Andre Burakovsky News
Burakovsky was on the ice for Colorado's morning skate but will miss his third straight game with an upper-body injury. Monitor Burakovsky's status prior to Thursday's game in Montreal.
Burakovsky was picked No.23 overall back in 2013 but has yet to top 40 points in five NHL seasons. In his defence, Burakovsky has never played more than 13:50 TOI/gm, so the Avalanche will see what he can do for them in a larger role. The 24-year-old has tremendous speed, a great shot but had just 12 goals and 13 assists (25 points) in 76 games a season ago.
Burakovsky has been a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Nic Dowd on Monday. Burakovsky has not had a good season, scoring just five goals with four assists (nine points) in 38 games this season.
Burakovsky was expected to be in the lineup last night but was a late scratch due to an illness. The Capitals elected to keep him back in Washington for Friday’s game, recalling Travis Boyd from Hershey (AHL) to serve as their reserve forward.
Burakovsky has struggled since returning from a thumb injury and has picked up just eight points (3G / 5A) in 19 games this season. Burakovsky has game-breaking talent and a great shot but has struggled to find his way early in his NHL career. Tonight he will sit for Chandler Stephenson.
Burakovsky has been out since October 21st but with Tyler Graovac being placed on waivers and Travis Boyd being sent to Hershey (AHL) the Capitals cleared the way for Burakovsky to play Friday. Prior to getting hurt, Burakovsky had one goal and three assists (four points) in nine games.
After being dropped to the third line on Friday, Burakovsky recorded a goal and assist, but he is reportedly banged up following this weekend’s back-to-back set. The Capitals are off until Thursday, so even if he’s kept off of the ice today he could avoid missing any time.
Burakovsky has just two assists in seven games in the Capitals’ top-6 so he was moved to the third line with Tom Wilson taking his spot with Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie. Burakovsky will be difficult to trust in fantasy circles while he’s outside the top-6.