As if Team Finland needed another offensive setback with an already depleted line up, they will have to rely on their secondary scoring as their only source of offensive production. Luckily for Finland, most of their scoring over the past 2 games of the tournament has come from their 2nd and 3rd lines, respectively.
After sitting in the tournament opener, Russia will turn to Bobrovsky over Semyon Varlamov in much more difficult matchup vs. the Americans. Today will be Bobrovsky's first start in the Olympics and it comes in a huge matchup. The winner of Saturday's game assumes control of Group A as the preliminary round winds down, and will head into the quarterfinal round in the driver's seat. Bob won 11 of 15 coming into the Olympics and sits at 20-14-3 with a 2.52 GAA and .918 SV% with Columbus.
The expectation is that Semyon Varlamov will be Russia's starter because of more experienced international resume, but Bobrovsky made a great case for himself in the last month leading up to Sochi. Over the last 30 days, Bob has won nine of 13 starts while posting a 2.17 GAA and .931 SV%. In contrast, Varly has won eight of 12 games with a 2.79 GAA and .919 SV%.
Bobrovsky allowed two goals on 20 shots in a 2-1 OT loss to the Kings last night. He will get the start for the second straight night as he takes on the Sharks tonight. Bob has won nine of 12 starts with a 2.09 GAA and .931 SV% over the last month.
Bobrovsky stopped 34 of 36 shots in a 4-2 defeat of the Ducks on Monday. It was his 20th win of the season and third straight while posting a 1.67 GAA and .952 SV%. He is red-hot right now and is a must-start regardless of opponent, but he also draws a great matchup vs. a slumping Kings squad.
Bobrovsky allowed one goal on 36 shots in a win over the Panthers on Saturday. Bob has been great since returning to the Blue Jackets crease. He has won nine of 11 while posting a 2.18 GAA and .931 SV%. He has a tough matchup tonight, but the way he is rolling right now, I wouldn't be overly concerned.
Bobrovsky gave up two goals on 32 shots in a win over the Capitals on Thursday. After missing a month with a groin injury, Bob returned with a vengeance in January. He posted an 8-2-0 record with a 2.31 GAA and .926 SV% in 10 starts. He is starting to look more like the Bobrovsky of 2012-13, which is great news for the Blue Jackets and his fantasy investors.
Barkov has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury and was expected to be held out tonight, but now he is going to be in the lineup. The rookie has 24 points (8G / 16A) in 50 games this season.
Bobrovsky gave up two goals on 32 shots in a win over the Capitals on Thursday. After missing a month with a groin injury, Bob returned with a vengeance in January. He posted an 8-2-0 record with a 2.31 GAA and .926 SV% in 10 starts. He is starting to look more like the Bobrovsky of 2012-13, which is great news for the Blue Jackets and his fantasy investors.
Despite returning to practice on Friday afternoon, Barkov may sit one more game before returning to the Panthers' lineup on Tuesday. Barkov has missed the last four games after suffering a lower-body injury on January 21.
Bobrovsky allowed three goals on 35 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes on Friday. He was given Saturday off, so so he will be back in the crease tonight vs. Washington. Bob is 1-1-1 with a 2.97 GAA and .910 SV% against the Capitals this season.
Bobrovsky allowed three goals on 35 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Hurricanes on Friday. He was given Saturday off, so it looks like he will be back in the crease tonight vs. Washington. Bob is 1-1-1 with a 2.97 GAA and .910 SV% against the Capitals this season.
Barkov will miss his third straight game on Tuesday after suffering a lower-body injury last Tuesday.
Bobrovsky was pulled after allowing three goals on 10 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Sabres on Saturday. He was handed his first loss in eight starts since returning from IR. Tonight in Carolina, he will look to get back on the winning track. The Hurricanes have won three in a row while outscoring the opposition 14-8.
The road-trip begins on Sunday in Detroit, he will not play tomorrow, but could join the team at some point during the trip. The Panthers play Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday next week, so keep an eye on Barkov's status.
Bobrovsky stopped 26 of 28 shots for his seventh straight win in January. Since being activated off of IR he is 7-0 with a 1.95 GAA and .936 SV%. Tonight he has a great chance to make it eight in a row with the Sabres in town. Start him with confidence.
Barkov’s absence means more ice time for Nick Bjugstad, center Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester. Barkov, who is the Panthers leading scorer with 24, was injured on Tuesday, but is not expected to miss an extended period of time. If he can't go tonight, look for him to return on Sunday against Detroit.
Barkov was injured on Tuesday in Buffalo and is listed as day-to-day. Barkov's injury is not believed to be serious and he could play tomorrow, depending on his availability for the morning skate.
Bobrovsky surrendered three goals on 29 shots in a win over the Kings on Tuesday. Bobrovsky has been excellent since returning from injury on January 6. He has won six straight starts while position a 1.95 GAA and .938 SV%. He will face a Flyers team coming off of two straight losses including one last night vs. Carolina.
Coach Peter Horachek said the injury isn't considered serious adding that Barkov was lifted from the game for precautionary reasons. Barkov, the second-overall pick of the 2013 draft, leads the Panthers in points with 24 in 50 games. Barkov is day-to-day and should be in the lineup on Friday vs. Colorado.
