Tampa Bay Lightning News

Vasilevskiy will return from his fractured foot and start for the first time since November 10th. Prior to getting hurt, Vasilevskiy was tied for the league-lead in wins (9), 10th in GAA (2.29) and tied for 12th in SV% (.927). He is one of the best goalies in the NHL but does draw a difficult matchup with the Maple Leafs in town.

Smith was claimed off of waivers on Friday and is expected to play vs. the Maple Leafs on Saturday. Smith is expected to replace Jake DeBrusk, who is sidelined with an undisclosed injury. The 24-year-old has three points (2G / 1A) in 14 games this season.

Girgensons has been in the lineup for the last five games but will be replaced by Jason Pominville on Saturday. Girgensons has just six points (2G / 4A) in 27 games this season.

With Matt Duchene going on IR, Paul comes up from the AHL again. Paul has two goals and nine assists (11 points) in 15 games with Belleville this season but just seven points (3G / 4A) in 42 career NHL games, including six this season.

Smith, 24, was a fourth-round pick in 2012 and has recorded 20 points (11G / 9A) in 77 career NHL games with Dallas. Smith is a good skater who is a good two-way forward that will help solidify the Bruins bottom-6.

Sheary has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury but is expected to be back in the lineup against the Maple Leafs. Sheary is still listed as a game-time decision but is expected to play. Sheary has 12 points (6G / 6A) in 24 games this season.

Sheary has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but could be back on Monday. Sheary took part in the Sabres morning skate but stayed on late with the extras, which suggests he’ll miss a fourth consecutive game.

Smith played just 3:25 TOI in Vancouver on Saturday and will be replaced by Valeri Nichushkin on Monday.

Sheary has will miss his third straight game on Friday and will be forced to miss next Monday’s game in Nashville as well after being moved to IR. His movement to IR opened up a roster spot for the Sabres to activate Patrik Berglund.

McDonagh was forced to leave Thursday’s game vs. the Sabres and is questionable for Saturday due to an upper-body ailment. If McDonagh doesn’t play on Saturday, look for Slater Koekkoek to get back into the lineup.

McDonagh left the game under his own power after being hit by Jack Eichel. The Lightning did not provide an update on McDonagh’s status, so consider him questionable for Saturday’s game in Florida.

Sheary will not play on Thursday but has not been ruled out for Friday’s game in Florida. With Sheary out, Remi Elie will remain in the Sabres lineup against the Lightning.

Elliott was placed on IR retroactive to November 15th and is expected to miss a few more weeks with a lower-body injury. With Elliott and Michal Neuvirth both out, the Flyers are left with Anthony Stolarz and Calvin Pickard in net.

Sheary was on the ice for Monday’s practice, but did not come out for today’s morning skate and will be scratched vs. the Sharks. Sheary is expected to be replaced by Tage Thompson on the Sabres second line.