Rakell was recalled on Thursday and will suit up for his eighth game of the season on Friday vs. the Penguins. In his previous seven games Rakell has one assist. While in Norfolk (AHL), he has registered 14 goals and 23 assists (37 points in 43 games. Rakell was the Ducks' first-round selection (30th overall) in 2011.
Anderson allowed four goals on 28 shots in a loss to the Flames on Wednesday. He has now lost two in a row while allowed seven goals on 48 shots (3.50 GAA / .854 SV%). On Saturday he will meet a strong Jets team who have performed significantly better following their coaching change.
Kassian tracked Dillon down through the neutral zone, but when Dillon dumped the puck in and turned to go for a change, Kassian drove him into the boards from behind. He was assessed a boarding major and a game misconduct on the play. Kassian is eligible to return to the Canucks lineup next Friday in Winnipeg.
Niemi allowed three goals on 22 shots in a 5-3 win over the Penguins on Thursday. After sitting for three of four games, Niemi stepped in and got the W against a very good Pittsburgh squad. The win has likely earned him his first back-to-back starts since Feb 1st-3rd. Niemi posted a 22-save shutout against the Habs in their first meeting.
Hiller allowed three goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Habs on Wednesday. Hiller has been strong for the Ducks this season and even better on home ice. He has gone 15-4-3 with a 1.97 GAA and .930 SV% in 23 starts in Anaheim this season. Tonight's matchup will not be an easy one with the Penguins in town.
Laich sat out Thursday's game, likely to rest his nagging groin ailment. However the Capitals will see how Laich is feeling during the morning skate on Saturday and then decide if he will play against the Coyotes.
The Red Wings recalled Pulkkinen on Thursday as insurance for Daniel Alfredsson, who had teeth knocked out on Tuesday. Pulkkinen did not dress and will now head back to Grand Rapids.
Hiller allowed three goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Habs on Wednesday. Hiller has been strong for the Ducks this season and even better on home ice. He has gone 15-4-3 with a 1.97 GAA and .930 SV% in 23 starts in Anaheim this season. Tonight's matchup will not be an easy one with the Penguins in town.
Emery remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Cal Heeter will stay with the club until Emery is healthy enough to return. Emery's injury can not be too serious or you would have to believe the Flyers would have claimed Devan Dubnyk earlier in the week.
Kuemper stopped 21 of 23 shots in a win over the Flames on Monday. What a story this kid has become. He has five in a row and 11 of his last 16. Kuemper boasts a 2.19 GAA and .924 SV% this season, filling in admirably for Josh Harding and Niklas Backstrom. The Wild acquired Ilya Bryzgalov on Tuesday, but this is Kuemper's team until he falters.
Halak was a Buffalo Sabre for one game, he sat on the bench holding a clipboard, before being dealt to the Capitals on Wednesday. Halak was not given a chance to make his Caps debut on Thursday, but it will come on Saturday vs. Phoenix. Halak was 24-9-4 with a 2.23 GAA and .917 SV% in St. Louis, but the Caps defense is noticeably less talented.
Zuccarello has missed the last four games with a hand injury that he suffered in the Olympics. He was originally listed as a game-time decision, but he will be back for sure tonight in Carolina. Heading into tonight he is on a six-game point streak (2G / 6A). Expect him to return to his regular line with Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot.
Wotherspoon has one goal and eight assists (nine points) in 48 games with the Abbotsford Heat (AHL) this season. He was a second round pick (57th overall) in 2011.
Wideman left Wednesday's win after playing 12:08 and did not return. With Wideman sidelined for awhile, the Flames have recalled Tyler Wotherspoon, who will make his NHL debut tonight.
Hudler was injured in Wednesday's win over the Senators. He played exactly 10 minutes before retiring to the dressing room for the night. Monitor his status following the Flames back-to-back tonight and Saturday. He could be back in the lineup on Monday vs. the Kings.
Ortio stopped 30 of 31 shots to earn his first NHL victory on Wednesday vs. the Senators. In his first two NHL starts, Ortio has stopped 52 of 55 shots which is good for a 1.53 GAA and .945 SV%. With Reto Berra now in Colorado and Karri Ramo still on IR, Ortio is the Flames starter for the foreseeable future. He draws a strong matchup vs. the Islanders tonight.
The 'no contact' jersey suggests that Gudas will not be ready for Saturday's clash with the Bruins, but returning to the ice is a step in the right direction for the physical defenseman.
Schilling play 17:45 and was a minus-2 in Thursday's loss to the Bruins. Schilling is getting sent back because Dmitry Orlov has finished serving his two-game suspension and will return Saturday.
Phaneuf was not at Maple Leafs practice again on Friday, the defenseman has not practiced since Sunday and reportedly spent awhile in the training room following Wednesday's win over the Rangers. Whatever is ailing Phaneuf, must not be too serious as he will play on Saturday against the Flyers.
Helm said he hit his head on the ice in Ottawa last Thursday and left Tuesday's game early with headaches. Helm will miss at least the next three games, the Red Wings are hoping that he is not sidelined for longer.
