In their first game back from the Christmas break, the Canucks will turn to Casey DeSmith and give Thatcher Demko an extended rest, as they will not play again until January 2nd. DeSmith last played on December 19th, saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) in a 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators, and is amid a hot streak, allowing two goals or less, posting a .965 SV% while recording at least a point in each of his last three contests (2-0-1). The Canucks are -164 home favourites against a Philadelphia Flyers team that has lost two straight.

In their first game back from the Christmas break, the Canucks will likely turn to Casey DeSmith and give Thatcher Demko an extended rest, as they will not play again until January 2nd. DeSmith last played on December 19th, saving 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) in a 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators, and is amid a hot streak, allowing two goals or less, posting a .965 SV% while recording at least a point in each of his last three contests (2-0-1). The Canucks are -164 home favourites against a Philadelphia Flyers team that has lost two straight.

Lind will return to the AHL after making just one pointless appearance with the Kraken.

DeSmith has been nearly unbeatable in limited action this month and will start for the second time in three games when the Canucks visit the Nashville Predators. Despite only winning once in two December games (1-0-1), DeSmith has remarkably saved 56 of 57 shots faced (.982 SV%). The Canucks have won five of their last six (5-0-1) but are +111 road underdogs against a Predators club that has been rolling lately, winning seven of their last eight games (7-1-0).

Blackwell will make his season debut after missing the first two and a half months of the season recovering from a groin injury. Blackwell scored 10 points (2G / 8A) in 53 games in his first season with the Blackhawks last year. He is expected to skate on the third line with Jason Dickinson and Nick Foligno.

Smith will return to the lineup for the Devils as Colin Miller will be a healthy scratch. Smith has played only one of the last eight games for the Devils and has two points (0G / 2A), 36 hits, and 19 blocks while averaging 14:26 time-on-ice through 22 games.

The Stars coaching staff indicated that the team received positive results on Oettinger's evaluation, avoiding the worst outcome, but will still be without their starting goaltender on a week-to-week basis. Oettinger struggled before his injury, posting a 1-3-0 record and an ugly .823 SV% in his last five games. The Stars recalled Matt Murray from the Texas Stars (AHL), who will predominantly serve as the backup to Scott Wedgewood while Oettinger is out of the lineup.

Oettinger played only eight minutes before being lifted due to the injury. Scott Wedgewood will tend the twine for the Stars in his absence. We can expect to receive some sort of update from the Stars' on Oettinger's status following the completion of Friday's game.

Oettinger has allowed three or more goals in his last four games (1-3-0) and will start for the third consecutive game on Friday. After a sensational start to the season, posting a .938 SV% in his first seven games (5-1-1), Oettinger has seen a rapid decline in his play, posting an ugly .884 SV% in his 13 games since (6-1-1). Despite his struggles, the Stars have remained near the top of the Central Division standings and are -197 home favourites against an Ottawa Senators team that played last night and lost 4-2 in St. Louis.

Hintz was a very late scratch from the Stars contest on Saturday due to an illness, but after being a full participant at the morning skate on Monday, will likely return to the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings. Hintz has played well this season, scoring 22 points (10G / 12A) in 24 games, but has not yet been able to build on his point-per-game pace from the 2022-23 campaign when he scored 75 points (37G / 38A) in 73 games. Assuming he returns to the lineup, he should slot back into his familiar place, centring Joe Pavelski and Jason Robertson.

Lundkvist will be a healthy scratch for the fourth time in the last six games as the Stars will welcome Joel Hanley back into the lineup. Lundkvist, who was acquired by the Stars last offseason for a first-round pick, has failed to impress the Stars' coaching staff and establish himself as a permanent fixture in their lineup. He has seven points (0G / 7A), averaging 14:39 time-on-ice in 23 games this season.

Oettinger will start on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings after allowing six goals on 27 shots (.778 SV%) in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. After a tremendous start, Oettinger's season totals have fallen rapidly, posting a 2.84 GAA and .905 SV%, triggered by three consecutive losses where he has allowed four or more goals in each game, sporting an ugly .815 SV%. The Stars have been outscored 19-10 over their last four games (1-3-0) but are still sizeable -209 home favourites against a Red Wings team suffering a variety of injuries, most notably Dylan Larkin (upper-body) and J.T. Compher (soreness).

Seguin did not play in the third period for the Stars after suffering an undisclosed injury in the third period. Sam Steel replaced Seguin on the second line with Matt Duchene and Mason Marchment. Seguin's status for Thursday's game was up in the air, but thankfully he will be available for the Stars. Seguin has had a resurgent season, scoring 17 points (8G / 9A) through 24 games.