Witkowski has four assists in 13 games with Syracuse this season. Witkowski failed to record a point in 16 games with the Lightning last season, but he is known for his rugged, aggressive style of play, not his offence.
Schenn has just one goal in his last eight games and only seven points (5G / 2A) in 15 games this season. The Flyers will get Pierre Edouard Bellemare back tonight, which is why Schenn comes out. Expect him to be back in the lineup next week.
Krug missed Wednesday’s practice for “rest” reasons, but is still listed as a game-time decision for tonight’s contest. Krug has registered 10 assists in 14 games this season.
Cross had one assist and a minus-1 rating in three games with the Bruins. With Cross being sent down, look for Zach Trotman to get back into the lineup on Friday.
Witkowski had no points and a minus-1 rating in three preseason games. The Lightning have a deep blueline which pushed Witkowski back to the AHL.
Gunnarsson was held out of the lineup on Sunday, but will get back in tonight vs. the Jets. Gunnarsson will get back in for the injured Robert Bortuzzo.
Krug did not participate in the Bruins morning skate because of an illness, but he could still be in the lineup tonight in Detroit. Boston has recalled Joe Morrow from Providence (AHL) in case Krug is not available tonight.
Witkowski, 24 has been recalled because Jason Garrison was injured on Saturday and is unlikely to be available on Monday. Witkowski had no points, but 14 hits and 12 blocked shots in 10 games with the Lightning earlier in the season. In Syracuse he has just eight points (2G / 6A) and 91 PIMS in 47 games.
The Panthers run to the playoffs will come without their leading scorer after Nick Bjugstad had season-ending lower back surgery on Friday. Bjugstad had 24 goals and 19 assists in 72 games this season for the Panthers, but had been hampered by a mysterious 'lower body' injury over the past few weeks.It has been an issue for awhile and the Panthers felt it was important to get the procedure done as soon as possible.
Gunnarsson has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but he will be back in the lineup tomorrow vs. the Blue Jackets. Gunnarsson will be paired with Alex Pietrangelo.
Fowler was a healthy scratch on Tuesday, but he will be back in the lineup tonight in Boston. With Fowler back in, James Wisniewski will take a seat. Fowler has two goals and three assists in his last 10 games.
Bjugstad did not travel to Toronto, so he won’t play tonight and could miss the entire road trip. The Panthers have a back-to-back on the weekend so if Bjugstad doesn’t join the team on the trip, Vincent Trocheck will stay in the lineup through the weekend.
Gunnarsson will miss his second straight game with an upper-body injury, but is expected to be ready for Saturday’s game against Columbus on Saturday.
Fowler was a minus-3 in the Ducks 7-2 loss to the Rangers on Monday and he will serve as a healthy scratch tonight in Columbus. Fowler will be replaced by Simon Despres.
Gunnarsson missed Sunday's game and Monday's practice but coach Ken Hitchcock did not rule out the possibility that Gunnarsson will play tomorrow vs. Pittsburgh.
