Allen allowed one goal on 32 shots in the Canadiens 2-0 loss to the Flames on Saturday. It was another terrific outing from Allen but Jacob Markstrom was perfect at the other end of the ice. Through three starts with Montreal, Allen has a 1.68 GAA and .933 SV%, proving he is one of the best backup options in the NHL and an outstanding handcuff or standalone fantasy netminder.
Boqvist will replace Nick Merkely, who was sent the other way. Boqvist did not record a point while playing 14:06 ATOI in his first four games of the season.
Allen allowed three goals on 17 shots in the Canadiens win in Vancouver on January 21st. It wasn't as solid as his debut with Montreal but it was enough to move Allen to 2-0-0 to start the season. With a back-to-back coming up on Monday and Tuesday, it's surprising that Allen will get this start. He'll face a Flames team that has lost three in a row while being outscored 11-to-7.
Noesen has been a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace John Leonard in the lineup on Thursday. Noesen has no points and two shots on goal in three games this season.
Jacob Markstrom started the first five games of the season, so Thursday will be Rittich's season debut. The 28-year-old has won 20-plus games in back-to-back seasons, going 24-17-6 with a 2.97 GAA, .907 SV% and two shutouts in 48 games last season. Tonight he faces a Canadiens team that has yet to lose in regulation and lead the NHL in scoring through six games (4.83 GF/gm).
Bratt has cleared COVID-19 protocol and has been added to the added roster, which clears the way for him to make his season debut on Thursday. It seems likely that Bratt will replace Nick Merkley in the lineup since Merkley was sent to the taxi squad in a subsequent move. Bratt has three straight seasons of 30-plus points, scoring a career-high 16 goals with 16 assists (32 points) in 60 games last year.
Rodrigues left Sunday's game vs. the Rangers with a lower-body injury that he suffered in a collision with Filip Chytil. The play left both players injured and it is going to keep Rodrigues out "longer term." With Rodrigues hurt, Drew O'Connor will likely make his NHL debut on Tuesday.
Nick Merkley is coming up to make his season debut on Sunday so they send Boqvist to the taxi squad because he doesn't need waivers. Boqvist has yet to register a point with just two shots on goal in four games this season.
Glass was a healthy scratch for the last two games but it looks like he'll dress on Friday as the Golden Knights shift back to 13 forwards and five defensemen. Glass has one assist in two games this season.
Noesen was a healthy scratch on Monday but will replace Frederik Händemark in the lineup on Wednesday. After playing on the fourth line on Saturday, Noesen will play with Dylan Gambrell and John Leonard on Wednesday.
Allen served as Carey Price’s backup in the first two games of the season but will make his Canadiens debut Monday in Edmonton. There are easier matchups than facing Connor McDavid in your debut but he is 5-2-0 vs. Edmonton in the last three seasons. The 30-year-old is coming off of a 12-6-3, 2.15 GAA and .927 SV% in 2020, so he is one of the most reliable backup options in the NHL.
Noesen was a healthy scratch in the season opener but will replace Joel Kellman in the lineup on Saturday afternoon. Noesen, who had eight points (6G / 2A) in 34 games for the Sharks a season ago, will skate on the fourth line with Patrick Marleau and Marcus Sorenson.
Bratt was the Devils' last remaining unsigned RFA but got a two-year deal on Sunday night. Bratt set a new career-high in goals (16) while adding 16 assists (32 points) in 60 games a season ago. Bratt will miss the start of the regular season but is expected to be in the Devils top-6 when he makes his debut.
Hischier suffered a leg injury while training in Switzerland and will not be available for the opening of training camp. Hischier did not have surgery and the Devils do not consider it a long-term injury. The fourth-year centre could be ready for the start of the season but may get out of the gates slowly with a limited training camp.
