Igor Shesterkin is still sidelined with an ankle injury, so Georgiev will get the call for the second time in as many nights. He allowed three goals on 26 shots in last night's 4-3 victory over the Wild. Georgiev is now 3-2 with a .901 SV% over his last six appearances. He'll have to be at the top of his game tonight to out-duel a rested Elvis Merzlikins.
With Nazem Kadri out with a lower-body injury, Kamenev will play for the first time since January 20th. Kamenev, who will skate on the fourth line and likely PP2, has one goal and five assists (six points) in 23 games this season.
Francouz allowed three goals on 25 shots in Colorado's win over the Red Wings on January 20th. Philipp Grubauer has started the last four games but Francouz will start the second half of the back-to-back tonight in Minnesota. In his first start vs. the Wild, Francouz gave up five goals on 32 shots in a 6-4 loss.
Head coach Jeff Blashill said that Helm will miss tonight’s game in Columbus but did not disclose what type of injury that veteran is dealing with. Look for Brendan Perlini to replace him in the Red Wings’ lineup.
Georgiev allowed one goal on six shots in relief of Henrik Lundqvist vs. the Stars on Monday. Since Christmas, Georgiev has gone 3-3-0 with a 3.63 GAA and .893 SV% but draws an amazing matchup with the Sabres in town. They are coming off of a loss vs. the Red Wings last night and have lost five of their last six (1-4-1) while averaging 1.67 goals per game.
With Mark Giordano out for at least one week, Kylington will be back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch Tuesday vs. the Sharks. Kylington has one goal and three assists (four points) in 40 games this season.
Kiviranta has no points in seven NHL games but has 20 points (11G / 9A) in 38 AHL games this season. With Roope Hintz and Justin Dowling out, Kiviranta will be on the fourth line on Saturday.
Lehkonen missed practice the last two days and will be a game-time decision on Thursday. Monitor his status during the Canadiens' morning skate in Buffalo.
Drouin has been out since mid-November after undergoing wrist surgery on November 18th. Drouin practiced for the second straight day on Wednesday but will need a few more skates before returning to the lineup. Monitor his status heading into their back-to-back on Saturday/Sunday.
Cogliano left Monday's game with a lower-body injury and did not return. The veteran winger was not on the ice for Tuesday's practice and is officially questionable to play vs. the Maple Leafs. If Cogliano can't play, the Stars will dress seven defensemen.
Francouz allowed four goals on 30 shots in Colorado's loss to the Penguins on January 10th. Francouz has lost three in a row while allowing 10 goals on 95 shots (.895 SV%). Despite a few tough outings in a row, he is 11-4-2 with a .926 SV% on the season, so you should be able to trust him this afternoon vs. the last place Red Wings.
This isn't surprising with the Islanders in town. Georgiev started both games vs. the Isles last week, going 2-0 while stopping 70 of the 74 shots (.946 SV%) that he faced. He is now 4-1-0 with a 1.40 GAA, .955 SV% and one shutout in his career against the Islanders and makes for a solid option on a quiet Tuesday in the NHL.
Georgiev allowed two goals on 34 shots in the Rangers win over the Islanders on Monday. It was another strong outing for Georgiev, who is now 3-1-0 with a 1.21 GAA, .957 SV% and one shutout in four career outings vs. the Islanders. He comes into Thursday at 8-4-0 with a 3.01 GAA and .919 SV% on the road.
Poolman was forced to leave Sunday's game with a lower-body injury and will miss the rest of the Jets home stand. With Poolman out, Neal Pionk will move up to play with Josh Morrissey and Luca Sbisa is expected to draw back into the lineup.
Georgiev allowed two goals on 27 shots in the Rangers' 2-1 loss in Vancouver on January 4th. It was a better outing for Georgiev, who allowed a combined 16 goals in his previous three outings. He has struggled at Madison Square Garden (2-5-1 | 3.41 GAA | .893 SV%) this season but has been great against the Islanders in his young career, going 2-1-0 with a 0.87 GAA, .967 SV% and one shutout in three starts.
