Michalek was injured in the first period on November 14 vs. Chicago. He is a staple on the Coyotes top-pair so his absence is a tough loss for Phoenix. Consider him questionable for Saturday's meeting with Anaheim.
Morris missed the last five games after being injured on November 5. Morries has had a strong start to the season scoring four goals and adding six assists in 14 games. His return will stabilize the Coyotes blueline.
Whitney did not skate on a line in the morning skate, so he is very likely out tonight. He will miss his fourth straight game after being injured on October 9. He remains on IR.
Chaisson was hit in the face be a puck that deflected off of the stick of Jordie Benn in practice Wednesday. He was wearing a clear facemask along with his visor and skating in his normal spot this morning. “Yesterday, for an hour or two, it was kind of scary,” Chiasson said. “I’m glad I’m good. It’s part of the game, and it’s nobody’s fault. It’s going to be sore for a couple of days, but I’ll be OK to go tonight.”
Lehtonen stopped 42 of 43 shots in a win over the Canucks on Sunday. Lehtonen is 8-2-2 with a 2.10 goals against average and .930 save percentage since returning from a lower body injury on October 24. He has a good matchup vs. a low-scoring Rangers squad tonight.
Hossa missed the last three games, Chicago lost two out of three in his absence. Hossa has had a strong start to the season, posting nine goals and 15 points in 19 games. His plus-12 rating also leads the Blackhawks in that category. Hossa is expected to return to the top-line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp.
Burns returned to the top-line in practice yesterday which is a good sign. The Sharks will hit the ice for their morning skate shortly and we will have an update on Burns' status for tonight following the skate.
Niemi gave up five goals on 27 shots in a loss to the Blackhawks on Sunday. A matchup with Chicago is never an easy one, but the loss marked his sixth in his last seven starts. Tonight he faces the Lightning who are 0-2-0 on their current road-trip and have been outscored 11-5 in those two losses.
Dubnyk was not tested often, but when he was he stood tall in Tuesday's 7-0 shutout win over the Blue Jackets. It was his first shutout of the season and it came at the right time for Dubnyk. The arrival of Ilya Bryzgalov might have been just what the Oilers needed to get Dubnyk back on track. He has a solid chance at winning his third straight tonight with the Panthers in town.
Budaj shut the door on 23 of 25 shots he faced last Friday against Columbus. Budaj has been strong when called upon this season. He is 3-1-0 with a 1.48 GAA and .945 SV% in four starts, all of which have come on the road - Montreal will be in Washington tomorrow. It is not a great spot start matchup for the Habs back-up.
Crawford was yanked after allowed three goals on seven shots in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Avalanche. Head coach Joel Quenneville obviously wants to give him a chance to rebound quickly, as he will face the Jets tonight. Crawford is 2-0-0 with a 1.00 GAA and .962 SV% in two starts vs. the Jets this year.
Pavelec saw his four-game winning streak snapped when he gave up two goals on 24 shots vs. Minnesota Sunday. He will be back in goal tonight when Chicago comes to Winnipeg. Pavelec was pulled after allowing four goals on 14 shots in a loss to the Blackhawks on November 2, he will be seeking redemption tonight.
Falk suited up for Del Zotto in three straight games but will swap out tonight. He averaged 12:19 in those three contests with no points and a minus-1 rating.
Del Zotto was a healthy scratch for the last three games but will rejoin the lineup tonight. The 23-year-old former 20th overall pick (2008) has had a disappointing start to the season after scoring 41 points in 2011-12 and was on pace for 36 over an 82 game season last year. He has been the talk of potential trades, but for now he is still a Ranger and will look to stay in the lineup with a strong game tonight.
Lundqvist allowed two goals on 22 shots and was out-duelled by Tuukka Rask for his third straight loss. Hopefully Rick Nash's return to the lineup will get the Rangers offence going and help the Swedish netminder. Tonight he takes on the Stars who have won six out of their last seven, while outscoring opponents 25-16.
Peters gave up three goals on 31 shots in a loss to the Blues on Saturday. Cam Ward lost his first game back, so the Hurricanes will turn to their hot-hand tonight vs. the Red Wings. Peters is 4-3-1 with a 2.08 GAA and .931 SV% in November. He faces a Detroit team who is 0-2-5 win their last seven.
Howard allowed two goals on 25 shots in a 2-0 loss to the Predators on Tuesday. It has been a frustrating stretch of games for Howard and his owners. He is 0-2-4 with a 2.93 GAA and .904 SV% in his last six starts. The Red Wings offence has disappeared, which is killing Howard's value. They are at home tonight vs. Carolina, where hopefully the insertion of Gustav Nyquist into the lineup sparks the Wings offence.
Mazanec stopped all 27 shots for his first career shutout on Tuesday vs. the Red Wings. He did not look like a goalie making his fourth career start, very calm and composed all evening. He carries a 2-2-0 record with a 2.45 GAA and .927 SV% into Toronto tonight.
Peters gave up three goals on 31 shots in a loss to the Blues on Saturday. Cam Ward lost his first game back, so the Hurricanes will turn to their hot-hand tonight vs. the Red Wings. Peters is 4-3-1 with a 2.08 GAA and .931 SV% in November. He faces a Detroit team who is 0-2-5 win their last seven.
Miller surrendered four goals on 31 shots in a loss to the Blues on Tuesday. The Sabres scored on their first shot of the game, but their lead evaporated a minute later, and they could not beat Jaroslav Halak for the rest of the evening. Tonight he will face a Flyers team who has won four out of their last five, outscoring their opponents 18-8 in that span.
