With Lundqvist starting in the loss last night, Talbot is likely to start today. The Leafs aren't a great matchup for the youngster, however.
Bernier was sensational in the Winter Classic, he stopped 41 of 43 shots en route to a 3-2 shootout win and first star of the game honours. He has clearly cemented himself as the Leafs starter and draws a good matchup tonight with the Rangers in town. He stopped 42 of 43 shots in 2-1 shootout loss in New York on December 23.
Leino missed the Sabres contest on Thursday after being forced from Tuesday's game in the first period. There has always been high hopes for Leino since coming to the NHL, but aside from his 53-point 2010-11 season, he has been a big disappointment. He has six assists and a minus-6 rating in 26 games this season.
Raanta stopped all 26 shots that he faced in a 1-0 win over the Kings on Monday. It was the 10th win and the first shutout of his NHL career. Tonight he gets the call in the second game of a back-to-back when the Blackhawks take on the Devils in New Jersey. In his first start vs. the Devils he allowed two goals on 12 shots in a 5-2 win.
Hiller allowed three goals on 36 shots in a win over the Sharks on Tuesday. He is absolutely scorching right now having won his last nine consecutive starts. Over that span he has posted a 1.97 GAA and .922 SV%. Tonight he faces an Oilers team he beat 3-2 on December 15.
Varlamov stopped 29 of 30 shots in a win over the Flyers on Thursday. It was his second straight win and 18th of the season. He carries an 18-8-4 record with a 2.33 GAA and .928 SV% into Saturday's meeting with the Sharks. In his first start vs. San Jose he stopped 41 of 45 shots in a 5-4 shootout loss.
Pavelec was pulled after allowing three goals on six shots in last Thursday's win over the Wild. Following Thursday's contest, Pavelec was given the next three starts off in favour of Al Montoya. It looks like he will return to the cage on Saturday vs. the Bruins, but coach Noel would say for certain. Pav enters play on Saturday 5-8-1 with a 2.76 GAA and .913 SV% on the road.
Olsen's placement on IR allows the Panthers to activate Ed Jovanovski, who is expected to make his season debut tomorrow.
Eberle injured his knee last night and the injury will keep him out of tonight's game. Ryan Jones is returning to the lineup and will likely take Ales Hemsky's spot, who is expected to shift to the second line RW.
Doan has missed the last 12 games because of an infection. It sounds like he will be activated from IR on Saturday and play vs. the Flyers. Doan was on fire before he got sick and has 23 points (12G / 11A) in 27 games.
Gonchar is improving, but it will be up to head coach Lindy Ruff whether on not he is in the lineup on Saturday. Gonchar has missed the last five games with a concussion that he suffered on December 21.
Lupul caught a break and will be in the lineup tomorrow vs. the Rangers.
MacKenzie will not play on Saturday, Monday or next Friday. He is eligible to return next Saturday in Winnipeg.
Ekman-Larsson was injured on Thursday but is reportedly feeling better today and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.
Elliott stopped all 30 shots that he faced vs. Los Angeles on Thursday for his third shutout of the season. With Jaroslav Halak under the weather the Blues have run with Elliott and he has won five games in a row (one relief appearance) and currently holds the 4th best GAA in the NHL (1.84) and t-8th best SV% (.928). He faces the Blue Jackets at home tonight where he is 6-0-0.
With Jocaim Eriksson being sent back to the AHL on Thursday it was obvious that Luongo was back to full-health and will dress on Saturday. No word yet if Luongo will start or back-up, but it is a great news for the Canucks that Luongo only missed three games.
Bryzgalov allowed four goals on 45 shots in a loss to the Coyotes on Tuesday. The loss moved him to 2-4-2 with a 2.91 GAA and .915 SV% as an Oiler. Tonight he will start against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks. After tonight, all of Bryzgalov's last three starts will have come against his three former teams (PHI, PHX, ANA). In his first start against Anaheim they pushed three past Bryz in a 3-2 Ducks win.
After placing Philip Larsen on IR the Oilers recalled Hunt who has three goals and 12 assists in 27 games with the Barons this season. He is a 25-year-old, undrafted, under-sized blueliner who is not expected to have a fantasy impact.
Bishop allowed two goals on 30 shots in a 4-2 win over the Canucks on January 1. Despite posting a fantastic 21-5-3 record with a 1.89 GAA and .935 SV%, Bishop was snubbed from Team U.S.A. He has developed into an elite fantasy goalie option this season and is definitely a must-start against the Flames tonight. He is 9-3-2 on the road.
Since being recalled from Grand Rapids, Eaves has skated in eight games, recording one goal. Despite seeing time on the Red Wings second power-play unit, Eaves is not fantasy relevant.
