Head coach John Tortorella said that Korpisalo would be out "weeks" but it is officially at least one month. The Blue Jackets will be without their starting netminder until early-to-mid February, forcing Elvis Merzlikins into the No.1 role for the first time in his career.
Korpisalo has been among the best goalies in the NHL since mid-November, ranking first in the NHL in wins (11), tied for second in shutouts (2), tied for sixth in GAA (2.04) and tied for 10th in SV% (.926) over that span. Korpisalo suffered a knee injury during the shootout vs. Chicago last night and now the Blue Jackets turn to an inexperienced duo of Elvis Merzlikins and Matiss Kivlenieks.
Krejci missed Monday's morning skate and will not play Tuesday in New Jersey. Krejci, who is day-to-day, will be replaced by Par Lindholm in the lineup and the second and third lines will be shuffled in his absence.
McAvoy suffered a lower-body injury in Boston's win vs. the Capitals last Monday but it was believed to be minor. His move to IR suggests that he'll miss Tuesday's game in New Jersey. He is eligible to return whenever he is healthy but the move to IR opens up a roster spot to call-up Jeremy Lauzon from Providence (AHL).
Korpisalo was hurt in the first round of the shootout during the Blue Jackets' loss to the Blackhawks on Sunday. He showed some discomfort after Jonathan Toews scored on him and it got progressively worse, ending in Korpisalo being wheeled into the dressing room on a gurney. Korpisalo is set to undergo an MRI and further evaluation before the Blue Jackets release a detailed timetable.
Zacha missed one game with a lower-body injury but will replace Kevin Rooney tonight in Ottawa. Zacha has three goals and 13 assists (16 points) in 33 games this season.
McAvoy was not on the ice for Saturday's practice and will miss his second straight game on Sunday. It seems possible that McAvoy could be back in the lineup as soon as Tuesday in New Jersey.
Johnson missed Monday's game against the Panthers but is expected to play vs. the Canadiens. He has missed five of the last eight games but Tampa Bay is hopeful that his nagging injury is behind him. Johnson, who will be on the fourth line and second power-play unit, has 15 points (7G / 8A) in 30 games this season.
McAvoy did not travel to Buffalo for Friday's game but it's a quick one-game trip, so he could be back as soon as Sunday. This is a huge loss for the Bruins, who also placed Torey Krug on IR this morning.
Zacha was in the morning skate but left early and is listed as a game-time decision. If Zacha can't play, look for Kevin Rooney to draw into the lineup.
Korpisalo allowed two goals on 37 shots in the Blue Jackets' win over the Islanders on Monday. Korpisalo is on a five-game winning streak, posting a really impressive 1.60 GAA, .941 SV% and one shutout. The shutout came against the Capitals, who he'll face for the third time this season--he is 2-0 and has stopped 67 of 69 shots (.971 SV%) in the first two meetings.
Head coach Jon Cooper said they will give Johnson the night off tonight. “He just kept re-aggravating it [injury] so a few days rest will do him some good.” With Johnson out, Mathieu Joseph was recalled from Syracuse (AHL).
Arvidsson has missed four weeks with a lower-body injury but is expected to play against the Bruins on Saturday. Arvidsson has six goals and nine assists (15 points) in 22 games this season.
Peeke had a Mike Green slap-shot ramp up his stick and off of his hand during Tuesday's win in Detroit and he broke his finger on the play. Peeke will be out until mid-to-late January and Gabriel Carlsson was recalled from Cleveland to take his spot on the roster.
