Foligno left the Blue Jackets after the team’s December 30th practice as his 5-year-old daughter was scheduled to undergo a heart procedure a day later in Boston. The family didn’t return to Columbus until Tuesday. Foligno returns after missing four games with 20 points (10G / 10A) in 37 contests.
Pickard has not made an appearance with Arizona since being acquired via waivers on November 29th. Pickard has gone 4-2-2 with a 4.01 GAA and .863 SV% in 11 games this season.
Maatta is not expected to be in the lineup in Minnesota on Monday. Look for Jamie Oleksiak to draw back into the lineup for Maatta.
Eriksson Ek was the No.20 overall pick in 2015 but has struggled to get his offensive game going at the NHL-level. Eriksson Ek has just four points (1G / 3A) in 27 games this year so he heads back to the AHL where he had eight points (3G / 5A) in eight games last season.
Eriksson Ek has just two assists in his last 14 games and will be replaced by J.T. Brown on Saturday night. Eriksson Ek has had a hard time getting traction at the NHL level since being selected No.20 overall in 2015.
The Coyotes are dealing with some goaltending injuries right now with both Antti Raanta and Darcy Kuemper ailing. Pickard had some ups and downs with the Flyers this season, ultimately posting a 4-2-2 record, 4.01 GAA and .863 SV% in 11 games.
Coleman is questionable after playing on Sunday, so head coach John Hynes listed him as a game-time decision in Florida. With Marcus Johansson out with a lower-body injury, Blake Coleman could be elevated to the second line.
Pickard stopped all 31 shots that he faced in the Flyers shutout win over the Rangers on Friday afternoon. After recording his first shutout of the season and the extra couple hours of rest, Pickard will start on back-to-back nights. The 26-year-old is 2-1-1 with a 3.45 GAA and .887 SV% on the road this season and will be in difficult against his former squad in Toronto.
Pickard stopped all eight shots that he faced after replacing Alex Lyon in the Flyers loss in Buffalo on Wednesday. Pickard is still looking for win No.4 on the season, having won his last game on November 5th. Pickard has a hideous 4.13 GAA and .858 SV% in nine games this season, so it’s impossible to trust him on a busy 15-game night in the NHL.
Foligno missed Saturday’s game in Carolina to tend to a family matter, but is expected to replace Oliver Bjorkstrand in the Blue Jackets lineup in Toronto. Foligno has 12 points (6G / 6A) in 19 games this season.
Foligno will be scratched on Saturday, but Artemi Panarin and Riley Nash are expected to be back in the Blue Jackets lineup after missing Thursday’s game with illness. Expect Foligno to be back in the lineup in Toronto on Monday.
Pickard stopped the only shot that he faced after replacing Brian Elliott in the Flyers loss to the Devils on Thursday. With Elliott on IR, Pickard will remain between the pipes this afternoon. Pickard has an ugly 4.33 GAA and .865 SV% in seven appearances this season.
Eriksson will sit on Saturday so he can “reset” according to head coach Bruce Boudreau. Zach Parise (illness) is expected to draw back in to replace him.
Pickard allowed two goals on 36 shots in the Flyers win in Arizona on Monday. Even with Brian Elliott back from injury, Pickard will make his third consecutive start on Thursday. He has had a tough season, but has stopped 65 of 71 shots (.916 SV%) in his last two outings. Pickard has a solid matchup as he closes out a home-and-home with the Coyotes.
Pickard allowed two goals on 36 shots in the Flyers win in Arizona on Monday. Even with Brian Elliott back from injury, Pickard will make his third consecutive start on Thursday. He has had a tough season, but has stopped 65 of 71 shots (.916 SV%) in his last two outings. Pickard has a solid matchup as he closes out a home-and-home with the Coyotes.
