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Edmonton Oilers News
Demers left Thursday’s game with a lower-body injury; will be re-evaluated on Friday.

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.

Jason Demers
Klingberg (hand) will miss at least five weeks.

Klingberg underwent surgery on his hand last Friday and will miss at least five weeks. Klingberg’s original timetable was “one month,” but head coach Jim Montgomery said he would “take that deal” if Klingberg was out for six weeks. This puts Klingberg on-pace to return in late-December/early-January which will give Miro Heiskanen an extended run on the Stars top-pairing and top power-play unit.

John Klingberg
Arvidsson will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken thumb.

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.

Viktor Arvidsson
Smith will start Thursday vs. the Canadiens.

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.

Mike Smith
The Predators have placed Viktor Arvidsson (upper-body) on IR.

Arvidsson was activated from IR with a lower-body injury for Saturday’s game, but was forced to leave the game with an upper-body injury. Arvidsson was hurt while crashing into the boards and will miss at least the next three games. With Arvidsson back out, Kevin Fiala will likely move back to the top line.

Viktor Arvidsson
The Predators have activated Viktor Arvidsson (lower-body) has been activated from IR.

Arvidsson has missed the last three games but is set to return on Saturday afternoon after being activated from IR. Arvidsson has picked up 12 points (8G / 4A) in 12 games this season and will likely reclaim his spot on the top line today.

Viktor Arvidsson
Klingberg will miss at least three weeks with an upper-body injury.

Klingberg was forced to leave Thursday’s game with an upper-body injury that he suffered while blocking a shot. The Stars immediately announced that he will miss at least three weeks, which is a huge blow. Miro Heiskanen gets a massive bump in fantasy value as he takes over as their primary power-play defenseman.

John Klingberg
Pickard will start Thursday vs. the Coyotes.

Pickard allowed two goals on 36 shots in the Flyers win in Arizona on Monday. Even with Brian Elliott back from injury, Pickard will make his third consecutive start on Thursday. He has had a tough season, but has stopped 65 of 71 shots (.916 SV%) in his last two outings. Pickard has a solid matchup as he closes out a home-and-home with the Coyotes.

Calvin Pickard
Pickard is in the starter's crease at the Flyers morning skate.

Pickard allowed two goals on 36 shots in the Flyers win in Arizona on Monday. Even with Brian Elliott back from injury, Pickard will make his third consecutive start on Thursday. He has had a tough season, but has stopped 65 of 71 shots (.916 SV%) in his last two outings. Pickard has a solid matchup as he closes out a home-and-home with the Coyotes.

Calvin Pickard
Arvidsson (lower-body) is not expected to play on Wednesday.

Arvidsson was placed on IR on Monday, but was on the ice for Tuesday’s practice and Wednesday’s morning skate but is not expected to play in Colorado. It’s a good sign that Arvidsson was on the ice for two straight days, so there’s a chance that he plays Saturday in Dallas.

Viktor Arvidsson
Smith will start Wednesday in Anaheim.

Smith allowed five goals on 26 shots but still walked away with the win last Thursday. Giving up four-plus goals has not been rare for Smith this season, who has allowed at least four goals in six of his 10 starts this season—posting a 3.71 GAA, .871 SV% and one shutout overall. He makes for a decent option against a Ducks team that is on the tail-end of a back-to-back and have lost eight of their last nine games.

Mike Smith
Pickard will start Monday in Arizona.

Pickard allowed four goals on 35 shots in the Flyers loss in San Jose on Saturday. With Michal Neuvirth on IR and Brian Elliott getting hurt in Sunday’s practice, Pickard will start his second straight game. The Coyotes are on-fire and Pickard has a 4.51 GAA and .851 SV% this season, so he is not an ideal spot-start option.

Calvin Pickard
Pickard is projected to start Monday in Arizona.

Michael Neuvirth landed on injured reserve and Brian Elliott is questionable after getting hurt in Sunday’s practice, so look for Calvin Pickard to start in Arizona. Pickard has gone 2-1-1 with a 4.51 GAA and .851 SV% this season. The Flyers other option is Alex Lyon, who was recalled this morning.

Calvin Pickard