Nichushkin has not played since January 10th before entering the NHL's Player Assistance program. He has missed 17 games and, despite returning to practice on Monday, will miss at least two more as he reaclimates to the team. Before his absence, Nichushkin was scoring at a torrid pace with 21 points (19G / 9A) in his last 15 games.
On the front end of a back-to-back, the Stars will turn to Wedgweood between the pipes. Wedgewood has not recorded a victory in over a month but has played well in losing efforts lately, including saving 18 of 19 shots entering a 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators last week in relief of Jake Oettinger. Wedgewood and the Stars were defeated 3-2 in overtime against the New York Islanders last month, but they enter action as -158 home favourites on Monday night.
On the front end of a back-to-back, the Stars will turn to Wedgweood between the pipes. Wedgewood has not recorded a victory in over a month but has played well in losing efforts lately, including saving 18 of 19 shots entering a 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators last week in relief of Jake Oettinger. Wedgewood and the Stars were defeated 3-2 in overtime against the New York Islanders last month, but they enter action as -158 home favourites on Monday night.
Barre-Boulet has been a healthy scratch most of the season for Tampa Bay but suddenly played in four of the last seven games. In his last outing, Barre-Boulet played 7:42 time-on-ice, recording one shot and three hits.
O'Connor has missed the last four games due to a lower-body injury but will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. Before his injury, O'Connor had six points (5G / 1A) in his last seven games while averaging just north of 15 minutes per night.
MacDonald made his return to the Sharks lineup on Monday after being a healthy scratch in his previous outing but was placed on waivers by the Sharks on Tuesday. In 22 games this season, MacDonald has seven points (6G / 1A), 34 shots, and 33 hits.
MacDonald made his return to the Sharks lineup on Monday after being a healthy scratch in his previous outing but was placed on waivers by the Sharks on Tuesday. In 22 games this season, MacDonald has seven points (6G / 1A), 34 shots, and 33 hits.
O'Connor has missed the last three games due to a lower-body injury and will miss a fourth on Tuesday despite continuing to be listed as day-to-day. Before his injury, O'Connor had six points (5G / 1A) in his last seven games while averaging just north of 15 minutes per night.
Olofsson has not played the last two games and will miss at least two more. His next opportunity to return to the lineup will be at home on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Olofsson has zero points in his last eight games.
On the back end of a back-to-back, the Stars will rely on Wedgewood between the pipes, his first start since February 7th. Wedgewood has been serviceable but unspectacular between the pipes this season, posting a 3.03 GAA and .897 SV% in 24 games (13-5-4). That said, he manned the crease against the New York Rangers earlier this season and saved 30 of 33 shots (.909 SV%) in a 6-3 victory. The Stars enter action as +116 road underdogs against the Rangers.
MacDonald did not play on Saturday after playing four straight but will re-enter the lineup on Monday in favour of Nikita Okhotyuk. In 21 games this season, MacDonald has seven points (6G / 1A), 34 shots, and 30 hits.
Blackwood will return to the crease for the Sharks on Monday after having the night off on Saturday. The 27-year-old Blackwood is quietly amid an impressive four-game winning streak, allowing three or fewer goals in each and posting a stellar .939 SV%. That said, the Sharks are sizeable +236 home underdogs against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Barre-Boulet has been a healthy scratch most of the season for Tampa Bay but has suddenly drawn into the lineup in four of the last seven games. In his last outing, Barre-Boulet played 5:28 time-on-ice and recorded one shot on goal.
Blackwood will return to the crease on Thursday night, his first game since January 30th. The 27-year-old Blackwood has quietly won his last three games, his best streak of the season, allowing three or fewer goals in each contest while posting a stellar .948 SV%. That said, the Sharks are sizeable +275 road underdogs against the Calgary Flames, winners of four of their last five (4-1-0).
Barre-Boulet has been a healthy scratch for the Lightning most of this season but will draw into the lineup for the second time in the past three games on Thursday night. In his last outing, Barre-Boulet played 11:50 time-on-ice, registering one hit.
O'Connor was a late scratch for Tuesday's game, with the team not announcing his absence before warmups. His timeline does not appear to be longterm but he will be out of the lineup again on Thursday.
