Kassian has missed the Canucks last five games with a back injury. It doesn't sound like he will return tonight, but monitor his status prior to puck-drop to be sure.
Varlamov allowed two goals on 18 shots in his last outing in a 4-1 loss to LA. He has a good matchup this afternoon vs. the Predators.
Rinne was lit up for three goals in the first 3:50 of game vs. the Coyotes. He was pulled in favor of Chris Mason, however Mason did not fair any better. Rinne returned to the game in the second period, he finished the game having allowed four goals on 20 shots. He will face a struggling Avalanche team today.
Franzen was originally listed as doubtful for Sunday with a lower body injury, but he is now expected to play.
Said coach Mike Babcock: “I just saw all of the MRIs and all of that, and they were explaining it all to me, and it sounds like things are going in a positive direction for him. But, we’ve been hearing that for a long time. So when he starts practicing every day and has no side-effects, we’ll know something good’s happened.”
Crosby was hit in the mouth by a slapshot in his first shift of the game. He was bleeding from the mouth but made it to the dressing room under his own power. He will not return to the game which is obviously not positive news for Crosby's fantasy owners or the Penguins. Crosby has a history of concussion problems so any blow to the head has to make you worry. We will update you as soon as we hear something.
Oshie has played in just four games since returning from a rib injury. He is questionable for Monday. Monitor his status prior to Monday's game with the WIld.
Stalberg took a puck to the face in yesterday's game and didn't practice this morning. If he is unable to go expect call-up Jeremy Morin to play in his place.
Niemi is coming off of shutouts on back-to-back nights on Wednesday and Thursday. He made 22 saves against the Ducks in a 4-0 Sharks win, and followed that up with 27 against Detroit. His 2.14 goals-against average is seventh in the league, while his .924 save percentage ranks fifth.
Crawford allowed five goals on 36 shots in his last start. He will start tomorrow vs. the Red Wings in Detroit. He is 2-0-0 with a 0.94 GAA and .968 SV% vs. the Red Wings this season. The last time these two teams faced each other, it was a dandy.
Halak has won just once in his last three starts despite posting solid numbers (1.69 GAA and .931 SV%). He has a though matchup Monday on the road vs. the Wild. He is 2-3-1 with a 3.01 GAA and .860 SV% away from home this year.
Morin was called-up because Viktor Stalberg was hurt yesterday. It sounds like Stalberg might play so Morin not get a chance to play.
Sharp is nearing a return, but it won't be on Sunday. Monitor his status prior to the Blackhawks' games next week. The Hawks play on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday next week.
Hossa will miss his fifth straight game tomorrow with an upper-body injury. Hossa will likely be back in the Blackhawk's lineup sometime next week.
The Red Wings made room on the roster for DeKeyser by trading Kent Huskins to Philly Saturday.
The move make roster room for the newly-signed Danny DeKeyser. The Flyers are without Brayden Coburn and Andrej Meszaros so they are in need of a defenseman.
Dubnyk stopped all nine shots he faced in a relief effort win on Thursday. He has a tough matchup tonight vs. the Canucks, I would look at your other goalie option.
Pavelec has won two straight starts with a 1.50 GAA and .953 SV%. He has a fairly tough matchup tonight vs. the Staal brothers and a strong Hurricanes team.
Peters allowed four goals on 34 shots in a 6-4 loss to the Maple Leafs on Thursday. He will be back in net this afternoon vs. the Jets. Peters could make for a good spot start today.
Backstrom didn't travel with the team to Dallas because he needed a night off. He will be back between the pipes tonight vs. the Kings. Backstrom has won seven straight starts, so I think you start him with confidence, although it is a tough matchup.
