NHL Hockey Player News

Rask posted a 30 save shutout on Thursday vs. the Lightning. He will get the call tonight vs. the red-hot Capitals. He is a must-start in all formats but it is not the best matchup.

Mason allowed five goals on 38 shots in a loss to the Red Wings on Thursday. The Blue Jackets likely weren't happy that the Preds started Mason vs. the Wings in the midst of a playoff race. But the Jackets will see Mason tonight so it evens out. I wouldn't trust Mason tonight.

Lindback allowed two goals on 24 shots in a loss to Boston on Thursday. He will get the nod against a bad Panthers team tonight. He is not a terrible option because the Lightning can score. However there are probably better options out there.

The Red Wings need 1 point to clinch a playoff spot. Howard has allowed only four goals in his past four games.

Atkinson, 23, has tallied eight goals and eight assists for 16 points with four penalty minutes and a +7 plus/minus rating in 42 games

We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see if Greene will play in the finale.

A win for the WIld will clinch a playoff spot. The Oilers are a struggling young team so the WIld should be able to punch their ticket to the playoffs. In a quiet night in the NHL Backstrom should be one of the better options.

Oates said he asked Holtby which of final two games he preferred to play.

Anderson starts Saturday against the Flyers

Chance Lehner can start on Sunday at BOS.

Mike Smith in 2012 - 38-18-10 / 2.21 GAA / .930 SV%. Smith in 2013 - 13-12-4 / 2.54 GAA / .912 SV%. Yeah Smith had a tough year compared to 2012. But lets be realistic last season was the first time he posted a GAA under 2.60 since his rookie year in 2006. I'm not saying he is not a good goalie but some regression from 2012 was definitely to be expected. However he does have a good matchup tonight vs. the Avs and is one of the better options in a quiet night in the NHL.

No farewell for Miikkaa Kiprusoff tonight as MacDonald will start for the Flames. I don't think his numbers are really necessary. The Flames are bad, the Blackhawks are really good. It could not be more black-and-white, don't start MacDonald. If you think they can pull out a miraculous win that can win you the championship by starting MacDonald, then more power to you!

Martin has been out since March 28th with a thumb injury. It looks as if he will return to the blueline tomorrow vs. Carolina. Monitor his status.

Neal skated on a line with Malkin and Kunitz and practiced on the team's #1 power-play unit. It sure looks like he will be back in the lineup tomorrow vs. the Hurricanes. He has missed the last nine games with a concussion.

Dubnyk allowed three goals on 29 shots in a losing effort vs. the Presidents trophy winning Blackhawks. He will face a Wild team who need a win tonight to make sure they make the playoffs. The Oilers are a struggling young team right now. Look elsewhere.

Khabibulin has lost each of his last four starts over the last month. In those four starts he has posted a 4.09 GAA and .870 SV%... Yeah I would stay away from this guy tonight.

Rupp has missed the Wild's last four games with a lower-body injury. He is not fantasy relevant.

The Blackhawks have locked up the Presidents Trophy this season so there is no reason for them not to give the 27-year-old Hutton his first career NHL start tomorrow. He went 26-22-1 with a 2.72 GAA and .908 SV% with Rockford this season. The Hawks are a good team but on the last day of the fantasy season are you really going to roll with Carter Hutton?

Emery suffered a lower-body injury on Wednesday. He won't backup Crawford tonight or go on the trip for the season finale tomorrow. He will head into the playoffs as the Blackhawks #2 option. Should Crawford struggle I don't think Joel Quenneville will hesitate to turn to Emery.