Eberle was dealing with some “stiffness” following the Christmas break, missed Thursday’s practice and will not play Friday. With Eberle out, Josh Ho-Sang will move up to the Islanders’ top-line.
Grubauer was pulled after giving up four goals on 16 shots in Colorado’s loss in Arizona before the break. Grubauer has been seeing extra playing time recently but has a 3.33 GAA and .892 SV% in December. TO make things worse is a difficult road matchup in Vegas, where the Golden Knights are 11-3-3 this season.
Grubauer allowed two goals on 28 shots in Colorado’s surprising loss to the Blackhawks last night. Semyon Varlamov was supposed to start tonight but he is sick, so look for Grubauer to go for the second night a row and the third time in four days. In his first start against the Coyotes, Grubauer stopped 37 of 38 shots in a 5-1 win (Nov.23).
Grubauer made 35 saves on 36 shots in Colorado’s win over the Canadiens on Wednesday. It was one of the best outings of the season for Grubauer, who has gone 3-1-1 with a 2.96 GAA and .893 SV% in five games at the Pepsi Center this season. He draws an excellent matchup of the season vs. a struggling Chicago team that is on the tail-end of a back-to-back.
Grubauer allowed three goals on eight shots in a relief appearance of Semyon Varlamov against the Oilers on Tuesday. Grubauer has posted a 3.16 GAA and .900 SV% in 12 appearances this season but has been able to turn that into a 7-2-2 record. Tonight he faces a Blues team that has lost eight of their last 12 (4-7-1).
Mahura was sent down on Monday, likely a paper move to save some money, but returns to the Ducks and is expected to be in the lineup on Wednesday. Mahura has just one assist while averaging 16:40 TOI/gm in six games with the Ducks this season.
Mahura played in three games during his most recent call-up, giving him six NHL games on the season. Mahura goes back to the AHL, where he has nine points (1G / 8A) in 14 games.
Grubauer allowed three goals on 25 shots in Colorado’s win over the Penguins last Wednesday. Grubauer is on a personal three-game winning streak, stopping 89 of the 96 shots (.927 SV%) that he has faced. After a rough start to his Avalanche career, Grubauer has settled in and makes for a decent spot-start option in Florida.
Mahura spent some time with the Ducks earlier this season, picking up one assist in three games. During his time in San Diego, the 20-year-old has one goal and eight assists (nine points) in 14 contests.
Grubauer allowed just one goal on 37 shots in Colorado’s win in Arizona last Friday. With Semyon Varlamov starting last night, Grubauer will get the second game of the back-to-back tonight vs. the Penguins. Grubauer is 2-0-2 with a 3.36 GAA and .898 SV% in four November starts.
Mahura collected one assist in three games with the Ducks during his call-up but heads back to the AHL, where he has eight points (1G / 7A) in 12 games with the Gulls.
Hayden has been in the lineup for the last six games, but played just 2:45 TOI on Wednesday and come out of the lineup tonight. Chris Kunitz is expected to replace Hayden on the fourth line.
Grubauer gave up seven goals on 37 shots in Colorado’s loss in Vancouver on November 2nd. Grubauer has struggled in his first five games with the Avalanche, posting a 3.56 GAA and .893 SV%. Tonight he will get a chance to face his former team with the Capitals in town. Washington comes in having lost three of their last four.
