O'Connor played in seven straight games, posting one goal on eight shots (12.5 SH%) with a plus-3 rating and two PIMS. HIs return to the AHL bodes well for Gabriel Landeskog, who is a game-time decision for Thursday's game.
Landeskog has been sidelined by a lower-body injury since October 26th but all signs are pointing towards him playing Thursday in Montreal. Landeskog, who had three goals and four assists in 11 games before getting hurt, will likely be back on the top-line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen.
Kamenev is day-to-day with an illness, which also makes him questionable to play Thursday in Montreal. Matt Calvert will return to the lineup on Wednesday and replace Kamenev.
The Avalanche announced that they expect Langeskog to return during their three-game road-trip but it won't be Wednesday. Landeskog was on the ice for the morning skate, so it's entirely possible he will play in the second-half of the back-to-back in Montreal.
Blackwood allowed two goals on 17 shots after replacing Louis Domingue in last night's blowout loss in Buffalo. On the tail-end of a back-to-back, Blackwood will make his 18th start of the season. The 22-year-old has gone 3-4-3 with a 2.74 GAA and .895 SV% on home-ice this season so it'd be wise to avoid him with the Golden Knights in town.
Blackwood allowed four goals on 48 shots in the Devils' win in Montreal on Thursday. Blackwood has allowed three-plus goals in four straight starts and is now 6-4-1 with a 3.04 GAA and .911 SV% in November. In his first start against the Rangers, Blackwood stopped 29 of 31 shots in a 5-2 win (Oct.17).
Blackwood surrendered five goals on 28 shots in the Devils loss to the Bruins on Tuesday. Blackwood has gone 5-3-1 with a 2.73 GAA and .012 SV% in nine starts this month. Tonight he faces the Penguins for the second time this season--he stopped 38 of 39 shots in a 2-1 win in their first meeting.
Francouz has missed the last two games but will serve as Philipp Grubauer's backup on Tuesday. Colorado will get both of their goalies back tonight, but look for Francouz to start soon to ensure that Grubauer eases back into things.
Blackwood gave up three goals on 34 shots in the Devils win in Montreal on Saturday. Blackwood has won three of his last four starts while posting a 2.00 GAA and .938 SV%. With Cory Schneider going on waivers and Louis Domingue coming up, Blackwood could have more competition for starts moving forward. He'll see a Bruins squad that has lost four of their last six on the road.
Francouz has missed the last two games with a concussion that he suffered before facing a single shot in Winnipeg last Tuesday. Philipp Grubauer is expected to be back tomorrow as well, so look for Francouz to serve as the backup.
Francouz was forced to leave Tuesday's game vs. the Jets after being run over by Mark Scheifele and the Avalanche confirmed that he is in concussion protocol. Head coach Jared Bednar said that Francouz is "feeling pretty good" and maybe "only be out another day or two." With both of their top two netminders out, Adam Werner will start in Edmonton.
Blackwood allowed three goals on 24 shots in the Devils loss to the Senators on Wednesday. Blackwood has won three of his last five starts while posting a 2.57 GAA and .915 SV%. He has cemented himself as the Devils’ No.1 netminder and enters Friday at 2-2-3 with a. 2.62 GAA, .892 SV% and one shutout in seven home appearances.
Blackwood stopped 30 of 31 shots in the Devils win in Vancouver on Sunday. Blackwood has won three of his last four starts while posting a solid 2.45 GAA and .922 SV%. He has clearly taken over as the Devils' No.1 starter--Tuesday will be his ninth start in their last 11 games. He is 2-1-3 with a 2.54 GAA, .896 SV% and one shutout on home ice.
Francouz allowed two goals on 41 shots in Colorado's win over the Blue Jackets on Saturday. Since taking over for the injured Philipp Grubauer, Francouz has won both of his games while stopping 59 of 65 shots (.908 SV%). He will look to keep rolling in Winnipeg against a Jets team that has gone 4-0-1 with 3.00 goals per game in their last five outings.
