Alfredsson missed the last six games with back spasms, but will return tonight. He will skate on the third line with Darren Helm and Daniel Cleary. He has recorded 30 points (11G / 19A) in 38 games.
Thomas surrendered three goals on 35 shots in a win over the Sabres on Tuesday. He has allowed nine goals in his last three starts, going 1-2-0 over those three games. Tonight he takes on the Avalanche for the second time this season, in the first meeting he stopped 32 of 33 shots in a 4-1 win.
Steen went down in the corner and was slow to stand up. He appeared to jam his right foot into the crease of the boards, and getting up slowly, he rested on the bench briefly. Steen attempted to skate it off, putting limited pressure on his right leg. He stayed in the game briefly, but with 2:57 left in the second period, he headed for the locker room and didn’t return. “He’s day-to-day” Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. “We’ll see where he is in a day or so. He’ll be back.” Monitor Steen's status during Saturday's morning skate.
Franzen is encouraged but he still doesn’t know when he’ll return. “Need to talk to the medical staff and see what they think,” Franzen said. “I’m just happy to not feel like I’m in the fog anymore.”
Alfredsson had his third good skating session in a row today with no setbacks. “I’m going to talk with the coaches and medical staff after practice (Friday) and go from there,” Alfredsson said. “A little more intense these last two days, but I feel good and I don’t expect anything will change until tomorrow.” Alfredsson has missed six games with lower back inflammation. Coach Mike Babcock said a decision on Alfredsson’s status will be made after the morning skate.
Barkov’s absence means more ice time for Nick Bjugstad, center Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester. Barkov, who is the Panthers leading scorer with 24, was injured on Tuesday, but is not expected to miss an extended period of time. If he can't go tonight, look for him to return on Sunday against Detroit.
Varlamov was yanked after allowing three goals on 10 shots in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Maple Leafs. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Russian Olympian. He draws a solid matchup tonight vs. the Panthers 28th ranked offence, however they pushed four passed him on 33 shots in a 4-1 defeat in November.
Quick allowed three goals on 23 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Bruins on Monday. He was given the tail-end of the back-to-back off, but will hop back in the crease tonight vs. the Ducks. Quick enters play with a 4-3-1 record, 2.17 GAA and .921 SV% on the road and he will be playing in one of the toughest buildings in the NHL.
Keith has three goals and 43 assists in 52 games this season and is on pace to be a Norris Trophy finalist. Consider Keith day-to-day.
Kuemper allowed four goals on 36 shots in a 4-0 loss to the Stars on Tuesday. The Wild struggled to muster any offence throughout which ultimately spelled disaster for Kuemper. He comes into play on Thursday with a 4-2-0 record, 1.80 GAA and .941 SV% in January, but he draws a scary matchup vs. the Blackhawks.
Khudobin stopped 22 of 24 shots in a win over the Flyers last night. The lack of action will allow Khudobin to start again tonight against the Sabres. He is 6-3-0 with a 2.07 GAA and .934 SV% since returning from his ankle injury. He should make for a great start in Buffalo tonight.
Head coach Bruce Boudreau continues to shuffle wingers in and out of his lineup as the Olympic break approaches. Silfverberg has produced recently, but lacks consistency. He has 15 points (6G / 9A) in 27 games this season and will likely slot back into the lineup on Saturday at Dodgers Stadium.
Luongo gave up a single goal on 29 shots in a win over the Oilers on Tuesday. He has won back-to-back starts vs. western Canadian opponents while registering a 1.44 GAA and .952 SV%. The first time he met the Predators, he allowed on goal on 31 shots in a 3-1 win.
Hutton turned aside 35 of 36 shots in Monday's victory against the Stars. It was his third consecutive win and he has posted a tremendous 1.95 GA A and .933 SV% in the process. He will need to be at his best tonight because he likely goes head-to-head with Roberto Luongo.
Here comes Paul Maurice to save the day! Pavelec's fantasy value was probably as low as it has ever been a week ago. But then in comes Mr. Maurice and voila! Pavelec has been an entirely different goalie in the last four games. He is 4-0-0 with a 1.75 GAA and .933 SV%. While he has been hot, you have to temper your expectations when he faces a Sharks team who has won four in row while outscoring their opponents 13-7.... The again he just beat the Ducks in Anaheim, your call.
Lehtonen was not tested very much on Tuesday, but he stopped all 18 shots that he faced in a 4-0 win over the Wild. Tonight he will take on the Maple Leafs for the second time this season. In the first meeting he allowed three goals on 24 shots in a 3-2 OT loss.
Quick allowed three goals on 23 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Bruins on Monday. He was given the tail-end of the back-to-back off, but will hop back in the crease tonight vs. the Ducks. Quick enters play with a 4-3-1 record, 2.17 GAA and .921 SV% on the road and he will be playing in one of the toughest buildings in the NHL.
Andersen stopped all 10 shots that he faced after replacing Jonas Hiller in Tuesday's loss to the Jets. In his last three starts Andersen has won all three while posting a 2.00 GAA and .936 SV%. Tonight he faces the Kings who have lost three straight contests.
This was pretty obvious on Wednesday, but he is confirmation that Henrik will miss his second straight game. Monitor his status leading up to Sunday's game vs. the Coyotes.
Price was pulled after allowing five goals on 21 shots in a 5-1 loss to the Penguins on Wednesday. It has been tough sledding for Price as of late, he has allowed 16 goals in his last four starts, going 1-3-0 over that span. Tonight he will take on a Red Wings with a ton of youth and speed in their lineup.
