Koekkoek, 21, was the Lightning’s first round pick (10th overall) in 2012. Koekkoek has registered four goals and eight assists (12 points) in 43 games with Syracuse this season. He has no points in four career NHL games.
Carrick served as the Capitals seventh defenseman on Saturday and Sunday. His return to the AHL suggests that Brooks Orpik could be back in the Capitals lineup this week.
Pickard allowed two goals on 42 shots in Colorado’s loss to the Blackhawks on Tuesday. Pickard has played very well in his last two outings and despite Semyon Varlamov being back with the team, Pickard will go again tonight vs. the Stars. Pickard has allowed five goals on 80 shots (.938 SV%) in his last two outings, but draws another rough matchup tonight.
Pickard allowed three goals on 38 shots in Colorado’s win in Los Angeles last Wednesday. Pickard will start his third consecutive game, having allowed a combined seven goals on 58 shots (.879 SV%) in his first two starts. He will face a Blackhawks team that lost three of four before the All-Star break.
Arvidsson spent the All-Star break with Milwaukee, where he has 18 points (8G / 10A) in 17 games this season. In his time with the Predators, the 22 year-old has five points (3G / 2A).
McDavid spent the NHL All-Star break practicing with Bakersfield (AHL) and is set to return to the Oilers lineup on Tuesday. McDavid has been been out with a broken clavicle since November 3rd and his much anticipated return will come tomorrow vs. the Blue Jackets. McDavid is a must-start in his return—he has 12 points (5G / 7A) in his first 13 NHL games.
Pickard was pulled after he allowed four goals on 20 shots in Colorado’s loss in San Jose last night. He missed the morning skate with an illness, but still played and Patrick Roy wanted him to rest in the third so he’ll be ready to go tonight vs. the Kings. Pickard has a 2.87 GAA and .907 SV% since being recalled from the AHL.
Pickard allowed two goals on 21 shots in Colorado’s loss in Columbus on January 16th. Semyon Varlamov started the last four games, but will get the night off in San Jose. Pickard is 2-1-0 with a 2.40 GAA and .922 SV% this season and faces a Sharks team that has won seven of their last nine games.
McDavid is eyeing a return when the Oilers resume play after the All-Star break. To make that a real possibility, the 2015 No. 1 overall pick will practice with Bakersfield over the break. He will not appear in any games, but will practice and could be back in the lineup next Tuesday (Feb. 2nd) vs. the Blue Jackets.
Nugent-Hopkins will miss at least six weeks with a hand injury that he suffered on Monday night. He could be out for two months, which is a huge blow for the Oilers, who are expected to get Connor McDavid back in early February.
Nugent-Hopkins suffered a hand injury after blocking a shot in Monday’s win over the Panthers. Nugent-Hopkins will miss an extended period of time and Connor McDavid is still sidelined, so the Oilers are left with just four healthy centres, Leon Draisaitl, Mark Letestu, Matt Hendricks and Anton Lander.
Pickard stopped all 27 shots that he faced in Colorado’s 3-0 shutout win over the Devils. Pickard has posted a 2.50 GAA and .925 SV% in six games this season and tonight he will make a second straight start. He draws a superb spot-start matchup against a Blue Jackets team that has lost four of their last five games.
Pickard allowed two goals on 15 shots after replacing Semyon Varlamov in Colorado’s loss in Chicago on Sunday. It will be his first start since December 28th when he made 35 saves in a win vs. the Sharks. The 23-year-old netminder comes into play with a career 2.51 GAA and .927 SV% and draws a nice matchup vs. a banged up Devils squad.
In December, there appeared to be hope for McDavid to return in early January, but the Oilers will play it safe with their future superstar and hold him out of the lineup for the remainder of January. He could travel with the Oilers on their upcoming road trip to practice with the team, but don’t expect to see him in the lineup until early February.
On Monday, Pickard will make his first NHL start of the season. He has made two relief appearances, stopping 21 of 25 shots (.840 SV%) that he has faced. In his time with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL), he was 9-8-4 with a 2.75 GAA and .917 SV%. He draws a fairly good matchup against a Sharks team that is 26th in the NHL in goals on home ice (2.23 G/PG).
