Couturier was crunched into the board by Alex Ovechkin in Game 1 and skated to the bench with his arm hanging. It immediately looked like a shoulder injury that would force him to miss some time and that length of time has been determined to be two weeks. Scott Laughton will replace Couturier in Game 2.
Ellis has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury, but he practiced on Monday and skated in the Predators’ optional morning skate. Monitor Ellis’ status during the pre-game warmups and expect Stefan Elliott to be scratched if he can play.
Ellis left Tuesday’s game with an upper-body injury and did not skate this morning, so do not expect to see him suit up tonight. The Predators have recalled Stefan Elliott from Milwaukee (AHL) to take Ellis’ spot in the lineup.
Thompson will miss his second straight game with a lower-body injury. With Thompson out, Shawn Horcoff will remain in the lineup as the Ducks’ fourth line centre.
Couturier has missed the last nine games with a lower-body injury, but he is expected to return Tuesday vs. the Hurricanes. Couturier will likely take on a heavier offensive role on Tuesday with Claude Giroux sidelined. Couturier has picked up 26 points (9G / 15A) in 40 games this season.
Deslauriers has been out since January 2nd with a lower-body injury, but will be back in the lineup on Wednesday. Deslauriers has averaged just 9:39 TOI and posted seven points (3G / 4A) in 38 games this season.
Couturier has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury, but is expected to play on Tuesday. Prior to getting injury, Couturier collected six goals and eight assists (14 points) in his previous 14 games. His return will provide a nice offensive boost to the Flyers’ top-6.
Couturier will be scratched on Thursday vs. the Penguins, which is a tough break for the Flyers. Couturier usually serves as a checking forward against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. With Couturier out, Jordan Weal will make his Flyers debut.
Braun was hit in the face by a puck in Monday’s win over the Flames and is listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg. If Braun can’t play, expect Matt Tennyson to be in the lineup.
Johansen quickly fell into John Tortorella’s doghouse as soon as he was hired, but he still managed to record 26 points (6G / 20A) in 38 games this season. Entering the season he was viewed as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars after recording 63 (33G / 30A) and 71 points (26G / 45A) in back-to-back seasons. The Predators desperately needed help in their top-6 and Johansen could slot in on the second line with Colin Wilson and James Neal to start.
Deslauriers suffered the injury in Saturday’s loss to the Red Wings, but finished the game. The injury will keep him out until late January, early February.
Braun was not on the ice this morning, but will play tonight in Toronto. Braun has on goal and four assists in his last five games and 11 points (1G / 10A) in 28 games on the season.
