NHL Hockey Player News

Jimmy Howard returned to practice after the flu forced him to dress as the backup on Wednesday. Howard has shutout the Oilers and gave up just one goal in their two contests this season.

Rinne has been excellent lately. In his last three starts he is 2-0-1 with an outstanding 0.32 GAA and .988 SV% including two shutouts. You can't ask for better production out of a fantasy goalie, so benching him tonight even though he has a tough matchup would take guts. He will go head-to-head with Roberto Luongo, it should be a great goalie showdown

Rinne has been excellent lately. In his last three starts he is 2-0-1 with an outstanding 0.32 GAA and .988 SV% including two shutouts. You can't ask for better production out of a fantasy goalie, so benching him tonight even though he has a tough matchup would take guts. He will go head-to-head with Roberto Luongo, it should be a great goalie showdown.

Quick gave up five goals on 29 shots vs. Phoenix in his last start. He has a decent matchup vs. the Sharks tonight but he is 3-6-1 with a 2.98 GAA and .894 SV% on the road this season.

Varlamov allowed four goals on 31 shots vs. Edmonton in his last start. He will start tonight against a Minnesota team he is 0-1-0 against with a 4.10 GAA and .886 SV% against this season.

Smith had two great starts in a row vs. the Stars and the Kings, he only allowed three goals on 54 shots (.944 SV%). He will go again tonight against the Blues who will get Alex Steen back tonight. Smith has been good lately so you should be able to start him and get good numbers at the very least.

Nokelainen has not appeared in a game this season.

Bieksa (groin) has missed Vancouver's last five games and seven of their last eight. Bieksa will likely be paired with Andrew Alberts on the Canucks third pair.

Niemi has lost his last three starts and allowed three goals in each contest. He has a tough matchup tonight vs. the Kings but the good news is the Sharks are at home. Niemi is 6-1-3 with a 1.78 GAA and .933 SV% at home this season.

Luongo played very well in his last start stopping 26 of 27 shots in a 2-1 shootout win vs. the Blue Jackets. He will be back in the cage tonight when the Canucks take on a Predators team who are coming off of a 4-0 shutout win over Dallas.

Rutkowski had 20 goals and 41 assists in 69 games in his last season as a member of the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.

Sulzer hadn't played since February 23rd, he had three goals and one assist in 17 games this season.

Poti will draw back into the lineup tonight a Cam Schilling will be out. Poti has just two assists in 13 games this season.

Goloubef has one goal in nine games this season.

Sharp's timetable for recovery was 3-4 weeks but it looks like he might be ahead of schedule. He still isn't expected to be back anytime soon but keep an eye on him. Especially if he was dropped after his injury.

Hiller has won three starts in a row and only allowing three goals with one shutout in those starts. He has a solid matchup vs. a Stars team minus Jamie Benn and Brenden Morrow. He should make for a good start.

Backstrom allowed two goals on 21 shots in his last outing in a loss to Anaheim. He has won four of his last six games with a 2.59 GAA and .899 SV%. He has a decent matchup against the Avalanche tonight.

Enstrom skated this morning in a no-contact jersey, which indicates he is nearing a return. He hasn't played since February 15th because of a shoulder injury. He was having a great season with two goals and 11 assists in 13 games before getting hurt.

Ennis missed the Sabres last game with a head injury he suffered during a hit vs. Philadelphia. Monitor his status prior to Saturday's game.

Leino has not played in a game this season. He has never lived up to his hype so wait for him to produce before adding him to your fantasy roster.