Smith stopped all 16 shots that he faced after replacing David Rittich in the Flames 9-6 win in Columbus on Tuesday. Suddenly Smith is playing well, having recorded four consecutive wins while stopping 79 of the last 83 shots (.952 SV%) that he has faced. Smith will get a chance to try and re-claim the stats as the Flames’ No.1 tonight as he tries to stay hot against the Wild.
McDavid was a late scratch from Monday’s game in Dallas but will be back on the Oilers top line on Wednesday. McDavid obviously provides a massive boost to the Edmonton line as he comes into Wednesday tied for 17th in the NHL in assists (21) and tied for seventh in points (35).
Caggiula took part in Tuesday’s practice but will not play on Wednesday due to a hand injury. Connor McDavid and Ryan Spooner will draw back into the lineup, replacing Caggiula.
McDavid skipped the Oilers morning skate but is fully expected to play in Dallas. This is obviously great news for the Oilers. McDavid has 14 goals and 21 assists (35 points) in 26 games this season. Expect him to centre the top line with Leon Draisaitl and Alex Chiasson.
Smith allowed one goal on 29 shots in the Flames win in Arizona on Sunday. It was an important game for Smith, who is fighting for starts with David Rittich. Smith is 2-3-0 with a 2.86 GAA and .891 SV% in November and draws another solid matchup with the Kings in town—especially on the tail-end of a back-to-back.
The Coyotes are dealing with some goaltending injuries right now with both Antti Raanta and Darcy Kuemper ailing. Pickard had some ups and downs with the Flyers this season, ultimately posting a 4-2-2 record, 4.01 GAA and .863 SV% in 11 games.
Pickard stopped all 31 shots that he faced in the Flyers shutout win over the Rangers on Friday afternoon. After recording his first shutout of the season and the extra couple hours of rest, Pickard will start on back-to-back nights. The 26-year-old is 2-1-1 with a 3.45 GAA and .887 SV% on the road this season and will be in difficult against his former squad in Toronto.
Pickard stopped all eight shots that he faced after replacing Alex Lyon in the Flyers loss in Buffalo on Wednesday. Pickard is still looking for win No.4 on the season, having won his last game on November 5th. Pickard has a hideous 4.13 GAA and .858 SV% in nine games this season, so it’s impossible to trust him on a busy 15-game night in the NHL.
Kulak has had a nice start to the season in the AHL, leading all Laval defensemen with 11 points (3G / 8A) in 19 games. There is no word whether or not Kulak will make his Canadiens debut on Friday.
Pickard stopped the only shot that he faced after replacing Brian Elliott in the Flyers loss to the Devils on Thursday. With Elliott on IR, Pickard will remain between the pipes this afternoon. Pickard has an ugly 4.33 GAA and .865 SV% in seven appearances this season.
Demers was forced to leave Thursday’s game late in the third period after suffering an apparent right leg injury. Demers was unable to put weight on his leg as he was being helped off of the ice, suggesting that he could miss an extended period of time.
Arvidsson missed three games with a lower-body injury before returning last Saturday, when he suffered a broken thumb. Arvidsson will be out until at least late-December, which means Kevin Fiala and Colton Sissons will continue to see expanded roles. Top prospects Elli Tolvanen could be called up to fill-in for Arvidsson.
Smith surrendered two goals on 28 shots in the Flames 3-1 loss i San Jose on Sunday. Smith has actually been much better on the road than he has been on home-ice. Through six starts in Calgary, Smith is 3-2-1 with a 4.34 GAA and .840 SV%, so you may be best to avoid him tonight as they host the Canadiens.
