Matthews was a late scratch and did not play on Saturday due to an illness but is expected to return for the Maple Leafs on Tuesday against the New York Rangers after being a full participant at the morning skate. Matthews is producing at an alarming rate, with 10 points (7G / 3A) during a four-game point streak.
Pacioretty was a full participant at practice for the first time this season as he nears his return from his second Achilles surgery in less than a year. Over the last three seasons, Pacioretty has struggled vehemently with injuries, playing only 92 total games. After recovering from his first Achilles surgery, he was only able to play five games last season before re-injuring his Achilles and forcing an abrupt end to his season. If Pacioretty can stay healthy, he could be a big boost for a Capitals team that ranks third-worst in the league offensively (2.39 GF / GP) and has the league's second-worst powerplay (9.8%).
Stolarz will start for the third time this month and look for his second consecutive victory, building off a 17-save performance (.895 SV%) in a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 10th. The 29-year-old netminder has played well when called upon this season, posting a 2.19 GAA and .914 SV% through eight games (4-2-1). The Panthers are -117 road favourites on Monday against the Calgary Flames, who have lost four of their last five (1-2-2) and will welcome back their starting goalie, Jacob Markstrom.
Tanev has not played since exiting the Flames December 11th contest against the Colorado Avalanche in the period. Tanev has been a steadying force on the blueline for the Flames this season, recording seven points (1G / 6A), 65 blocks, and 11 hits through 28 games, playing predominantly alongside Noah Hanifin on the Flames top defensive pair.
Matthews was a late scratch and did not play on Saturday due to an illness but appears to be on track to return for the Maple Leafs' next contest on Tuesday against the New York Rangers. Matthews is producing at an alarming rate, with 10 points (7G / 3A) during a four-game point streak.
Johnson will take the place of MacKenzie Entwistle (illness) on Thursday. Johnson has two goals and zero assists in 17 games this season.
Myers played one game with the Lightning this season on November 14th but has been reassigned to the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL, where he has six points (0G / 6A) in 19 games. In a corresponding move, Sean Day was recalled from Syracuse.
Tanev is returning to Calgary where he will be further evaluated for an upper-body injury and miss his second consecutive games. He was unable to complete a full shift, exiting Monday's game against the Colorado Avalanche after only 0:15 with an undisclosed injury after taking a hit from Ross Colton. Tanev has been a steadying force on the blueline for the Flames this season, recording seven points (1G / 6A), 65 blocks, and 11 hits through 28 games.
Knies will miss his second straight game as he continues to battle an illness. Knies has been held to just one point (0G / 1A) in his last six games, averaging 15:47 time-on-ice. On Tuesday, Knies was replaced by Noah Gregor on the top line and skated in that same spot at Thursday's morning skate.
Mermis will head back to Minnesota after a short stint in Iowa (AHL) which saw high collect two assists in five games before his promotion Wednesday. The 29-year-old has appeared in 14 games with the Wild already in 2023-24, with two goals, three assists, 11 SOG, and 21 PIMs.
Pacioretty has yet to appear for the Capitals since signing a one-year, $4 million contract in the offseason but is considered 2-3 weeks away from making his Washington debut after skating in a non-contact jersey for the first time Wednesday. The 35-year-old sniper is entering his 16th NHL season and only appeared in five games for Carolina before missing the season due to an achilles injury.
Knies was a late scratch for Tuesday's game with the Leafs announcing his absence less than 30 minutes before puck drop. The 21-year-old rookie has six goals and five assists in 25 games with the Maple Leafs this season. His first chance to return to the lineup will be on Saturday against the Penguins.
Johnson will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Ryan Donato (illness) to make his return after a two-game absence. Johnson has two points (2G / 0A) while averaging 11:45 time-on-ice through 17 games with the Blackhawks this season.
