Over three career starts against the Devils, Smith holds a 1-0-2 record with a 2.53 GAA and .925 SV%.
Look for Demers to be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game. Through five games this season, the Dorval, Quebec produced two assists with a minus-4 rating.
Through four games against the team that drafted him, Smith holds a 2-0-2 record with a 2.68 GAA and .897 SV%.
The team remains coy with their decision on Nugent-Hopkins but it sounds like he will stay. Through his first seven games he scored five goals and seven points.
Smith has given up just four goals in his past three starts. [PhoenixCoyotes.com]
Skinner moves away from Staal but can score on his own.The reigning Calder Memorial Trophy winner has two goals and six points over his first seven games this season.
There was some speculation Nugent-Hopkins would sit in favor of Sam Gagner. Looks like the current first overall has more-than-earned his role with the team. The rookie currently has four goals and five points over his first six NHL games.
Demers, Colin White or Marc Eduoard Vlasic could sit tonight in favor for Braun. Considering the recent callup is a more offensive player, Demers sounds like the most logical choice to sit.
Ekholm loses all of his immediate fantasy hockey value by returning to the SEL.
In his first two games this season, Henrique was held pointless with a minus-2 rating. He likely gets the first crack at replacing Jacob Josefson down the middle.
Although coach Trotz hedged on his earlier comments regarding Ekholm, it likely means he draws out of the lineup the next time the Preds hit the ice. For the most part, the Swedish defender remains on the roster because of his options overseas. Jack Hillen probably becomes the sixth defenseman as Ekholm gets his feet wet in a smaller rink.
Over six games against the Kings, Smith holds a 5-1-0 record with a 1.51 GAA and .943 SV%.
Kane likely draws in for Brett MacLean. Through his first three games in a Jets uniform, the former fourth overall pick was snake-bitten with 12 SOG, no points and a minus-2 rating. Look for him to improve with some much needed rest.
Tough luck for Kane, who was already snake-bitten over his first three games. Look for Brett MacLean to draw back into the lineup and play on a scoring role.
Over 10 career starts against the Jets, Smith holds a 6-4-0 record, 2.58 GAA and .907 SV%.
Henrique needs more ice time as an offensive player. His demotion is a coy move by the Devils even though he loses all of his immediate fantasy hockey value.
Ekblom could fill in for Teemu Laakso on the blue line tonight. Last season he scored 10 goals and 33 points through 55 games with Brynas IF Gavle of the SEL. He could boost the team's offense from the third defensive pairing.
Kane contributed at both ends of the ice on Sunday but failed to show up on the box score. Last season he scored 19 goals and 43 points through 73 games with the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers. Expect him to improve on last season's totals.
Kane should play much better on a scoring line after toiling on the 'second line' with rookie Mark Scheifele and Kyle Wellwood. Last season he scored 19 goals and 43 points through 73 games with the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers. In his first game, he seemed somewhat out-of-place, getting held scoreless with a minus-1 rating.
Over three career starts against the Stars, Smith holds a 2-0-1 record with a 3.30 GAA and .878 SV%.
