Tarasov allowed four goals on 39 shots (.897 SV%) to pick up his third straight loss in a defeat to the league leading Boston Bruins in his last start. The 23-year-old has arguably been the Blue Jackets' best net minder this season even though he is only 2-5-1 with a .908 SV% and 3.27 GAA. He will face the Dallas Stars, who are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss but are fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.63).
This will be a massive loss for the Blue Jackets as they will be without their top centre for at least four weeks due to him undergoing surgery to repair a fractured thumb. Columbus' captain had been enjoying a strong first half of the season, with 11 goals, 22 points, 93 SOG and five PPG through 30 games while averaging the most time amongst their forwards with 20:11 ATOI.
Tarasov last took the crease for Columbus on Nov. 28, allowing two goals on 36 shots (.944 SV%) as he, unfortunately, took the overtime loss to Vegas. Columbus' third goaltender has been their best this season in limited time, with his 2-3-1 record, 3.17 GAA and .912 SV%. He will face the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won five of their last six games and rank fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.61).
Merzlikins allowed five goals on 38 shots (.868 SV%) but still picked up the victory as he defeated Los Angeles in his last start. It has been a tough go so far for the 28-year-old, with a 4-7-0 record, .862 SV% and 4.83 GAA. He faces the Florida Panthers, who have lost three of their last four games but are first in the NHL in shots per game (37.8).
The Canadiens will be without Monahan's services for a while as he is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old has been having a resurgent first season in Montreal, with six goals and 17 points with 55 SOG and 16 PIMs through 25 games this season.
Merzlikins allowed five goals on 38 shots (.868 SV%) but still picked up the victory as he defeated Los Angeles in his last start. It has been a tough go so far for the 28-year-old, with a 4-7-0 record, .862 SV% and 4.83 GAA. He faces the Florida Panthers, who have lost three of their last four games but are first in the NHL in shots per game (37.8).
Tarasov has not been great in the AHL with Cleveland, as shown by his .850 SV% and 4.29 GAA through four starts but has still earned himself the call-up to Columbus Monday. He has been solid with the Blue Jackets through seven appearances this season, with a 2-3-1 record, .912 SV% and 3.17 GAA.
Greaves did not see any NHL action in his short stint with the Blue Jackets and will head back to Cleveland (AHL) where he has struggled so far this season. In 10 games, he has a 4-3-4 record, a .878 SV% and a 4.10 GAA.
Christiansen has sat out Columbus' last two contests as a healthy scratch but will draw back into the lineup Friday as they take on Calgary. The 23-year-old has an assist, 11 SOG and is a -4 plus/minus through 10 games of limited action this season.
Kuraly will be a game-time decision Friday after picking up 18 PIMs in the Blue Jackets' previous contest vs. Buffalo. The 29-year-old veteran has six goals, nine points, 24 PIMs and 36 SOG through 23 GP this season.
Gambrell was a healthy scratch for the Senators' previous game but finds himself back in the lineup in place of Parker Kelly Thursday. The 26-year-old has only appeared in eight games thus far but has a goal, seven shots, and 17 PIMs in eight games this season.
van Riemsdyk has missed the last 20 games with a finger injury but is set to play vs. the Capitals on Wednesday. van Riemsdyk will likely start in a bottom-6 role and on PP2.
Monahan suffered an undisclosed injury midway through Monday's overtime loss in Vancouver. With Monahan out and Brendan Gallagher still dealing with an injury, the Canadiens will dress seven defensemen on Tuesday.
Monahan left Monday's game vs. Vancouver after playing just 10 shifts and 10:15 TOI and will be questionable to play Tuesday vs. Seattle. The 28-year-old has been enjoying a resurgent bounce-back season in his first year in Montreal having six goals and 17 points with 55 SOG through 25 GP.
The return of Derick Brassard from a two-game absence means Dylan Gambrell will be the odd man out of the Senators' lineup Tuesday as they take on Los Angeles. In eight games this season he has one goal, seven shots and seven PIMs while playing limited minutes averaging only 10:00 TOI.
Marchenko was recalled from the AHL on Monday morning. He skated with Cole Sillinger and Yegor Chinakhov and on the top power-play unit in Monday's practice.
Merzlikins allowed two goals on 17 shots (.882 SV%) his last time out in a relief appearance where he saw no decision vs. the Philadelphia Flyers. The 28-year-old has been horrendous this season with his .864 SV%, 4.74 GAA and 2-5-0 record. He will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins who have won their last two games and are sixth in the NHL in goals for (3.52) and eighth in shots (33.7).
