NHL Hockey Player News

Howard allowed two goals on 23 shots in the Red Wings loss to the Panthers last Saturday. The 34-year-old has gone 2-2-1 with a 2.53 GAA and .923 SV% in December as he continues his resurgent season despite playing behind a below-average Red Wings squad. However, he draws a tough assignment tonight in Pittsburgh, so consider leaving him on your bench.

Mrazek allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Hurricanes win over the Bruins last Sunday. Mrazek only started one game in November but has already played in seven games this month, going 3-4-0 with a 2.47 GAA, .914 SV% and one shutout. The 26-year-old comes into Thursday’s game at 2-4-1 with a 2.47 GAA and .910 SV% on the road this year.

Holtby allowed one goal on 37 shots in the Capitals win over the Sabres last Friday. Holtby has won four of his last five starts with a 1.98 GAA, .937 SV% and one shutout. One of those wins came against the Hurricanes, who he’ll face again tonight—he allowed five goals on 27 shots in a 6-5 shootout win in Carolina on December 14th.

Quick allowed two goals on 31 shots in the Kings win in San Jose last Saturday. Quick has won two in a row and is 4-5-1 with a 2.50 GAA, .919 SV% and one shutout since returning to the crease. In his first start against the Coyotes, Quick allowed two goals on 20 shots in a 2-1 loss (Dec.4).

Kuemper gave up three goals on 38 shots in the Coyotes win in San Jose last Sunday. It was Kuemper’s first win since November 15th, snapping a personal six-game losing streak. Kuemper is 1-4-0 with a 3.03 GAA and .904 SV% since returning from injury but draws a solid matchup in Los Angeles. However, Kuemper has an ugly 3.22 GAA and .900 SV% on the road this year.

Graves was a fourth-round pick of the Rangers in 2013 and will make his NHL debut tonight after playing 254 career AHL games. Graves, who has eight points (2G / 6A) in 26 games this season, will replace Anton Lindholm on the Avalanche blueline.

Grubauer was pulled after giving up four goals on 16 shots in Colorado’s loss in Arizona before the break. Grubauer has been seeing extra playing time recently but has a 3.33 GAA and .892 SV% in December. TO make things worse is a difficult road matchup in Vegas, where the Golden Knights are 11-3-3 this season.

Markstrom allowed one goal on 24 shots in the Canucks loss to the Jets last Saturday. It was another great performance from Markstrom but snapped a six-game winning streak for him. Over his last seven games, Markstrom has posted a 1.58 GAA and .944 SV%. In his first start against the Oilers, Markstrom turned aside 20 of 22 shots in a 4-2 win (Dec.16).

Gibson turned aside 30 of 32 shots in the Ducks loss in Buffalo last Saturday. Gibson has lost two in a row and is now 5-3-0 with a 2.67 GAA and .917 SV% in December. Tonight he will take one the Sharks for the third time this season—Gibson has gone 1-0-1 with a 2.95 GAA and .927 SV% in the first two meetings.

Fleury allowed four goals on 32 shots in the Golden Knights loss to the Kings last Sunday. Fleury has lost two straight while allowing a combined eight goals on 79 shots (.899 SV%). After a few days off, Fleury will look to get back into the win column in Vegas, where he has gone 11-3-3 with a 2.22 GAA, .922 SV% and four shutouts this season.

Carter was not on the ice for the Kings morning skate and will not play Thursday vs. the Coyotes. With Carter out, Adrian Kempe will centre the Kings’ second-line.

Jones allowed three goals on 31 shots in the Sharks loss to the Kings lat Saturday. Jones has lost three of his last four starts and comes into Thursday at 5-3-1 with a 2.61 GAA, .910 SV% and one shutout in December. In his first two starts against Anaheim, Jones has gone 1-1-0 with a 3.47 GAA and .841 SV%.

Russell has missed the last five games but appears set to return to the Oilers lineup in one of the next two games. Russell was back on the ice for Thursday’s practice and will likely replace Chris Wideman when he is healthy.

Caggiula is day-to-day with the flu and will be replaced by Ty Rattie on Thursday.

Garrison is day-to-day with the flu and will be replaced by Chris Wideman in the lineup on Thursday.

Rittich gave up four goals on 36 shots in the Flames loss to the Lightning last Thursday. Rittich has lost two straight but remains a solid 3-2-1 with a 2.47 GAA and .920 SV% in seven December appearances. Even though he’s been steady all season, Rittich is a risky option in Winnipeg—the Jets are 13-4-2 on home-ice and rank fourth in the NHL in goal-scoring (3.53 GF/pg).

Copp has missed the last 10 games with an upper-body injury but is set to play Thursday vs. the Flames. Copp has just two goals and two assists (four points) in 23 games this season.

Lowry missed the final two games before the Christmas break but will play Thursday against the Flames. Lowry will be back in his usual spot on the third line and comes in with 10 points (5G / 5A) in 34 games this season.