Koekkoek has been a healthy scratch for the last 18 games so the Lightning have sent him down to get some playing time. The 24-year-old, who has just one goal in nine games with Tampa Bay this season, had 13 points (2G / 11A) in 48 games the last time he was in the AHL (2016-17).
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.
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.
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).
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.
