Cold Streak
Evander Kane is scoreless in 9, his longest drought of the season.
Kane is slumping which is taking a hit on his PP time. His 18 goals still lead the team while his 31 points are one back of Blake Wheeler.
Edmonton Oilers News
Line Change
#NJD Henrique is in tonight for Devils, according to coach Pete DeBoer
Henrique practiced this morning on the top line and gets back into the lineup. The rookie has 13 goals and 34 points in 40 games with the Devils.
Goalie Start
Mike Smith, who made 38 saves in Monday’s win, is expected to be back in goal against the Ducks. Smith is 5-1-1 with a 2.29 goals-against average in seven starts versus Anaheim, including two wins earlier this season.
Skinner's OK. He's going out.
Skinner stayed down after a hard hit from Brooks Orpik last night. The reigning Calder Trophy winner has an assist in two games since returning.
Line Change
With Henrique back between Parise and Kovalchuk,
Henrique practiced this morning on the top line and is likely to get back into the lineup. The rookie has 13 goals and 34 points in 40 games with the Devils.
No Adam Henrique at the morning skate
Henrique will not play tonight. Out since January 11th with a strained groin, the Devils will take it easy on their star rookie.
Line Change
Muller says plan is for Skinner to remain at center for Pens.
Skinner returned to the lineup yesterday and took a shot on goal. Expect him to get back to speed over the next couple of games.
Goalie Start
Mike Smith will be in goal for the Coyotes looking to continue his strong netminding.
In six career appearances against the Avs, Smith has a 4-1-1 record with a 1.56 GAA and .945 SV%.
Line Change
#hurricanes Jeff Skinner de retour au je ce soir. Will play tonight.
Skinner is expected to play tonight. He has 12 goals and 24 points in 30 games but last played on December 7th. Expect a bit of rust on the super-skilled forward.
Henrique out today with minor groin strain.
Keep Henrique on your bench for tonight's game. The rookie has 13 goals and 34 points in 40 games.
Dave Lewis bag skating Jeff Skinner. Doesn't look like kid goes in tonight.
The Canes play tomorrow so there is still a chance that Skinner gets back into the lineup this weekend.
Canes coach Kirk Muller said after today's practice that Skinner, out the last 15 games with a concussion, could return for tomorrow's game against the Boston Bruins. Then again, it could be Sunday against the Washington Capitals or Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Skinner could draw back into the lineup this weekend if he gets the OK. Before getting hurt he scored 12 goals and 24 points through 30 games. Keep your eyes peeled for the Rookie of the Year.
A Devils spokesperson said Henrique is “resting”.
Sounds like Henrique is recovering from a few bumps and bruises. The rookie has been arguably the team's best player, scoring 13 goals and 34 points. Check back for a further update on his status.
Line Change
Based on the skate here, looks like Evander Kane is back on the top unit with Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little
Kane moves back onto the Little line after briefly watching captain Andrew Ladd take his place. His 18 goals still rank first on the team but his 31 points are one behind the red-hot Blake Wheeler.
Skinner still in yellow.
Skinner continues to skate in a no-contact jersey. Even though fantasy hockey owners likely wish he would progress quicker, his constant presence during practice is a great sign.
Was thinking Skinner might be out of yellow today. Not so though.
Skinner continues to play without contact as the Canes take it easy with their youngster. If he continues to progress, he could shed the yellow jersey this week.
Goalie Start
Goalie Mike Smith, who stopped 27 shots in the game vs. LA, will be back in goal for the Coyotes, who have lost six of their past seven games (1-4-2). Smith has won both of his career games against the Islanders, stopping 66 of 68 shots in those games.
Skinner with team, continues solid progress.
Skinner still has no timetable for his return. He last played on December 7th.
Henrique, who had a goal and an assist, had a bit of a scare in the first period when he took a Kurtis Foster power-play point shot off his right foot/ankle. He went to the locker room briefly, but returned to take a regular shift for the remainder of the game,
Considering Henrique was still production through this injury, fantasy hockey owners should not be worried. The rookie has 11 goals and 30 points in 37 games. Expect him to stay in the lineup and center the top line.
Goalie Start
Goalie Mike Smith made 27 games in Tuesday's game, his first after missing six games because of a lower-body injury. Smith, who has stopped 57 of 61 shots in two games LA this season, is expected to be back in goal tonight. For his career, Smith owns a 6-2-2 record and a 1.62 goals-against average vs the Kings.