NHL Hockey Player News

Barch draws into the lineup and will skate on the fourth line. Look for him to drop the mitts with Ryan Reaves.

Filatov loses his immediate fantasy hockey value with this demotion.

In two career starts against the Blackhawks, Pavelec holds a 0-0-2 record with a 3.71 GAA and .900 SV%.

Foster should return to the NHL level early next week and probably draws into the lineup on Monday when the Ducks face the San Jose Sharks.

Connolly will not take part in practice as he waits for his injury to heal. Don't expect him to help out your fantasy hockey team which is good for Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri.

Eaves is replaced by Tomas Holmstrom in the lineup as coach Mike Babcock continues to alternate his bottom line. Last season the winger scored 13 goals and 20 points over 63 games of mostly fourth line duty. Coach Mike Babcock likes his offensive upside so, if healthy, expect a similar amount of goals.

Krejci will miss his second consecutive game, meaning Tyler Seguin probably stays on the top line. Last season Krejci scored 13 goals and 62 points through 75 games with the Bruins but has only one goal through the first three games. He remains day-to-day.

McQuaid travelling with the team could mean he stays in the lineup. Look for Matt Bartkowski to take his place in the lineup should he remain sidelined with the dreaded C word.

Carter is certainly a trooper, playing through the flu last night despite barely sleeping. Don't expect him to miss any playing time.

No word on if Brassard will miss any games or if his absence was simply precautionary. Expect a further update.

Through 61 career games against the Pens, Knuble scored 30 goals and 45 points. Might be worth a look in single-day leagues HINT HINT.

Perreault tallied an assist over two games but likely serves as depth for the Caps this season. Should any of the team's centers go down with an injury, look for him to fill in automatically.

King still has not played a game this season.

Rozsival is out indefinitely with his facial injury. Last season he scored six goals and 21 points over 65 games split between the Coyotes and New York Rangers. Don't expect too much from him while playing on the bottom pairing.

It will be the first start of 2011-12 for LaBarbera, who is 3-3-0 vs. Nashville in his career with a 3.19 goals-against average. [PhoenixCoyotes.com]

The Coyotes lack an enforcer so don't expect much from McGratton tonight.

Bergfors has been scratched for the team's initial games but likely draws due to various injuries up front. Over his brief NHL career, the former 23rd overall pick has shown the ability to score goals which is certainly valuable in fantasy hockey circles. Keep an eye on where he lands in the lineup as he could have similar value to Sergei Kostitsyn of last season.

Hornqvist is officially out tonight with Niclas Bergfors replacing him on the second line. Last season, he scored 21 goals and 48 goals over 79 points. He likely at least scores 20 goals over a full season.

Over 10 career starts against the Coyotes, Rinne holds a 6-3-1 record with a 1.78 GAA, .937 SV% and three shutouts.

Staubitz posted 173 PIM in his first season as a member of the Wild while chipping in nine points. With Darcy Hordichuk on the other side, expect him to drop the gloves in his return.