Backstrom was not very busy in the Wild season opener. The Kings only fired 18 shots his way, but were able to score twice. Backstrom will start against a Ducks team who were beat-up 6-1, by the Avs in their first game.
Mitchell scored a goal on two shots in 12:26 of playing time in Wednesday's season opener. He had a career year last season scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists in 47 games.
Landeskog played 16:07 and recorded three shots on goal in the season opener. There is no word on what happened to the Avs captain, but make sure he is not in your lineup tonight. Colorado's next game is not until Tuesday, so there is a good chance Landeskog could be back by then.
Price struggled down the stretch at the end of last season but played well stopping 34 of 38 shots, albeit in a losing effort to the Maple Leafs on opening night. Toronto also beat Philadelphia on the following night; who Price will face tomorrow as the Habs look to get into the win column.
Monahan recorded one assist and two shots on goal in 11:40 of ice time in his NHL debut.
Pacioretty was a minus-2 in 13:54 in the season opener against Toronto. He says he is "hopeful" that he will be in the lineup tomorrow vs. Philadelphia.
Clitsome did not skate this morning but still remains an option for Sunday's game.
He skated just 3:49 in the season opener before leaving and not returning. Beau Bennett will slide up to the second line with Evgeni Malkin and Jussi Jokinen.
The Avalanhce have not released any information on his injury, which may keep him out of tonight's contest. Monitor his status prior to puck drop.
After undergoing a procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat, Peverley is on schedule to make his Stars debut tomorrow vs. Washington. Chris Mueller will come out of the lineup in favour of him.
Ward started last year 9-6-1 with a 2.84 GAA and .908 SV% before suffering a third-degree MCL sprain. Ward missed the rest of the season and without him the Hurricanes missed the playoffs. Back at 100%, Ward will likely see upwards of 65 starts, making Ward a solid fantasy option.
Depending on that one forward’s availability (Hartley referred to him as “questionable”) — Joe Colborne could draw in for his first appearance for the Flames.
The Capitals have not announced whether Steve Oleksy or Alexander Urbom will replace HIllen on their blueline.
We will get an update on Monahan's status for tonight's game.
He sat out yesterday because of groin tenderness, but stated he would play. Alfredsson will appear in his second game as a Red Wing after playing 16:13 and recording three shots in his debut.
Howard got off to a good start to the season vs. Buffalo. He had a fairly easy night stopping 19 of 20 shots in a 2-1 win over the Sabres.
Nabokov helped the Islanders to the playoffs with a 23-11-7 record, 2.50 GAA and .910 SV%. At 38-years-old, Nabby's career is winding down. He has consistently posted a GAA between 2.40-2.50 and SV% slightly above .910 over his last four NHL seasons. His numbers will not blow you away, but they will serve you well as a number-2 fantasy option.
Neal was a game-time decision last night but ended up playing. He skated just 3:49 in the season opener before leaving and not returning. The Pens will probably play it safe and keep him out of tomorrow's game since there's 81 games left in the season.
Clutterbuck is still a few weeks away from returning, but this is a positive sign for the Islanders.
