Ovechkin missed last night's contest with the Flyers, but could play tonight against the Panthers. The Capitals cruised to a 7-0 whopping against Philadelphia last night, so they probably won't rush their star back if he is not 100% tonight. Expect an update later in the day.
The game was out of hand with the Capitals winning 7-0 when multiple fights broke out - including a goalie tilt. Lecavalier was injured in a scrap with Steve Oleksy and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said Vinny will miss some time. This is the second injury Lecavalier has suffered in the first month of the season. He missed three games earlier with a lower-body injury.
Downie was acquired by the Flyers on Thursday and Friday was his first game back with the team. Expect a full update in the coming days.
Gustavsson would have started tonight vs. Edmonton had he been healthy, instead Petr Mrazek will make his first NHL start of the season. The Red Wings do not have another back-to-back until November 15 and 16, so expect Jimmy Howard to make at least the next four or five starts.
Tonight will be Mrazek's third NHL start. He is 1-1-0 with a 2.02 GAA and .922 SV% in his previous two starts. In five games with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) this season, the 21-year-old netminder is 2-2-1 with a 3.14 GAA and .891 SV%. Mrazaek showed promise in his 2012-13 starts, he could be worth a look as a spot start tonight in Edmonton.
The details on Burns’ injury are still vague, but according to general manager Doug Wilson, he is not expected to be out long term.
Boyle has been skating all week and has been cleared to play tomorrow. He missed a total of seven games after suffering a concussion on October 15 vs. St. Louis. Boyle is one of the better defenseman in the NHL so his return to the lineup bolsters the Sharks lineup even further. There has been no word as to who Boyle will be paired with or how many minutes they plan to have him play.
Ashton hit Flames defenseman Derek Smith from behind on Wednesday. He will miss tomorrow's game with the Canucks and next Friday's contest with the Devils.
Scott had already missed three contests after being banned indefinitely last week ahead of his hearing. "Although this is not an elbow to the head, the follow-through that occurs after contact indicates to us a significant level of force delivered on this illegal check to the head," Shanahan said. "It's important to note that Eriksson does not materially change the position of his body or head just prior to or simultaneously with the hit.
Stuart has two assists in 12 games. Ben Chiarot will likely make his NHL debut with Stuart out.
The Red Wings do not want to use Jimmy Howard in both games of a back-to-back, so either Mrazek or Jonas Gustavsson will get the nod. Mrazek was recalled today to serve as Howard's back-up because Gustavsson has a sore neck. If 'The Monster' isn't ready to go tomorrow, then Mrazek will start vs. the Oilers. He is 1-1-0 with a 2.02 GAA and .922 SV% in two starts with the Red Wings.
Budaj stopped all of the 27 shots that he faced in a shutout win over the Rangers on Monday. In two starts this year, Budaj is 2-0 with a 0.50 GAA and .982 SV%. If he continues to play this well, he will force the Habs to give him more starts. He has a tough test against the Avalanche tomorrow.
Like Daniel, Henrik has played all 13 seasons with Vancouver after being drafted third overall in 1999. One of the NHL's premiere playmakers has 625 assists to go along with 185 goals in 955 career games. He is currently tied for second in the NHL with 18 points (3 G / 15 A).
Daniel is in his 13th season in the NHL - all with the Canucks. He has 297 goals and 476 assists in 921 career NHL games. He has had a strong start to the 2013-14 season, posting 15 points (6G / 9A) in 15 games. Daniel will remain a Canuck with his brother until they are 37.
Giguere was originally scheduled to start on Friday, but Semyon Varlamov will now start. Giguere will face his hometown team (Montreal) in Colorado. It will be his fourth start of the season, in his first three starts he has been excellent. He has the league's best GAA (0.67) and SV% (.981) and he is also tied for the most shutouts with two. His shutouts have come against two great teams in Boston and Pittsburgh (each average 3+ G/PG)
Lehtonen allowed two goals on 24 shots in tough-luck loss to the Canadiens on Tuesday.Since coming back from his lower-body injury he has posted a 1.72 GAA and .940 SV%. Lehtonen would face the 10-1-0 Avalanche tonight.
Crawford stopped 14 of 15 shots in a relief effort on Tuesday. Despite Nikolai Khabibulin getting the start, Crawford rewarded fantasy owners that had him in their lineup with an unexpected win. He has a good matchup tomorrow when the Hawks take on the Jets.
Howard allowed three goals on 25 shots in a win over the Flames on Friday. It was not the Red Wings best outing but they got enough from Howard to sneak by Calgary. He was given Saturday night off so he should be well rested to face Al Montoya and the Jets tonight. A win tonight would make the Red Wings a perfect 4-0 on their four game western Canada roadtrip.
Vey was the 96th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. He has never played an NHL game, but has three goals and eight assists (11 points) in 10 games with Manchester (AHL).
Toffoli was close to making the Kings out of pre-season, but was sent to Manchester (AHL). He has seven goals and five assists (12 points) in 10 games. He could see top-6 minutes with Jeff Carter on injured reserve.
