Upshall has missed the last seven games with an ankle injury that he suffered on November 24th. The veteran forward should practice tomorrow and give the Panthers a better idea on his availability for this weekend’s games.
Barkov has missed the last four games with a hand injury that he suffered on December 1st. It all depends on how practice goes tomorrow, but if all goes as planned he could be back in the lineup this weekend—either Friday in Detroit or Saturday in Buffalo.
"We received a sad news in the last few days my dad met with specialist in Boston and he has an incurable cancer. We hope a miracle will happen right now they're more important things than hockey and I want to be with my family in Québec city,” Gagne said in a statement. There is no word on how long he will be away from the team, but our thoughts and prayers are with the Gagne family.
Colborne, who has been out since October 28th with a wrist injury, got rid of his no contact jersey and took part in full practice this morning. This is great news for the Flames, who could potentially have their 6-foot-5 centre back in the lineup on Thursday in Buffalo.
Backes was at the rink on Wednesday, but did not practice. Head coach Ken Hitchcock said Backes is still in pain and is doubtful for Thursday’s contest vs. the Islanders. With Backes out, Chris Porter would draw into the lineup and Patrik Berglund would centre a line with T.J Oshie and Alex Steen.
Andersen allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Ducks win over Winnipeg on Sunday. He has won his last four start despite allowing 13 goals. His numbers are not great but he continues to rack up wins thanks to a high powered Ducks offence. He is a must-start tonight against the Oilers on the tail-end of a back-to-back.
Bouwmeester was in practice on Wednesday and said that today was the best he has felt. That is a positive sign that Bouwmeester will be back in the lineup tomorrow vs. the Isles. He has missed the last eight games with a groin injury.
Steen was at practice on Wednesday, but said that he will not play on Thursday vs. the Islanders. It will be the third straight game that he has missed, but his availability at practice on Wednesday suggests that he is close and could be back for Saturday's clash with the Avalanche.
Wiercioch has missed the last four games, but is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday vs. the Kings. He has one goal and three assists in 15 games this season. To make room for Wiercioch, the Sens placed Milan Michalek (upper-body) on IR.
Michalek missed Monday’s game vs. the Canucks and will miss at least the rest of this week with an upper-body injury. With Michalek going on IR, the Senators have activated Patrick Wiercioch.
Enroth stopped all 34 shots that the Kings threw at him in the Sabres 1-0 shutout win on Tuesday. Enroth has been great lately and now has his GAA under 3.00 (2.91) and SV% up to .918. Tonight he takes on the Flames at home, where he has gone 4-5-1 with a 2.26 GAA and .932 SV% this season.
Anderson allowed three goals on 33 shots in the Sens comeback win over the Canucks on Sunday. The win snapped a lengthy losing streak for Anderson who now has a 6-7-4 record with a 2.50 GAA and .927 SV% on the season. He gets the call vs. the Kings at home, where he is 4-1 2 with a 1.96 GAA and .940 SV%.
Cunningham has been recalled on multiple occasions, but has only appeared in three games for the Bruins. In 21 games with Providence he has five goals and 10 assists (15 points).
Staal, who has been skating by himself lately, will join the team tomorrow for the first time this season. He remains without a timetable for when he will return to full practice, but this is another step in the right direction for Staal.
Semin missed Monday’s game with an undisclosed injury that he suffered on Sunday vs. Detroit. With Semin out, Chris Terry will remain in the lineup on Thursday vs. the Lightning.
Staal, who suffered a foot injury on Sunday vs. Detroit, played through the pain on Monday, but missed today’s practice. Coach Bill Peters expects to have Staal on the ice for tomorrow’s pre game skate and have him in the lineup when they take on the Lightning tomorrow night. Staal has gone cold, failing to record a point in his last four games. He has 15 points (6G / 9A) in 22 games this season.
Fasth allowed five goals on 24 shots in the Oilers loss to the Coyotes on December 1st. Ben Scrivens has started the last three games, but it will be Fasth tonight in Anaheim. It will be the first time he faces his former team this season, but they have won four in a row and the Oilers are…well the Oilers, so avoid this one.
Backes is not out there for practice for the second straight day. He took a puck to the face on Monday vs. the Panthers and could be in danger of missing tomorrow’s game vs. the Islanders. Backes is a tough dude, so I would expect him to play, but monitor his status during Thursday’s morning skate.
Howard allowed two goals on 29 shots in the Red Wings 3-2 win over the Rangers on Saturday. He was given Sunday off, but will be back between the pipes tonight at home vs. the Maple Leafs. Detroit did not play great the last time they faced Toronto, but Howie has played very well—going 1-1-0 with a 2.01 GAA and. 922 SV% in his two outings vs. the blue and white.
Falk, 26, has not recorded a point in three games with a the Wild this season. While in the AHL he has collected four points (1G / 3A) in 18 games.
