NHL Hockey Player News

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.

Perron moves back onto the top line for tonight's game. Through 27 games, the former 19th overall pick has six goals and 19 points. Playing with Backes and Oshie is probably his best chance at productivity.

Arnott will not play tonight and likely misses a few more games. He has 12 goals and 24 points through 49 games.

Early reports indicate D'Agostini could only miss a short amount of playing time. The former Hab scored nine goals and 18 points through 52 games.

Expect him to backup Sergei Bobrovsky tonight.

McMillan? gets a new set of linemates as the former top line is demoted to the third. He has a goal and three points in eight games.

Christensen? moves up a line to the second unit. He has no points in his first two games with the Wild.

The Wild captain scored nine goals and 33 points through 41 games before getting hurt. Getting back into the lineup should be a huge boost for the team.