Bobrovsky is expected to return at the end of February, so it seems unlikely that he will play during the road-trip, but he is likely traveling with the team to get in a few practices before returning during the Blue Jackets three-game home stand that starts next Tuesday.
The Predators thought they would have Cody Franson in the lineup tonight, but with his immigration issues the Predators had to recall Bitetto to be the sixth defenseman tonight.
Kulikov was suspended for his low hit on Seguin on Friday. Seguin suffered a knee injury on the play and will miss 3-6 weeks. Kulikov already served one game of his suspension, so he will be eligible to return on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Bobrovsky has missed the last nine games with a groin injury, but Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards is hopeful that Bobrovsky will be able to return before the end of the month.
Bobrovsky returned to the ice on Monday and skated again today, showing continuing progress in his return from a groin injury. He is nearly three weeks into a 4-6 week timeline, so you could potentially see Bobrovsky return by next weekend.
Bitetto, 24, has 25 points (2G / 23A) in 46 games with Milwaukee this season. His recall is likely bad news for Mattias Ekholm, who was injured on Sunday. Bitetto made his NHL debut on January 17th in Detroit.
Bobrovsky, who has been out since January 21st, skated in full gear on Monday. He is 2 1/2 weeks into a 4-6 week timetable, so he is still a ways away, but it is a good sign that he is progressing and could return at the front-end of the original timeframe.
Bennett has missed the entire season after having shoulder surgery in the preseason. Bennett was expected to miss 4-6 months, and the middle of February would mark the four month mark. Returning to the ice is a positive step in his recovery.
Forsling, 18, was the Canucks fifth round pick (126th overall) in 2014. The Blackhawks did not have room for Clendening, who deserved to be in the NHL, so they moved him for a younger prospect, who they will let develop for the next few years. Forsling has three goals and two assists in 35 games with Linkopings HC in Sweden.
Bobrovsky was injured in the Blue Jackets final game before the All Star break and will miss at least one month with a groin injury. He has already missed time this season with a fractured finger and this latest injury is added to a growing list of injuries in Columbus this season.
Bobrovsky stretched out to make a save, but had to be helped off of the ice while he was unable to apply any weight to his right leg. This would only further add to the injury woes the Blue Jackets have had to deal with. Expect an update to come tomorrow, because it will be announced whether or not he will be able to play in the All Star game.
Bobrovsky stopped 25 of 26 shots in the Blue Jackets 3-1 win over the Wild on Monday. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Bob, who will likely make his 32nd start of the season tonight. He comes in ranked t-15th in the NHL in Wins (16), 20th in SV% (.915) and 32nd in GAA (2.80).
Marchand missed the last two games due to a suspension he was handed for slew-footing Derick Brassard of the Rangers last Thursday. Tonight he will get back into the lineup on a line with Patrice Bergeron and Reilly Smith.
Bobrovsky stopped 25 of 26 shots in the Blue Jackets 3-1 win over the Wild on Monday. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Bob, who will likely make his 32nd start of the season tonight. He comes in ranked t-15th in the NHL in Wins (16), 20th in SV% (.915) and 32nd in GAA (2.80).
Bobrovsky allowed two goals on 26 shots in the Blue Jackets loss to the Rangers on Friday. He has lost the last four games, while posting a 3.55 GAA and .890 SV%. He will look to get back to his winning ways tonight vs. a Minnesota team who have turned things around since acquiring Devan Dubnyk.
Bitetto, 24, has registered two goals and 17 assists (19 points) in 38 games on Milwaukee’s (AHL) blue line this season. He will be paired with Mattias Ekholm.
Martin Jones is battling an injury, so the Kings have recalled Berube to be Jonathan Quick’s backup. However, there is no word whether he will make it for tonight’s game. The 23-year-old is 19-4-3 with a 2.05 GAA and .920 SV% with Manchester this season.
Bitetto, 24, leads Milwaukee defensemen in points with 19 (2G / 17A) while appearing in all 38 of the team’s games in 2014-15. There is no word whether Bitetto will make his NHL debut tonight or not.
Bobrovsky allowed three goals on 31 shots in Wednesday’s loss to Montreal. Bobrovsky’s success in December has not carried over to January—he is 1-4-0 with a 4.25 GAA and .874 SV% in five starts in 2015. Tonight he will make his second start of the year vs. the Rangers, he made 24 saves in a 5-2 win back in October.
