Smith, 25, had a great debut season in Florida, registering 25 goals and 25 assists (50 points) in 82 games and an ultra-impressive eight points (4G / 4A) in six playoff games. Smith has only missed one game in his first three full NHL seasons and has already turned in two 20-plus goal seasons. He has a top-6 role for a good team and should have a shot at 30 goals in 2016-17.
Hertl, 22, is coming off of his best year as a pro, having racked up 21 goals and 25 assists (46 points) in 81 games with the Sharks. The former 17th overall pick found a nice spot on the left wing with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski and if he plays there for most of 2016-17, we could see Hertl’s first 25-goal and 50-point season.
Stone will miss his third straight game with a chest injury that he suffered in Winnipeg on a colossal hit from Dustin Byfuglien. With Stone out, Buddy Robinson has been recalled from Binghamton (AHL) and will make his NHL debut.
Stone was absolutely crushed by Jets’ defenseman Dustin Byfuglien in Wednesday’s win. Stone will miss Thursday’s game in Minnesota and heading back to Ottawa suggests that he will miss Saturday’s game in Philadelphia.
Theodore, 20, has six points (2G / 4A) in 13 games with the Ducks this season. Kevin Bieksa is not expected to play tonight because of an upper-body injury, so look for Theodore to draw in. While in San Diego, Theodore registered 31 points (8G / 23A) in 47 games.
Theodore, 20, impressed in a 13-game stint with the Ducks earlier in the season, picking up two goals and four assists. In 47 games with San Diego, the 2013 first round pick (26th overall) has 31 points (8G / 23A). He will likely replace Korbinian Holzer in the lineup on Thursday.
Eichel missed Saturday’s game in Toronto will an illness, but it looks like he will return to the Sabres lineup on Tuesday. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate to be sure, but all signs are pointing towards him returning.
Lehner allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Sabres loss in Montreal last Thursday. Chad Johnson started on Saturday, but the Sabres will come back with Lehner tonight vs. the Canadiens again. Despite losing Thursday, he is 1-1-0 with a 2.57 GAA and .928 SV% in two starts against the Habs this season.
Saad skated on Friday morning, but remains day-to-day and will miss his third consecutive game with an upper-body injury. With Saad out, David Clarkson will continue to play a larger role than normal.
Lehner was pulled after allowing three goals on 14 shots in the Sabres loss to the Rangers on Tuesday. Lehner has performed well on the road this season, going 3-4-2 with a 1.88 GAA and .943 SV% in nine starts in cities not named Buffalo. In his first start vs. the Canadiens, he stopped 33 of 35 in a 4-2 win.
Lehner stopped 28 of 30 shots in the Sabres 3-2 shootout loss to the Wild on Saturday. Lehner has lost five of his last six starts despite posting a 2.30 GAA and .928 SV%. Lehner has not played enough games to qualify to be a league leader, but he currently holds a .931 SV%, which is better than Thomas Greiss, who leads the NHL with .930. He'll face a Rangers team that has won four of six.
Lehner stopped 28 of 30 shots in the Sabres 3-2 shootout loss to the Wild on Saturday. Lehner has lost five of his last six starts despite posting a 2.30 GAA and .928 SV%. Lehner has not played enough games to qualify to be a league leader, but he currently holds a .931 SV%, which is better than Thomas Greiss, who leads the NHL with .930. He'll face a Rangers team that has won four of six.
Sissons, 22, has one goal and one assist in 19 games with the Predators this season. He has picked up 19 points (8G / 11A) in 38 games with Milwaukee and will be in the lineup on Tuesday with Paul Gaustad out.
Saad left midway through Friday’s win over the Oilers. Following Friday’s contest the Blue Jackets traveled to Philadelphia and Saad did not travel with the team. With Saad out, Rene Bourque is expected to be in the lineup on Saturday.
Lehner allowed three goals on 29 shots in the Sabres win over the Flames on Thursday. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Lehner, who is 5-7-3 with a 2.33 GAA and .931 SV% since returning to the Sabres crease back in mid-January. This afternoon he faces a Wild team that has won three in a row.
Lehner allowed two goals on 41 shots in the Sabres OT loss to the Oilers on Tuesday. Lehner has lost four in a row (0-3-1) while posting a 2.25 GAA and .934 SV%. Lehner hasn’t won much, but only because of a lack goal support. Tonight he gets the call against a Flames team that has lost six in a row while being outscored 22-12.
