Arvidsson has been out since November 10th with a broken thumb but is expected to play vs. the Stars. Arvidsson was playing very well before getting hurt, registering eight goals on 34 shots (23.5 SH%) with five assists (13 points) in 13 games. He will skate with Ryan Johansen and Calle Jarnkrok on the top line.
Delia stopped 35 of 36 shots in the Blackhawks win in Colorado last Friday. Delia was extremely impressive in his first start of the season after going 7-5-4 with a 2.34 GAA and .933 SV% in 17 games with Rockford (AHL). He will make his second start against a Wild squad that is 7-9-0 on the road this season.
Kulak has been a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace David Schlemko on Saturday. Kulak has just one assist in 12 games this season but is a solid daily fantasy punt—he averaging 2.1 shots per game and 0.8 blocked shots.
Ekholm was a late scratch from Thursday’s lineup in Philadelphia but will play today in Boston. Ekholm has three goals and 19 assists (22 points) in 35 games this season.
Hyman suffered an ankle injury in New Jersey and missed Thursday’s game. Head coach Mike Babcock told reporters post-game that Hyman tried to play through it but it is serious enough to keep him sidelined until at least early-January.
Smith was pulled after allowing four goals on 14 shots in the Flames loss to the Flyers on December 12th. It was an ugly end to a six-game winning streak for Smith, who will face the Blues for the second time this afternoon. Smith was yanked in the first meeting after he allowed five goals on 24 shots in a 5-3 loss in St. Louis (Oct.11).
Stecher is in concussion protocol after being hit by Danick Martel during Tuesday’s game vs. the Lightning. Alex Biega will replace Stecher in the lineup.
Smith was forced to leave Wednesday’s game vs. the Flyers with an undisclosed injury and is officially listed as day-to-day. Jon Gillies comes up from Stockton (AHL) to serve as David Rittich’s backup while Smith is out.
Caggiula has missed the last four games with a hand injury but was activated from IR on Wednesday and will play on Thursday. Caggiula is expected to skate on the fourth line with Ryan Spooner and Tobias Rieder.
Caggiula has missed the last four games with a hand injury but was activated from IR on Wednesday, which will allow him to return to the lineup on Thursday. Caggiula has 10 points (7G / 3A) in 23 games this season.
Smith allowed two goals on 27 shots in the Flames win over the Predators on Saturday. Smith has won his last five starts while posting a 1.59 GAA, .941 SV% and one shutout. Smith has done a great job putting a terrible spot behind him and draws a strong matchup tonight. The Flyers are 12-13-3 on the season, including 7-6-1 on the road this year.
Smith allowed two goals on 27 shots in the Flames win over the Predators on Saturday. Smith has won his last five starts while posting a 1.59 GAA, .941 SV% and one shutout. Smith has done a great job putting a terrible spot behind him and draws a strong matchup tonight. The Flyers are 12-13-3 on the season, including 7-6-1 on the road this year.
Hyman will miss Tuesday’s game in Carolina and Thursday’s game in Tampa Bay before being eligible to return Saturday in Florida. Hyman was given a five-minute interference penalty on the play and was forced to answer the bell against Matt Grzelcyk. You should see either William Nylander or Patrick Marleau move back into the top-6 with Hyman suspended.
Smith stopped all 31 shots that he faced in the Flames shutout win over the Wild on Thursday. Smith has been unbelievable as of late, going 5-0-0 while stopping 107 of the 114 shots (.939 SV%) that he has faced. In his first two starts against the Predators, Smith has gone 1-1-0 with a 2.03 GAA and .945 SV%.
Smith all owed three goals on 16 shots after replacing David Rittich in the Flames 9-6 win in Columbus on Tuesday. Smith has suddenly rattled off four straight wins, allowing a combined seven goals on 83 shots (.916 SV%). With David Rittich struggling on Tuesday, a strong performance tonight could go a long way in Smith re-claiming the No.1 job in Calgary.
