Tampa Bay Lightning News

Elliott returns to the net for the Blues with a tough home matchup vs. the Kings.

The original plan was to have Jaroslav Halak start tonight but he is under the weather, so the Blues will turn to Elliott. He has won three straight starts while posting a 1.80 GAA and .933 SV%. Tonight he'll play Minnesota for the first time this season, entering the game he has 4-1-1 record with a 1.92 GAA and .927 SV% on the road.

Elliott allowed two goals on 19 shots in a relief effort of Jaroslav Halak in last night's come from behind shootout win over the Blackhawks. Tonight he faces a Dallas squad that he stopped 34 of 35 shots in a 6-1 win against in late November. Elliott has put in a lot of good efforts in limited action this season, don't hesitate to start him tonight.

Elliott stopped 29 of 32 shots in Monday's 3-2 OT loss vs. the Senators. Despite being the Blues' backup, Elliott is posting starters numbers. He is 2-0-1 in December and 6-1-2 with a 2.21 GAA and .913 SV% overall. He has a decent matchup in Edmonton tonight.

Hedman has missed the last six games after being injured on December 5. Hedman appears to be finally coming into his own in the NHL. The 2009 second overall pick has six goals and nine assists (15 points) with a minus-3 rating in 28 games.

If all goes well and Hedman continues to skate, he could return to the lineup on Thursday. Tonight's game will be the sixth straight that Hedman has missed after suffering a lower-body injury on December 5. Monitor his status as the week progresses.

Elliott allowed three goals on 22 shots in a win over the Maple Leafs on Thursday. It was his second straight start and second straight win, but was given Saturday night off. He will get the call on Monday in Ottawa, he is 2-1-1 with a 2.17 GAA and .916 SV% on the road this season.

Hedman will miss his third consecutive game tonight and is expected to miss at least three more games.

Elliott surrendered one goal on 21 shots (.952 SV%) in a win over the Jets on Tuesday night. Elliott has been solid this season and coach Ken Hitchcock will reward him with a second straight start as he faces the Maple Leafs tomorrow. The Leafs are in tough on Wednesday vs. the Kings, so Elliott could see a fatigued Maple Leafs squad.

Elliott allowed one goal on 14 shots after he replaced Jaroslav Halak after 7:29 into Saturday's contest vs. Anaheim. Tuesday will mark his fourth road start of the season - he is 1-1-1 with a 2.54 GAA and .907 SV% in the first three.

Hedman should be considered day-to-day, his next chance to return would be Thursday vs. the Red Wings.

Thankfully the Lightning had seven defensemen dressed, because they also lost Keith Aulie on Thursday. It is and unfortunate injury for Hedman who had caught fire as of late posting four goals and four assists in his last nine games coming into Thursday. He is considered day-to-day and questionable for Saturday's game vs. Winnipeg.

Elliott stopped 34 of 35 shots in a win over the Stars last Saturday. It was another strong outing for Elliott, who is making a case for more crease-time with his strong play. He is 4-0-1 with a 1.79 GAA and .932 SV% this season.

Kucherov, 20, was the 58th overall pick in 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The Russian winger has tore up the AHL this season recording 13 goals and 11 assists (24 points) in 17 games. He will debut on a line with Alex Kilorn and Teddy Purcell.

Elliott allowed one goal on 14 shots in a relief effort of Jaroslav Halak last Sunday. He gets the nod tonight against the Stars and their 14th ranked offence (2.71 G/PG). It is not a great matchup, but you can do worse than Elliott tonight.

Elliott stopped 18 of 20 shots in a win over the Flames last Thursday. It was his second straight win and Elliott will look to make it three against a Hurricanes team who is starting to get healthy. He should be a strong start on most nights with a stout defense in front of him.

On Friday, Elliott stopped all 31 shots he faced to earn his first shutout of the season. It was his also his first win of the season as well - he has posted a 2.07 GAA and .932 SV%. He has a good matchup vs. the Flames on Thursday.

Elliott gave up three goals on 29 shots in a loss to the Jets on October 18th. The way Jaroslav Halak has played early on, Elliott has been held to just one start. He is 0-0-1 with a 3.53 GAA and .881 SV% in limited action. Elliott has a great chance to earn his first win tomorrow vs. the Panthers.

Elliott allowed two goals on 13 shots in a relief effort on Tuesday. Tonight will be his first start of the season.

Girgensons took a puck to the face on Tuesday that cut him, requiring several stitches. He will not play tonight because of a swollen eye. Kevin Porter will move into his third line left wing slot.