Stastny was shaken up on a hit by Dan Girardi in last night's loss vs the Rangers. He stayed in the game and said that he was fine after the game. It appeared as if he got caught in the quad and could be suffering from a charlie horse, an injury that tends to tighten up the following day. Expect Stastny to play on Saturday vs. the Flames.
The other member of the Ducks' goaltending tandem John Gibson was shelled for six goals on 39 shots in a 6-4 loss to the Penguins in the season opener. Andersen had a 20-5-0 record with a 2.29 GAA and .923 SV% in his first NHL season and followed it up with a nice preseason, so expect another strong season behind a great Ducks team. He will face the Red Wings, who beat the Bruins 2-1 in their opener.
The designation to long-term IR means that Stepan is ineligible to play until the Rangers' 11th game of the season on November 3rd against the Blues. Martin St. Louis is expected to start the season in Stepan's spot on the Rangers' top-line.
Stepan is expected to miss the first 9-12 games so the Rangers will need someone to fill that hole for a month. Martin St. Louis volunteered to move to centre, but that is unlikely. This should open the door for Derick Brassard to play on the first line and give J.T Miller a huge opportunity to showcase his talent.
Staal had a bad year in 2013-14 and the Hurricanes were looking for a bounce-back season, but this is not a good start. The injury likely means that Elias Lindholm will be thrust into a larger role this season. Don't expect to see Staal until late December or mid-January.
Staal was injured in a collision with Sabres' defenseman Josh Gorges. He left the ice unable to put any weight on his leg and was seen leaving the rink on crutches with a cast on his ankle/foot. Head coach Bill Peters did not have an update on Staal, but did say "I'm concerned, for sure." Stall will return to Carolina to be reevaluated.
Stepan will likely miss the preseason opener after suffering a bruised foot while blocking a shot in an informal skate. The injury is not serious and Stepan will be ready to go when the games start to count.
Ehlers, 18, was selected ninth overall in the draft this summer. He has tremendous speed and an excellent wrist shot. He posted 49 goals and 55 assists (104 points) in 63 games with the Halifax Mooseheads last season. Ehlers was named the CHL's rookie of the year. He stands in at 5-foot-11, but needs to fill out (163 lbs.) to play in the NHL. He will probably return to juniors for one more season.
Gardiner, 24, set new career-highs in goals (10), points (31) and power-play points (11) in 2013-14. The 2008 17th overall pick has shown flashes of brilliance in his first three NHL seasons but needs to work on being more consistent. He has the potential to be a top-30 fantasy defenseman this season.
Stastny, 28, gets big money from the Blues after scoring 25 goals with 35 assists (60 points) in 71 games. Stastny heads to St. Louis where his dad played in 1993-95 and gives the Blues four very good centres.
All signs pointed towards Stepan returning to the Rangers' lineup tonight, but head coach Alain Vigneault made it clear that it is not up to Stepan whether he plays tonight. Stepan will be monitored and evaluated by the medical staff this afternoon, before a decision is made on his status for game five. Consider him a game-time decision.
Stepan is on the ice with a full facial shield ahead of game 5. Stepan missed game 4 after having jaw surgery following a game 3 broken jaw. There is a chance Stepan could be in the lineup tonight, but it won't be announced until after the gameday skate.
Stepan's jaw was broken on a hit by Habs' forward Brandon Prust in game 3 on Thursday. Prust has a hearing for a possible suspension as a result of the hit. Head coach Alain Vigneault would not commit to a timetable on Stepan's return, but more details are expected to be released following surgery.
Andersen was injured in game 3 and has not played since. Rookie John Gibson has filled in exceptionally for Andersen. The Ducks could close out the series tonight, but the crease appears to be Gibson's until further notice.
Andersen left game 3 with a lower-body injury midway through the third period and did not return. He also did not skate this morning so it will be either Jonas Hiller or rookie John Gibson manning the goal for the Ducks in game 4 tonight.
Head coach Bruce Boudreau elected to go with Andersen over Jonas Hiller, who lost the first two games in Anaheim. Andersen made 22 saves on 23 shots in two and a half periods, before being relieved by Hiller, who allowed one goal on eight shots but walked away with the win. There was no medical update on Andersen after the game other than he is 'day-to-day', so monitor his status leading up to game 4.
Andersen stopped 34 of 36 shot in a 6-2 win over the Stars on game 5. It was a nice bounce back game for Andersen, after he was pulled in game 4's loss in Dallas. The series shifts back to Dallas and Andersen carries a 2.93 GAA and .909 SV% in the series.
There was speculation that Gibson or Hiller could see some action after the Ducks' collapse but Boudreau will return with the rookie Andersen.
Andersen has been praised for his play in big games for the Ducks this season and will continue to lead their playoff run tonight.
Andersen stopped 32 of 35 shots in the 3-2 win over the Stars in game 1. Anaheim jumped out to a 4-0 lead, just to allow the Stars to come back. He will be the Ducks' starter until he falters, and game 1 gave us a good idea of what he is capable of.
