Malkin has been out since March 16th but will be a game-time decision on Saturday. Malkin has been skating recently but its unclear where he will slot in in his return to the lineup. Malkin, who was red-hot before he got hurt, comes into Saturday with 24 points (8G / 16A) in 29 games.
Bemstrom has been out since March 14th but will return to the lineup Saturday in Carolina. Bemstrom will replace Patrik Laine, who is out with a non-COVID-19 related illness. Bemstrom has just two assists in 15 games this season.
Colorado head coach Jared Bednar did not have an update on Girard's status postgame, so it's unclear what his status is heading into Saturday. With Ryan Graves also getting hurt in the game, the Avalanche may have to turn to an emergency recall to serve as their No.6 defenseman on Saturday.
The Avalanche did not provide an update on Graves' condition postgame, so it's unclear whether or not he will be available for Saturday's rematch. If not, look for Jacob MacDonald to draw back into the lineup and for Patrik Nemeth to move up and skate with Cale Makar.
Lizotte missed Thursday's practice and is not expected to be available for Friday's game in Anaheim. With Lizotte not expected to play, look for Jaret Anderson-Dolan to draw back in.
Hayes has not scored in his last 15 games, posting just three assists over that span. Carsen Twarysnki will draw in to replace the centre.
Acciari has missed six of the last seven games but will draw back into the lineup tonight in Chicago. It's unclear who Acciari will replace, but he'll likely play on the fourth line.
Clifton has been a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Steven Kampfer in the lineup on Tuesday. Clifton has picked one goal and six assists (seven points) in 38 games this season.
Clifton has been a regular in the Bruins lineup as of late but will sit with Kevan Miller returning from a five-game absence on Friday.
Acciari is expected to miss the next two games but shoulder return in Nashville next week. With Acciari and Carter Verhaeghe both on the path to return in the next two weeks, the Panthers are going to have to make some very difficult lineup decisions.
Acciari will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury. With Acciari out, Sam Bennett made his Panthers' debut over the weekend and Lucas Wallmark centres the fourth line.
Jones has been a healthy scratch for the last five games but will replace Kris Russell in the lineup on Friday. Jones has contributed very little offensively this season, picking up no goals with just one assist in 17 games.
As hinted to on Wednesday, Dumba will return from a three-game absence on Thursday. The Wild managed to go 2-1-0 without Dumba but he'll provide a massive lift to their blueline vs. St. Louis. Dumba has been relatively quiet as of late but has accumulated 11 points (5G / 6A) in 26 games so far this season.
Dumba will miss his third straight game with a lower-body injury but the Wild said he may play Thursday. Brad Hunt will remain in the lineup and is expected to be on the top power-play unit.
