely mark his last start with the Devils--it will be his 1,244th start in the red and black. He is 18-14-6 with a 2.52 GAA and .901 SV% this season.

Niemi was pulled after he allowed three goals on 19 shots in a loss to the Ducks on Wednesday. He has lost each of his last two starts while allowing six goals on 43 shots (.860 SV%). He enters the season finale at 2-0-1 with a 1.90 GAA and .933 SV% against the Coyotes.

Gelinas has seven goals and 22 assists (29 points) in 60 games in his rookie season. The Devils are done for the season so he will head back to Albany.

Hedman only played 1:42 before retiring to the dressing room for the evening. He has been great on the Lightning blueline this season, so if his injury is serious that would really hurt Tampa Bay in the first round of the playoffs. Consider him day-to-day until we know more.

Scrivens gave up three goals on 33 shots in a 4-1 loss to the Avalanche on Tuesday. The Oilers goalie rotation continues as Scrivnes and Viktor Fasth have now split the last seven games. Scrivens has gone 1-1-0 with a 2.01 GAA and .939 SV% against Vancouver this season (W with LA).

Dan Carcillo will slide back in the lineup with St. Louis taking the night.