New Jersey Devils News

Mantha is listed as a game-time decision for Thursday's game but being activated from IR clears the way and suggests that he will play tonight. Mantha is expected to skate on the second line with Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie and will be on the second power-play unit.

Mantha was on the ice for Thursday's morning skate and all signs are pointing towards him playing for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in early November. Head coach Peter Laviolette would not commit to Mantha playing, so consider him a game-time decision.

Mantha was a full participant on Wednesday and could be back in the Capitals lineup on Thursday. Head coach Peter Laviolette did not rule Mantha out, so monitor his status during Thursday's morning skate.

Hatakka has been recalled to help replace Mario Ferraro, who is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured fibula. Hatakka appeared in seven games with the Sharks earlier in the season but has spent most of the year with the Barracuda, where he has three points (1G / 2A) in 20 games.

Hamilton has been sidelined since January 2nd but is set to return to the lineup on Thursday. Damon Severson played very well while Hamilton was out, posting 14 points (2G / 12A) in 16 games and he will remain on PP1 in Hamilton's return. Hamilton had 10 points (2G / 8A) in his last 15 games before getting hurt, with nine of those points coming at 5v5.

Bratt has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but is expected to play Thursday in Pittsburgh. Bratt will return to the Devils' top-6 and will skate with Nico Hischier and Pavel Zacha. Prior to getting hurt, Bratt had six goals and 13 assists (19 points) in his last 16 games.