Backstrom has missed the first 28 games of the season but could be back Wednesday vs. the Blackhawks. Backstrom practiced on the second line and top power-play unit on Monday but head coach Peter Laviolette could not confirm that he would be available for his season debut on Wednesday.
Mangiapane was one of six Flames players that were added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Monday morning. Calgary's next three games have been postponed as a result of this outbreak.
Bear missed Thursday's game in Calgary due to an illness. He was on the ice for warmups but ended up being a late scratch, so monitor his status closely on Saturday.
Strome was a healthy scratch on Thursday but will replace Henrik Borgstrom (illness) in the lineup on Saturday. Strome, who has two goals and three assists in 16 games this season, will centre a line with Dominik Kubalik and Philipp Kurashev.
With Brock Nelson and Casey Cizikas returning to the lineup, someone has to sit. Head coach Barry Trotz said Beauviller will serve as the healthy scratch and added that "others can take it as a message." Beauvillier has zero points in his last 13 games.
Borgstrom was promoted to the top line and scored a goal in Thursday's win in Montreal but will not be available on Saturday. With Borgstrom out, Dylan Strome will re-enter the lineup and Kirby Dach will be promoted to the top line.
Strome picked up one goal and one assist in his last two games but will come back out of the lineup on Thursday. Philipp Kurashev will draw back into the lineup to replace Strome.
Sandin's MRI revealed no structural damage, so he won't be out as long as originally feared. Head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters on Monday that the young blueline is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Sandin left Saturday's game vs. the Jets after a knee-on-knee collision with Neal Pionk. The Jets' defenseman was suspended for two games for the play but it looks like Sandin could miss an extended period of time. The Maple Leafs recalled Alex Biega and Kristiāns Rubīns from the AHL to help replace Sandin.
Dowd was moved to the COVID-19 protocol list on Friday and will not play on Saturday. With Dowd out, Lars Eller may centre the Capitals' checking line with Carl Hagelin and Garnet Hathaway.
van Riemsdyk will not play Saturday after being added to the COVID-19 protocol list after the morning skate. Matt Irwin will make his season debut with van Riemsdyk out.
Bear was in COVID-19 protocol and missed the last six games. He took regular reps in Friday's practice but remains a game-time decision for Saturday's game vs. the Sabres.
Jordan Binnington was added to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list, so Lindgren will join the Blues in Tampa and is expected to serve as Ville Husso's backup.
