Talbot allowed three goals on 29 shots (.897 SV%) for his third loss in five games as he was beaten by the Carolina Hurricanes in his last start. The 35-year-old has had an injury-filled first year in Ottawa, which has led to his 12-14-1 record, 2.90 GAA and .905 SV%. He will face the red-hot Detroit Red Wings, who have won 8 of their last 10 contests after dropping their last game 3-0 to Tampa Bay.
Talbot last took the crease on January 25th due to a lower-body injury but was perfect in that start, stopping all 14 of 14 New York Islander shots for the win. The 35-year-old's first season in Ottawa has not gone as planned, as shown by his 12-13-1 record, 2.90 GAA and .905 SV%. He will face one of the NHLs hottest teams in Carolina, who have won their last four games after a 4-1 win over St. Louis.
Berggren has 11 goals, 10 assists, 60 SOG, 14 PIMs and is a -2 plus/minus through 43 games this season but will be a healthy scratch Thursday as Detroit takes on New York. Filip Zadina will be replacing him in the Red Wings' lineup.
Lyon had a 3-2-1 record, with a 3.89 GAA and .892 SV% with the Panthers earlier in the season during his previous call-up and has been recalled again Wednesday. The 30-year-old leaves Charlotte (AHL), where he was 11-9-1 with a 2.62 GAA and .906 SV%.
Simek hasn't played on December 31st due to an upper-body injury but has been activated off the injured reserve Wednesday. The 30-year-old stay-at-home defenseman has a goal, an assist, 25 PIMs and a -9 plus/minus through 31 games played before his injury.
Petry was absent from the Penguins' practice Wednesday due to illness and is now questionable to play Thursday vs. Edmonton. The 35-year-old has three goals, 16 assists, 78 SOG, 18 PIMs and a +1 plus/minus through 40 games played this season.
Motte was dealt to New York for Julen Gautheir and a seventh-round pick Sunday and will make his Rangers' debut Monday. The 27-year-old had three goals, six assists, 65 SOG and four PIMs through 38 games with Ottawa prior to the deal.
Holl was a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs' previous game but will draw back into the lineup Saturday vs. Montreal. The 31-year-old has two goals, nine assists, 41 SOG, 26 PIMs and a +9 plus/minus through 54 games this season.
Watson has four goals, two assists, 52 SOG, 56 PIMs and a -11 plus/minus through 50 games this season but will miss Friday's game vs. Chicago due to illness. He will hope to be back in the lineup soon to break his current 12-game pointless drought.
