NHL Hockey Player News

Kruger moves back to the second line after a brief stint on the third. He has three goals and 13 points in 44 games. Expect him to produce a bit more between Kane and Sharp.

Hossa moves up to the Toews line and should start there tomorrow. In an impressive, bounce-back season he has 20 goals and 53 points in as many games.

Not only will Frolik draw back into the lineup but he is expected to start tomorrow's game on the top line. The former 10th overall pick has five goals and eight assists this season.

Hjalmarsson could miss another day or two due to the flu. He has a goal and 12 points in 54 games.

Sounds like Morrison will be a healthy scratch tomorrow. He has no points in his first four games with the Blackhawks.

Montador is bothered by an upper-body injury and is unlikely to play tomorrow. He has a five goals and 14 points in 51 games.

Yandle practiced this morning and is expected to play tonight. The talented offensive d-man has seven goals and 30 points through 52 games.

Smith won his only career start against the Flames, stopping 22 of 24 shots faced.

In nine career appearances against the Canes, Giguere has a 2-5-1 record with a 3.28 GAA and .879 SV%.

In three career starts against the Blues, Varlamov has a 3-0-0 record with a 1.62 GAA and .953 SV%.

Boyle was a late scratch due to the flu and was kept away from the team for precautionary measures. The offensive d-man has four goals and 29 points in 50 games. He is questionable for Friday's game.

The Dorval, Quebec native has two goals and 11 points through 35 games. Expect his current nagging injury to keep him from 100 percent.

Wingels skating is obviously a good sign. Through nine games the rookie scored a goal and an assist. It remains to be seen whether or not he remains with the team once healthy.

Sheppard could be getting back in the lineup sometime this month. He will be making both his 2012 and Shark debut when he does.

Weise will be a game-time decision, likely playing if there are no hicups. In 53 games, the fourth liner has three goals and six points.

Duco will dress as insurance for Weise or Henrik. He has an assist in three games but is better known for what he can do with his fists.

Although we expect Sedin to play, he remains a game-time decision. The top line center has 11 goals and 57 points in 53 games. His absence would create a huge hole down the middle.

Sounds like Connolly was officially deemed in tonight. The rookie has four goals and eight points in 39 games.

Grachev should start tonight's game on the second line which gives him a good chance to create some offense. The rookie has a goal and four points through 24 games.

Langenbrunner is bumped down to the second line after playing a few games on the first. In his first 50 games in St. Louis, he has four goals and 18 points.