Nichushkin will not play on Thursday due to a lower-body injury, his first time exiting the lineup since returning from the NHL Player's Assistance Program. The 29-year-old Nichushkin hasn't missed a beat, scoring eight points (4G / 4A) in his last eight games but has been held off the scoresheet in two straight.
Kiviranta did not participate in the morning skate on Thursday due to an illness and will remain out of the lineup for the Avalanche. Kiviranta has not played since March 13th and will miss his sixth straight contest on Thursday.
MacDonald played the last six games for the Sharks but only averaged slightly above 10 minutes of ice time in his last two contests. The 31-year-old defenseman has eight points (6G / 2A), 34 hits, and 17 blocks in 30 games this season.
The Sharks, losers of eight straight, will attempt to stop the bleeding by turning to Blackwood in the crease for the third time in the last four games. Blackwood has allowed 10 combined goals in his last two games, including six on 41 shots (.854 SV%) on Tuesday, a 6-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Sharks enter action as sizeable +329 road underdogs against the Minnesota Wild.
The Sharks, losers of eight straight, will attempt to stop the bleeding by turning to Blackwood in the crease for the third time in the last four games. Blackwood has allowed 10 combined goals in his last two games, including six on 41 shots (.854 SV%) on Tuesday, a 6-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Sharks enter action as sizeable +329 road underdogs against the Minnesota Wild.
Colorado is dealing with an injury bug as Samuel Girard and Joel Kiviranta missed practice on Wednesday, so Jean-Luc Foudy has been recalled ahead of Thursday's game to provide depth in Tcase either of the players cannot play. The 21-year-old has appeared in one game this season and was incredibly efficient, scoring his first career goal off two SOG and 10:20 TOI.
The Capitals recalled Phillips just three days after assigning him to Hershey on Sunday. Phillips has one goal and four assists in 31 games split between the Capitals and Penguins this season.
Ludvig appears to be the odd-man out on Tuesday as Ryan Graves is set to return to the Penguins' lineup. Ludvig has three goals and two assists in 32 games this season.
Riding a four-game winning streak, the Stars will turn to Wedgewood between the pipes for the first time since March 16th. Wedgewood has been excellent in limited action lately, posting a .937 SV% across his last three appearances (2-0-0). The Stars enter action as enormous -412 road favourites against the San Jose Sharks. Wedgewood will likely see a consistent workload down the stretch to keep Jake Oettinger fresh as the team prepares for the playoffs.
The Sharks will turn to Blackwood between the pipes for the second time in three games since he returned from a prolonged absence due to injury. The Sharks have lost seven straight, and their fate was no difference inserting Blackwood into the crease, as he allowed four goals on 21 shots (.810 SV%) in a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday.
Wedgewood was away from the team for Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes to attend to the birth of his child. He will return to his usual backup duties behind Oettinger on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Phillips has not played a game with the Capitals since February 22nd but could draw back into their lineup on Friday in anticipation of a lengthy suspension for Tom Wilson. In 27 games with the Capitals this season, Phillips has five points (1G / 4A).
Phillips has not played a game with the Capitals since February 22nd but could draw back into their lineup on Friday in anticipation of a lengthy suspension for Tom Wilson. In 27 games with the Capitals this season, Phillips has five points (1G / 4A).
Blackwood has been out of the lineup since suffering a groin injury on February 27th. Magnus Chrona has served predominantly as the starting netminder recently due to Blackwood's injury and Kaapo Kahkonen's trade to the New Jersey Devils. With Chrona reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL), Blackwood will likely take control of the Sharks' crease. Blackwood has a 3.48 GAA and .899 SV% in 35 games this season (9-18-3).
Blackwood has been out of the lineup since suffering a groin injury on February 27th. Magnus Chrona has served predominantly as the starting netminder recently due to Blackwood's injury and Kaapo Kahkonen's trade to the New Jersey Devils. With Chrona being reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL), Blackwood will likely take control of the Sharks' crease.
Dallas has recalled Matt Murray from the Texas Stars (AHL) to backup Jake Oettinger in the interim. Wedgewood was excellent in his last outing, saving 27 of 28 shots (.964 SV%) in a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings and will likely return to the team on Friday for their contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Lindgren left the Rangers' game on Sunday after a horrific leg injury and is luckily only considered week-to-week and is expected to return by season's end. The 26-year-old defensemen likely closes out his regular season with two goals, 13 points, 60 SOG, 30 PIMs and a +19 plus/minus through 66 games played before his injury.
