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.
Ellis missed the first 38 games of the season after undergoing offseason knee surgery, but will play his first game of the season tonight in Vegas. Ellis, who is expected to skate on a pairing with Roman Josi, is coming off of the best season of his career, in which he registered 16 goals and 22 assists (38 points) in 71 games. Ellis is one of the better offensive-defensemen in the NHL and makes the Predators that much more dangerous, especially on the power-play.
Dickinson was recalled from Texas (AHL) at the end of last week and will play tonight vs. Columbus. The 22-year-old has yet to pick up a point in five NHL games, but has 13 goals and three assists in 24 games games with Texas. Dickinson will play with Remi Elie out with an illness.
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.
Weber was sent home from their previous road-trip, missing the last three games and will miss at least three more with a foot injury. With both Weber and David Schlemko (illness) out, the Canadiens have recalled Brett Lernout from Laval (AHL) to go on the trip.
Dickinson has not registered a point in four games with Dallas but has picked up an impressive 13 goals and one assist (14 points) in 20 games with Texas. Dickinson will likely replace Antoine Roussel (elbow) in the lineup and will centre the fourth line.
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.
Toninato, 23, recorded one assist in eight games with the Avalanche during his call-up. Toninato returns to the AHL with Colin Wilson back to 100 percent—he has three goals and three assists (six points) in 13 games with the Rampage.
The Stars have recalled Dickinson because Martin Hanzal was placed on IR with a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old has scored nine goals and one assists (10 points) in 17 games with Texas this season. Dickinson has just there goals in 15 career NHL games.
Weber has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury, but took part in today’s morning skate and it looks like he will play tonight vs. the Red Wings. Weber skated with Jordie Benn this morning and will likely take his spot back on the top power play unit as well. Monitor his status during pre-game warmups, but it looks like the hulking defenseman will play tonight. He has 13 points (4G / 9A) in 20 games this season.
