It was Muller earlier in the week who said that Skinner would be out a couple of more weeks, but this is very encouraging news. Skinner has missed the last eight games after a hot start. He had three goals and nine points in the first 10 games. If Skinner is unable to go tomorrow, his next chance to return would be Saturday vs. the Blues.
Schneider allowed one goal on 28 shots in a loss to the Maple Leafs last Friday. Schneider has not registered a win since October 19 vs. the Rangers. He faces a Kings team who will be without Jeff Carter and Jonathan Quick tomorrow, but still needs more help from his offence.
Anderson was shelled for five goals on 31 shots in a blowout 5-0 loss to the Flyers on Tuesday. With the way Robin Lehner has been playing it is surprising to see the Senators going with Anderson. He has a terrible matchup vs. the Bruins.
Prust has returned a week earlier than expected after injuring his shoulder on October 19. He brings some physicality to the Habs lineup, which is something they lack. Prust had two goals and one assist in eight games.
Price was great stopping 44 of 45 shots against the Lightning on Tuesday. Unfortunately for Price he was on the wrong end of a 2-1 shootout . He has a solid matchup against the Rangers, expect him to continue his strong play.
Budaj allowed three goals on 30 shots in a loss to the Avalanche on November 2. It was his first loss of the season, but he has posted a nice 1.34 GAA and .953 SV% in three starts. He gets a good matchup against the Blue Jackets Friday.
A timetable is a wide range for a grade 2 groin strain, so no firm timetable was announced. Quick will miss an extended period of time, leaving Ben Scrivens as their starter.
Smith was great stopping 37 of 39 shots in an OT win over the Blues on Tuesday. The win was Smith's 11th of the season, and sixth in his last seven starts. His GAA (2.81) and SV% (.917) don't blow you away, but he has keeps the Coyotes high-powered offence in every game and that is why he is 11-3-2. Smith has a tough matchup when the Coyotes travel to Chicago tonight.
McQuaid will miss his second consecutive game tonight. He should be considered doubtful for tomorrow's game vs. Ottawa.
Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau says he will be activated from IR when he is ready, but he is not quite there yet. The Ducks will continue to roll with Jonas Hiller and Frederik Andersen.
Backstrom was injured on Wednesday in a collision with Nazem Kadri. It is unlikely that Backstrom will suit up tomorrow. The nature and severity of the injury has not been released.
Getzlaf will miss his third straight game and the Ducks could also be without Corey Perry who is battling the flu. The Ducks won't skate tomorrow because of the back-to-back but Getzlaf will likely give a go in the morning.
Smith skated on the Red Wings extra pair this morning suggesting he will not be in the lineup tomorrow. Smith has missed the last four games after being injured on November 2. He has one assist and a minus-7 rating in 11 games.
Ericsson was back at practice today paired with his usual partner Niklas Kronwall. He missed the last 10 games after being injured on October 19. Ericsson has one goal and two assists in nine games.
Getzlaf missed the last two games but could return tonight vs. Tampa Bay. This is the first time he has skated with the team since getting injured on last Friday. Monitor his status following the morning skate.
Ryan Getzlaf missed the last two games and could be out again tonight, so if Perry can't go the Ducks will be without their two leading scorers. Consider him a game-time decision.
Bobrovsky gave up four goals on 34 shots in an overtime loss to the Capitals on Tuesday. Bobrovsky has lost four of his last five starts and will be in tough tonight when Columbus takes on the Bruins. He catches a break as he faces Chad Johnson opposed to Tuukka Rask.
Beck had no points and a minus-1 rating in two games with the Predators. He returns to the AHL where he has three goals and five points in eight games.
Forsberg posted six points (1G / 5A) during a four-game stint with Milwaukee, reaching the scoresheet in each game. He started the season with Nashville, amassing five points (1G / 4A) in 11 games, including an assist in his most recent contest, a 6-4 victory over Colorado on November 6. The Predators have posted an 8-2-1 record with the Swede in the lineup in 2013-14.
Johnson gave up three goals on 34 shots in a loss to the Islanders on November 2. In two starts he is 1-1-0 with a 2.53 GAA and .900 SV%. Johnson has a great matchup tonight when the Bruins host a Blue Jackets team who have lost six out of their last seven.
