Smith returned to the lineup Saturday and made 38 saves, plus two more in the shootout, as the Coyotes defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 to remain alive for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference. This is a huge game for both teams, so Smith will need to be at his best tonight.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will fly to Cleveland Sunday to have his shoulder examined.
And a last minute start for Smith who is able to play though his injury.
No word yet on the extent of Demers' injury.
Skinner looks due to make his return tonight on the second line.
With Skinner out, the Canes only skates 11 forwards this morning. Ruutu found himself on the second line and the 4th line was missing a skater. Will update as we learn more. They could go with 7 D or play Bergeron on forward, although he did practice as a D-man.
Smith's injury came at an unfortunate time for fantasy owners who have largely been without the goalie's services for the last month. The good news is, however, that Smith did skate briefly today and will accompany the team on their upcoming road trip.
Could be troublesome for Skinner who has a history of concussions already in his short NHL career.
Labarbera starts tonight and Johnson recalled on emergency basis. Will update as we know more but this is a big blow to fantasy owners if he's out for an extended period.
Ekholm will probably take the place of defenseman Kevin Klein, who has what Predators coach Barry Trotz called a “below the neck” injury. The last time Ekholm wore a Predators sweater was Oct. 20, 2011.
Ekholm is not expected to have any fantasy relevance.
Smith allowed just one goal on 30 shots in a 3-1 win over the Oilers on Wednesday. He has a great matchup tonight vs. the Flames, start him with confidence.
Smith allowed just one goal on 41 shots in a 2-0 loss to the Canucks on Monday. He has posted a 0.51 GAA and .985 SV% in two starts since returning from his upper-body injury. He faces a skilled Oilers team that can score at any time.
Given that he's missed most of this season, Murray is expected to need another year of seasoning before cracking the 2013-14 CBJ roster.
Smith posted a 24-save shutout vs. the Avalanche on Saturday. It was his first game game since suffering an upper-body injury that forced him to miss six games. He has a tough matchup tonight against the Canucks who are 8-2-0 in their last 10.
Demers has missed the Sharks last four games with a concussion. He will return to the lineup tonight and take Tennyson's spot on the blueline.
Smith has missed the Coyotes last six games with an upper-body injury. Phoenix did pretty well without their #1 goalie, going 3-1-2 in those six games. Smith will likely start the vast majority of the Coyotes remaining 10 games after tonight. The matchup with the Avs is a good one.
Smith missed the Coyotes last six games with an upper-body injury.
Demers will miss his fourth straight game with a concussion.
