Anderson was forced from Tuesday’s game after being hit by Red Wings’ defenseman Brendan Smith. The Blue Jackets felt that the hit was questionable, but it went unpenalized. Monitor Anderson’s status prior to Thursday’s game vs. the Canucks. Expect Markus Hannikainen to replace him if he can't go.
Killorn was scratched for Tuesday’s game because of an undisclosed injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Lightning are back in action on Friday and head coach Jon Cooper is hoping that Killorn will be back in the lineup. Monitor his status during Friday’s morning skate.
Kuemper allowed two goals on 43 shots in the Wild’s win in Edmonton on January 31st. Kuemper has faced an average of 34.2 shots in his first 11 starts of the season and tonight he’ll make start No.12 vs. the Blackhawks. Chicago is 11th in the league in scoring (2.78 GF/PG) and come in having gone 2-1-0 in their first three games of their current road-trip.
Rinne allowed one goal on 19 shots in the Predators’ 1-0 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday. Rinne has won four of his last six starts while posting a 2.00 GAA, .932 SV% and one shutout. In two starts against the Canucks this season, Rinne is 1-1-0 with a 0.97 GAA and .964 SV%.
Budaj was pulled after he allowed four goals on 15 shots in the Kings loss in Washington on Sunday. It was a tough loss for Budaj, who posted back-to-back shutouts in his two previous starts. Budaj has played very well this season, going 25-15-3, but he allowed two goals on 29 shots in a 2-1 loss in his first start vs. Tampa Bay.
Bishop made 14 saves on 16 shots in the Lightning’s win over the Ducks on Saturday. It was an easy outing for Bishop, who has just 12 wins in 27 starts this season. In mid-January he took on the Kings, like he will tonight, and he turned aside 31 of 32 shots in a 2-1 win that night.
Niemi was pulled after he gave up two goals on five shots in the Stars loss to the Sabres on January 26th. Kari Lehtonen has played a lot recently, but Niemi will get a shot tonight in Toronto. Niemi is 2-4-2 with a 4.57 GAA and .863 SV% in seven starts and three relief appearances on the road.
Lack has not played a game since November 10th, when he lasted just 28 seconds vs. the Ducks. It has been an injury-filled season for Lack, who has gone 1-2-1 with a 3.79 GAA and .856 SV% in four starts and one relief appearance. Tonight he’ll draw a terrible matchup tonight against a red-hot Capitals team.
Rinne allowed one goal on 19 shots in the Predators’ 1-0 loss to the Red Wings on Saturday. Rinne has won four of his last six starts while posting a 2.00 GAA, .932 SV% and one shutout. In two starts against the Canucks this season, Rinne is 1-1-0 with a 0.97 GAA and .964 SV%.
Allen allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Blues’ loss to the Penguins on Saturday. Carter Hutton posted a shutout last night, but Allen will be in goal tonight in Ottawa. Allen has had a tough time this season and has been especially bad on the road, going 5-8-1 with a 3.34 GAA and .883 SV% in 15 starts outside of St. Louis.
Price allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Canadiens loss to Washington on Saturday. Al Montoya started on Sunday, so obviously Price will go tonight in Colorado. Price has had his struggles recently, but tonight’s matchup might be just what the doctor ordered. He is a must-start against a really bad Avalanche.
Crawford allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Blackhawks’ win in Dallas on Saturday. Crawford has won his last two games while turning aside 55 of 61 shots (.902 SV%). Tonight he will take on the Wild for the second time this season—he stopped 29 of 32 shots in a 3-2 loss in the first meeting back in mid-January.
Konecny sat out as a healthy scratch for two games and then got hurt after playing just 8:13 TOI in his return to the lineup last night. Konecny will miss at least one month and will be replaced by Matt Read on Thursday.
Sorensen was a fourth round pick of the Ottawa Senators, but now a member of the Sharks, will make his NHL debut tonight in Buffalo. He will skate on the fourth line and comes to the Sharks after scoring 13 goals with 14 assists (27 points) in 39 games with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) this season.
Jones allowed two goals on 28 shots in the Sharks’ shootout loss to the Coyotes on Saturday. For some reason Jones and the Sharks have had a tough time with Arizona this season, but they’ll look to get back to winning ways tonight in Buffalo. Jones is 13-8-1 with a 2.37 GAA and .916 SV% on the road this season.
