If the Ducks decide not to dress Smith-Pelly, they could once again dress seven defensemen. Smith-Pelly remains on an entry-level slide with the ability to play two more games before the Ducks need to make a decision.
Eaves is still looking for his first point in 2011-2012, leading to yet another healthy scratch. At this point it may be time to drop him.
Over nine career starts against the Wild, Howard holds a 7-1-1 record with a 2.16 GAA and .909 SV%.
Over 10 career starts against the Ducks, Rinne holds a 6-2-2 record with a 2.15 GAA,.930 SV% and one shutout.
Through 23 career appearances against the Sens, Lundqvist holds a 10-11-1 record with a 1.93 GAA, .934 SV% and one shutout.
Shannon draws back in on the third line and likely gets some PP time as well. Through his first five games with the Bolts, the PP specialist registered three assists.
No need to roster Ohlund as he likely remains a month or two away from returning to the Lightning. Through 139 games with the Bolts, the Pitea, Sweden still has not registered a single goal.
The Canucks have rotated their seventh defensive slot with Alexander Sulzer and Andrew Alberts over the last few games. Rome figures to move somewhere into that rotation, perhaps even playing for Keith Ballard. Stay tuned for a further word on his status.
O'Reilly figures to take another week or so off with his groin injury before practicing with the Coyotes. He moves from one hard-working, defensive system to another, so the learning curve should be somewhat easier.
Over seven career starts against the Kings, Smith holds a 5-2-0 record with a 1.59 GAA, .939 SV% and one shutout.
Look for the two to drop the gloves tonight.
Over nine career starts against the Preds, Hiller holds a 3-5-0 record with a 2.70 GAA, .918 SV% and one shutout.
If you own Shelley to stream PIM, feel safe benching him tonight.
With Kostitysn out, look for Martin Erat to take his slot on the powerplay and at even strength.
Erat still could return tonight. Last season, Erat scored 17 goals and 50 points playing primarily on the top two lines. As an often injured forward, fantasy hockey owners need to temper their expectations.
Burning off some more of that five-game suspension.
Palmieri moves off the top line after scoring a goal and three points over his first eight games this season. Expect him to drop a bit in production while playing a checking line role.
Through 23 career appearances against the Sens, Lundqvist holds a 10-11-1 record with a 1.93 GAA, .934 SV% and one shutout.
Clarkson moves up to the top line after toiling on the third line at even strength. Expect this line change to be a solid move for his fantasy hockey value.
After playing nine NHL games, Bulmer sits out for a contest. Likely the Wild want to see how they play without the 19-year-old, helping them finalize their decision on the entry-level slide.
