NHL Hockey Player News

The Maple Leafs will make a decision on Clarkson's status later in the day. Expect an update a few hours prior to game-time.

Rask stopped all 16 shots that he faced in a 3-0 win over the Capitals on Thursday. It was a dominating performance by the entire Bruins squad as Rask eased his way to his NHL leading sixth shutout. It should be a fantastic goalie matchup tonight with Rask going head-to-head vs. Ben Bishop. Rask is 3-0-0 with a ridiculous 0.33 GAA, .988 SV% and two shutouts against the Lightning this season.

Bishop surrendered three goals on 28 shots in a loss to the Blues on Tuesday. Bishop will have to bring his A-game tonight as he matches up against Tuukka Rask, who has been sensational against the Lightning this season. Bishop on the other hand, was pulled after allowing four goals on 17 shots in a 5-0 loss the first time he met the Bruins this season.

Smith stopped 24 of 26 shots in a 5-2 win over the Canadiens on Thursday. It was Smith's second win in a row and 22nd of the season. He has stopped 47 of 49 shots (.959 SV%) in his last two outings. Smith allowed three goals on 32 shots in a 4-3 win in his first start vs. the Capitals.

Laich was not on the ice for the Capitals morning skate, which suggests he will not suit up tonight, but head coach Adam Oates did not rule Laich out. Monitor his status during warmups.

Clarkson has reportedly been battling a leg injury recently. Expect an update following the morning skate on whether or not Clarkson will available tonight.

Bernier allowed two goals on 37 shots in a 3-2 OT win over the Rangers on Wednesday. It was a big win for Bernier who had allowed nine goals in back-to-back losses in his previous two outings. Bernier's Leafs debut came against the Flyers, he allowed one goal on 32 shots in a 3-1 win.

Friday night, Henrique extended his goal scoring streak to five by potting two goals against the Red Wings in a 7-4 loss. He has tallied seven goals and two assists with a plus-5 rating in his last five contests.

Franzen missed 23 of 24 games with concussion-like symptoms, but has been on fire since returning to the Red Wings lineup on Feb 26. He has six goals, five assists (11 points) and plus-6 rating in five games. Franzen has also shown instant chemistry with recently acquired centre David Legwand. which is big for the Red Wings playoff push.

MacKinnon's current 12-game point streak broke Wayne Gretzky's record for longest point-streak in NHL history for an 18-year-old. Over the 12-game streak he has five goals and 12 assists (17 points) as he continues to pace all rookies with 51 points (22G / 29A) in 63 games, which is 12 more than second place Tyler Johnson (39).

Varlamov allowed two goals on 38 shots in a win over the Blackhawks on Tuesday. He was rested on Tuesday in the Avs' 3-2 OT win over the Red Wings, but will be back in goal today when the Avs host the Blues. Varly has gone 0-2-0 with a 4.19 GAA and .875 SV% against St. Louis this season.

Pavelec stopped 38 of 41 shots in a 3-1 loss to the Kings on Thursday. Despite the loss, Pavelec was excellent on Thursday, the Jets were dominated and Pav kept them in it throughout. It looks like he will get his fifth straight start this afternoon vs. the Senators. He is 2-1-1 with a 2.19 GAA and .938 SV% in his last four.

Fleury was given Thursday night off as the Penguins played the Sharks in the first game of a back-to-back set. Fleury stopped 18 of 19 shots in a win over the Predators on Tuesday. Fleury stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 win over the Ducks in their first matchup of the season.

MacArthur injured his hand on Wednesday and did not return to the contest. MacArthur has returned to Ottawa to see a hand specialist to see how serious the damage to his hand is.

Nilsson allowed two goals on 38 shots in a win over the Jets on Tuesday. It was a nice bounce-back for Nilsson who allowed five goals in his previous outing. He draws a strong matchup tonight vs. a Flames team who are missing seven regulars from their lineup.

It has been a crazy week for Deslauriers. First he was traded on Wednesday and now he will make his NHL debut tonight with the Sabres. He was a third-round pick in 2009 and has recorded 18 goals and 21 assists (39 points) in 60 games this season.

St. Denis has not played in the NHL since 2011-12 when he was with the Canadiens. He has nine goals and 15 assists (24 points) in 51 games with Springfield this season.

Nikitin played only 7 minutes and 16 seconds in Thursday's blowout loss to the Blackhawks. He left the game and did not return and will not play on Saturday. With Nikitin out, the Blue Jackets have recalled Frederic St. Denis from Springfield.

Bobrovsky was yanked after allowed four goals on 18 shots in 6-1 loss to the Blackhawks on Thursday. Bobrovsky enters play with a 3-1-0 record, 2.82 GAA and .900 SV% in the month March. He allowed four goals on 29 shots in a 4-0 loss to the Predators in his first meeting with Nashville.

Fleury was given Thursday night off as the Penguins played the Sharks in the first game of a back-to-back set. Fleury stopped 18 of 19 shots in a win over the Predators on Tuesday. Fleury stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 win over the Ducks in their first matchup of the season.