Raanta has missed the last six games but will serve as Adin Hill’s backup on Friday. Darcy Kuemper is day-to-day with a “very minor” lower-body injury, so expect Hill and Raanta to split their Friday/Saturday back-to-back with the Avalanche.

Raanta allowed three goals on 34 shots in the Coyotes win over the Sharks on January 16th. Raanta missed some time with an undisclosed injury but will return to the crease on Thursday. Raanta has been solid since joining the Coyotes in 2018, going 42-37-9 with a 2.47 GAA and .924 SV% but draws a tough assignment in St. Louis.

Raanta has fallen behind Darcy Kuemper in recent years but he's still expected to see his fair share of starts in 2021. Raanta, who had a 2.63 GAA and .921 SV% last year, is one of the best No.2 netminders in the NHL. The 31-year-old was excellent on home ice last year, going 10-5-1 with a 2.11 GAA and .933 SV% in Arizona.

Raanta was on the bench for the majority of the second period before being replaced by Adin Hill, who took over as the Coyotes backup. Raanta has had trouble with injuries in recent years but it's hard to imagine he got hurt on the bench. Perhaps Raanta is under the weather but either way, it will be all Darcy Kuemper if Raanta is unavailable.