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.
Dumba left Thursday's game with a lower-body injury when he fell awkwardly into the boards. With Dumba expected to miss Saturday's game, he will likely be replaced by Carson Soucy, who missed yesterday's game due to a one-game suspension.
The Penguins said that Malkin is still being evaluated and will not play on Thursday. Head coach Mike Sullivan said that he hopes to have more information on Malkin in the next day or so, so it sounds like he could miss some time.
Bemstrom was hurt in Wednesday's practice and was placed on IR on Thursday, meaning he'll miss at least seven days. Mikhail Grigorenko will replace him in the Blue Jackets' bottom-6.
Malkin's injury comes on the heels of Teddy Blueger being sidelined "longer-term," so the Penguins centre depth will be put to the test if Malkin can't go Thursday. Luckily, Jared McCann, who is a natural centre but has played some wing this season, could be back in New Jersey.
Jones was a healthy scratch on Wednesday but will replace Kris Russell in the lineup on Friday. Jones has just one assist in 14 games so far this season.
It appears as if Crosby will be available for Thursday's game vs. the Flyers after being activated from the COVID-19 reserve list. If he does play, expect him to center the top line with Jake Guentzel.
The Penguins were forced to cancel Tuesday's morning skate due to COVID-19 protocols. Crosby was the only player added to the list, so expect him to be the only one missing tonight vs. the Flyers.
Acciari has been out since February 13th but will return to the lineup Monday vs. the Hurricanes. Acciari, who has no points in 12 games this season, will play on the fourth line.
Bemstrom will play for the first time since January 21st, replacing Mikhail Grigorenko in the lineup vs. the Blackhawks. Bemstrom has no points in five games this season but has 20 points (10G / 10A) in 61 career games to this point.
Girard would be playing for the first time since February 2nd and is expected to skate on the third pair with Conor Timmins at even strength and on PP2. Girard has picked up one goal and eight assists (nine points) in 11 games this season.
Karlsson, who has missed the last two games, did not travel with the team to St. Louis, so he'll miss at least two more games with a lower-body injury. Tomas Hertl may have slipped up on Wednesday, saying that Karlsson is dealing with a groin injury that could keep him out for a bit.
Dumba missed the Wild's last two games before they were shut down due to COVID-19 but will likely play Tuesday in Los Angeles. With a few defensemen still on the COVID-19 list, Dumba and Ryan Suter appear to be the only regulars on the blueline for Tuesday, so expect him to play a ton of minutes against the Kings.
The Sharks' blueline depth will be tested on Monday with both Karlsson and Radim Simek out. Frederik Claesson will make his season debut replacing Karlsson.
Acciari did not travel with the team as they start a four-game road trip tonight in Tampa Bay and is expected to miss the entire trip. With Acciari out, look for Juho Lammikko to draw back into the lineup.
