Girard returned to practice, skating as an extra, for the first time after entering the players' assistance program nearly one month ago. Girard has played 15 games this season, scoring one point (0G / 1A) in his first 13 before tripling that with three points (2G / 1A) in his last two games. During Girard's absence, Josh Manson has seen a significant uptick in usage and production.
With Jake Oettinger still out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis, as he tends to a lower-body injury, Wedgewood will start for the third consecutive game. Wedgewood has been extremely serviceable when called upon this season, albeit unspectacular, posting a 7-1-2 record along with a 3.21 GAA and .906 SV%. Wedgewood and the Stars have a tough task ahead on Thursday, but they are still -148 home favourites against a Vancouver Canucks team that defeated the Stars 2-0 in their only other matchup this season and has points in seven straight (6-0-1).
Makar has not played since exiting Colorado's December 13th contest against the Buffalo Sabres after playing only 17:21 and will miss his third straight contest on Tuesday. Makar has been outstanding this season, scoring 37 points (8G / 29A) in 27 games but will not play for the fifth time in the last nine games as injuries are beginning to become a concern for the elite defenseman. Devon Toews has manned the blueline on the powerplay in Makar's absence.
Oettinger is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, paving the way for Wedgewood to serve as the Stars' starting goalie in the interim. Wedgewood entered Friday's game in the first period when Oettinger was injured and played on Saturday as well, saving 55 of 61 shots (.902 SV%) between the two appearances (1-0-1). The Stars have recalled Matt Murray from the Texas Stars (AHL), but Wedgewood will likely see the majority of action between the crease for the Stars while Oettinger is out of the lineup. The Stars are -176 home favourites on Monday against a Seattle Kraken team that has points in three straight (2-0-1), outscoring their opposition 13-3.
Manson was once again listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday's game vs. the Sabres but he's good to go for the 13th straight game. Manson has picked up seven points (2G / 5A) in 25 games this season but has been especially hot as of late, with two goals and four assists (six points) in his last six games.
Manson was a game-time decision for Colorado's previous game but still suited up and will be one yet again Wednesday vs. Buffalo due to an undisclosed ailment. The 32-year-old bruising defensemen is off to one of his strongest offsensive seasons to date, with two goals, five assists, 37 SOG, 32 PIMs and a +1 plus/minus in 25 games played. If he is unable to go Wednesday, he will be replaced by Caleb Jones.
MacDonald well sit on Tuesday as Luke Kunin (upper-body) is set to return to the lineup. MacDonald has four goals and one assist in 13 games this season.
Blackwood has struggled his last two games, allowing 10 goals on 56 shots (.821 SV%), as the Sharks have opted to rotate between him and Kaapo Kahkonen lately. That said, Blackwood will return to the Sharks' net on Tuesday as they are +191 home underdogs against a Winnipeg Jets team that will be without their leading scorer, Kyle Connor. In addition, Blackwood has been significantly better on home ice this season, posting a 3.32 GAA and .908 SV% in nine games (3-3-2).
Solovyov will sit in favour of Nick DeSimone on Tuesday night. Solovyov has zero goals and two assists in six games this season.
Blackwood has struggled his last two games, allowing 10 goals on 56 shots (.821 SV%), as the Sharks have opted to rotate between him and Kaapo Kahkonen lately. That said, Blackwood will likely return to the Sharks' net on Tuesday as they are +191 home underdogs against a Winnipeg Jets team that will be without their leading scorer, Kyle Connor. In addition, Blackwood has been significantly better on home ice this season, posting a 3.32 GAA and .908 SV% in nine games (3-3-2).
Kiviranta has primarily played this season on the fourth line, most recently alongside Kurtis MacDermid and Andrew Cogliano, scoring five points (2G / 3A) in 14 games, averaging 10:57 time-on-ice. He is currently battling an illness and was a game-time decision on Monday against the Calgary Flames.
Manson scored two points (1G / 1A) on Saturday but suffered an undisclosed injury at some point and was a game-time decision on Monday against the Calgary Flames. Most recently, Manson has skated on the second defensive pairing with Bowen Byram and has five points (2G / 3A), 12 hits, and 12 shots in his last five games.
