DiPietro is one of the league’s top goaltending prospects but has struggled since a midseason trade to the Ottawa 67’s, where he is 7-2-0 despite a 2.82 GAA and .896 SV%. DiPietro will backup Jacob Markstrom vs. the Capitals because Thatcher Demko tweaked something in warmups on Monday.
Jokiharju appeared in five of the last six games before the All-Star break after returning home from the World Juniors. He had just one assist during that stretch and the addition of Slater Koekkoek allows Jokiharju to go to the minors.
Jokiharju was a healthy scratch against the Capitals on Sunday but will replace Carl Dahlstrom on Tuesday. Jokiharju has just one assist, a minus-3 rating and two shots on goal in four games since returning from the World Juniors.
Zadorov has been out since December 19th, missing a total of 10 games. There is no word who Zadorov will replace but expect it to be Mark Barberio or Ryan Graves. Zadorov has three goals and two assists in 34 games this season.
Jokiharju is fresh off of a gold medal with Finland at the World Juniors, where he registered two goals and three assists (five points) in seven games. Jokiharju has 11 assists in 32 games with the Blackhawks this season.
McAvoy was banged up before the Christmas break, missed Thursday’s game vs. New Jersey and was moved to IR on Friday. His move to IR simply means that he won’t play on Saturday but is eligible to play in the Winter Classic.
McAvoy is hurting after blocking a shot in Carolina on Sunday, so he’ll come out of the lineup on Thursday. Luckily for the Bruins, they will get both Zdeno Chara and Kevan Miller back on the blueline to replace McAvoy.
Zadorov will miss both games of Colorado’s back-to-back on Friday/Saturday. Mark Alt could dress in Zadorov’s absence against the Blackhawks.
Jokiharju has had an impressive rookie season, picking up 11 assists while averaging 19:59 TOI/gm in 32 games. Jokiharju had two goals and two assists (four points) in five games at the World Juniors last season.
Lindholm is expected to draw back into the Ducks lineup after missing the last six games with a lower-body injury. Lindholm, who will skate with Brandon Montour on the Ducks’ top-pair, has 10 points (2G / 8A) in 21 games this season. Lindholm leads all Ducks skaters with 25:29 TOI/gm.
Lindholm has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury but took line rushes with Brandon Montour at the Ducks morning skate. There is no official word whether Lindholm will be back in the lineup or not, so consider him as a game-time decision for now.
Jokiharju missed the morning skate and is officially listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s contest. Jokiharku is still looking for his first goal but has added 10 assists and 50 shots through his first 23 games.
Kuraly has played in all 23 games so far this season but is expected to be replaced by Anders Bjork on Monday. Kuraly has just four points (1G / 3A), 38 shots and 15 PIMS this season.
