NHL Hockey Player News

Over six career starts against the Flyers, Elliott posted a 4-2-0 record with a 2.57 GAA, .915 SV% and two shutouts.

Through 15 career appearances against the Blues, Bryzgalov holds a 6-8-1 record with a 2.88 GAA, .907 SV% and two shutouts.

Thus far, Butler has disappointed. Following 10 goals and 21 points, the right wing fell out of favor with his new coach and was relegated to a fourth line role. Expect more of the same when he gets back to health, perhaps even a 'conditioning stint' in the AHL.

Carkner's presence certainly will give opposing teams less leeway with the Sens more talented players. From a fantasy hockey perspective he remains a solid PIM stream on the blue line. Monitor him closely as few defensemen can match his production.

Konopka stays in the lineup with the Regin injury. He could drop the gloves with former Senator Cody Bass or alternate captain Derek Dorsett

Zibanejad moves back up to the second line following the injury to Peter Regin. Through his first seven games with the Sens, the current 6th overall pick has one assist. He likely sticks with the team the rest of the season, adding depth to their forward corps.

Mason goes for his first win tonight against the Sens. Over three career starts vs. Ottawa, the former Calder Memorial Trophy winner posted a 2-1-0 record with a 1.65 GAA, .945 SV% and one shutout.

Dekanich probably gets used as soon as he is healthy since starting goalie Steve Mason has had no breaks this season. The product of Colgate University won 23 of his 43 games played, posting a 2.02 GAA and .931 SV% while with Milwaukee last season. He could steal some starts from Mason eventually.

Sanford holds a significantly small amount of fantasy hockey value considering he probably is demoted to the AHL once healthy.

Sauer's return to the lineup could not come any sooner as the youngster will help stabilize a shaky defense. The St. Cloud native produced a plus-1 rating over his first two games but could not suit up for the last three with an ailing shoulder. Look for him to pair with either Michael Del Zotto or Tim Erixon when he returns.

Staal missed the team's first five games with sophomore Ryan McDonagh filling in on the top defensive unit. The alternate captain remains far off from returning to the lineup, which hurts the team's long-term chances of improving. Stay tuned for a further update on the wounded d-man.

Over 10 career starts against the Blue Jackets, Anderson has played rather favorably with a 7-3-0 record with a 2.32 GAA, .916 SV% and one shutout.

Neal leads the League with seven goals (and one assist, on pace for the Cy Young). Look for him to continue his monstrous tear with or without Evgeni Malkin.

Somewhat better news for fantasy hockey owners although the more time he takes to recover, the better he will likely play down the stretch. Stay tuned for a further update.

Time to slot Letang back into the lineup after a two-game suspension. Over his first seven games, the Montreal native scored a goal and seven points. With his battery mate Brooks Orpik back in the lineup, his value can only increase.

In his first two games this season, Henrique was held pointless with a minus-2 rating. He likely gets the first crack at replacing Jacob Josefson down the middle.

Although coach Trotz hedged on his earlier comments regarding Ekholm, it likely means he draws out of the lineup the next time the Preds hit the ice. For the most part, the Swedish defender remains on the roster because of his options overseas. Jack Hillen probably becomes the sixth defenseman as Ekholm gets his feet wet in a smaller rink.

O'Reilly missed Thursday's game with both Brian McGrattan and Niclas Bergfors staying in the lineup. Through his first five games, the center has no goals and as assist with a minus-2 rating. Expect him to jump around the lineup as coach Barry Trotz looks for the chemistry he had last season.

Josefson gets hurt for the second consecutive season at the worst possible time. With Travis Zajac already hurt, the team promoted him to a scoring line role. Look for the team to recall Adam Henrique in the meantime.

By our count the team lists eight NHL players that are currently unavailable due to injuries. With Martinek out, look for rookie David Savard to draw back into the lineup and likely play on the top PP unit.