Couture missed the Sharks’ game on Saturday, but is on the ice for warmups and is expected to be in the lineup in New Jersey this afternoon. Couture has 38 points (19G / 19A) in 54 games this season, including seven goals, six assists (13 points) and 2.21 shots per game in his last 14 games.
Couture was a late scratch on Saturday because of an upper-body injury, but head coach Pete DeBoer said that Couture is feeling much better today and is listed as a game-time decision. Monitor his status as the Sharks’ hit the ice for pre-game warmups at Noon ET.
Toffoli has been sidelined since December 20th, but will return to the Kings lineup this afternoon in Philadelphia. Toffoli will be back on a line with Jeff Carter and Tanner Pearson and comes into play with 20 points (8G / 12A) in 32 games this season.
Toffoli has been sidelined since December 20th continues to skate with his teammates and has been rotating through line rushes for the last week. Toffoli is now one day past his six week timetable, but continues to deal with some discomfort.
Couture did not travel to Los Angeles for Wednesday's game because they thought it best to keep him home as he gets over a bug. With Couture out, Melker Karlsson will move into the top-6. Monitor Couture's status prior to Thursday's home game vs. the Lightning.
Nutivaara is dealing with an undisclosed injury that will keep him sidelined for Tuesday's game and allow Scott Harrington to get into the lineup. Nutivaara is considered day-to-day and could be ready to go on Thursday or by the weekend.
Vlasic has missed the last four games with a face injury, but will travel to Edmonton for Tuesday’s game. He is listed as a game-time decision, so monitor his status during the morning skate.
Vlasic was hit in the face with a shot last Friday and was placed on IR yesterday so they could recall Mirco Mueller from San Jose (AHL). Vlasic is expected to miss at least the next two games, but should be able to return shortly after that.
Couture left Wednesday’s game after being cross-checked in the head/neck area by Senators’ forward Mike Hoffman. Couture was on the ice for the morning skate and will centre the second line with Mikkel Boedker and Kevin Labanc on his wings.
Couture left Wednesday’s game after taking a cross-check to the back/neck area from Mike Hoffman. It was dirty play by the Senators’ winger and Couture left the game and did not return. Despite leaving, he is with the team in Montreal, which is a good sign that he could play on Friday.
Vlasic missed last night's game in Toronto because of a lower-body injury, but is reportedly feeling better today and is listed as game-time decision. If Vlasic is able to play, expect him to replace Dylan DeMelo in the lineup.
Vlasic left Saturday's game midway through the second period and did not return. Vlasic was on the ice this morning, but was one of the first players off, which puts his status for tonight’s game in question. Monitor his status prior to game-time.
Couture missed Tuesday’s practice after having a screw removed from his surgically repaired ankle. Despite missing practice, Couture will be in the lineup vs. the Senators. He has nine goals and seven assists (16 points) in 25 games this season.
