Howard was in-line to start Tuesday in Philadelphia but was replaced by Jonathan Bernier after feeling discomfort in his back during warmups. Justin Kowalkoski served as the Red Wings emergency backup.
Hickey will be re-evaluated prior to Tuesday’s game in Arizona after suffering an upper-body injury mid-way through Monday’s game in Colorado. He is considered a game-time decision.
Nelson was hurt on Tuesday following a knee-on-knee collision with Ian Cole. Nelson will be a game-time decision in Arizona.
Koivu has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury but will play Tuesday vs. the Sharks. The lines were shuffled while Koivu was out and will remain the same tonight, with Koivu returning on the third line with Jason Zucker and Luke Kunin on his wings.
Zucker missed one game with an illness but will be back in the Wild’s lineup vs. the Sharks. Zucker will skate on the third line with Mikko Koivu and Luke Kunin to start the game.
Dumba suffered an upper-body injury against the Flames on Saturday and head coach Bruce Boudreau confirmed that he will miss a minimum of one week. Jared Spurgeon is expected to take on a much larger role while Dumba is out.
Vasilevskiy allowed five goals on 42 shots in he Lightning’s loss in Winnipeg on Sunday. It was another busy night for Vasilevskiy, who wasn’t able to stand on his head like he did vs. the Maple Leafs last Thursday. Vasilevskiy comes into Tuesday’s game at 3-0-2 with a 2.53 GAA, .921 SV% and one shutout on the road this season.
Nilsson allowed four goals on 34 shots in the Canucks loss in Nashville last Thursday. Nilsson is winless in his last seven starts, going 0-6-1 with a 3.44 GAA and .883 SV%. He hasn’t registered a win since October 16th and likely won’t win tonight with the NHL’s highest scoring team in town. The Lightning are averaging a robust 4.00 goals for per game through 34 games.
Quick allowed four goals on 36 shots in the Kings loss in Pittsburgh on Saturday. Quick has lost three in a row while giving up a combined 11 goals on 98 shots (.888 SV%). Even in the STAPLES Center, Quick is 2-4-1 with a 3.12 GAA and .898 SV% this season and he should be left on the bench against powerhouse Jets squad.
Hellebuyck allowed four goals on 47 shots in the Jets win over the Lightning on Sunday. Despite allowing four goals for the second straight game, Hellebuyck was able to extend his winning streak to three. In his first start against the Kings, Hellebuyck allowed one goal on 17 shots in a 2-1 win (Oct.9).
Allen was pulled after he allowed four goals on 16 shots in the Blues loss to the Flames on Sunday. Allen appeared to be turning things around two weeks ago but has now allowed at least three goals in four straight games, surrendering a total of 16 goals on 92 shots (.826 SV%). In his first start vs. the Oilers, Allen allowed two goals on 36 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss.
Kuemper allowed three goals on 33 shots in the Coyotes loss in Buffalo last Thursday. Kuemper lost both of his starts since retuning from injury while allowing a combined seven goals on 59 shots (.881 SV%). The Islanders present a nice home matchup for Kuemper but a goalie with a career .912 SV% is difficult to trust regardless of matchup.
Nilsson allowed four goals on 34 shots in the Canucks loss in Nashville last Thursday. Nilsson is winless in his last seven starts, going 0-6-1 with a 3.44 GAA and .883 SV%. He hasn’t registered a win since October 16th and likely won’t win tonight with the NHL’s highest scoring team in town. The Lightning are averaging a robust 4.00 goals for per game through 34 games.