Poolman was added to the COVID-19 list over the weekend and will not be available for Monday's game in Toronto. In addition to Poolman's absence, Dylan DeMelo did not make the trip either due to personal reasons.
Blackwood was outstanding in the Devils’ season opener, stopping 35 of the 37 shots that he faced in the shootout loss to the Bruins. Boston dominated the game but Blackwood stood tall and kept the Devils alive. He will likely be under siege again this afternoon in the rematch.
Blackwood came into 2021 expecting to split time with Corey Crawford but could become a workhorse after Crawford retired prior to the start of the season. Blackwood performed well in 2020, going 22-14-8 with a 2.77 GAA and .915 SV%. He enters the season with a career .916 SV% in 70 appearances, so he should make for a low-end No.2/high-end No.3 fantasy netminder but draws a tough matchup vs. the Bruins on opening night.
Johnson has been missing from Avalanche training camp and head coach Jared Bednar told reporters on Wednesday that it was due to COIVD-19. With Johnson out for the opener vs. St. Louis, Conor Timmins will skate on the second pair with Samuel Girard.
Johnson remains unfit to participate and has not been in training camp, so Conor Timmins will take his place in the opener on Wednesday. Timmins will draw in and skate with Samuel Girard at even-strength. Consider Johnson as day-to-day until the Avalanche release more information.
Nelson was forced to leave Game 2 but did return. Despite being banged up, head coach Barry Trotz expects to have his No.2 centre in Game 3 on Friday. Nelson has had a terrific postseason, posting 15 points (7G / 8A) in 17 games.
