Nurse was suspended for three games for instigating a fight with Roman Polak and absolutely pummelling Polak, who appeared unwilling to fight. Polak suffered a broken nose during the tilt, which likely didn’t help Nurse’s case.

Demers left Tuesday’s game after playing just 11:01 TOI and could miss the remainder of the regular season. The Stars are now down to five healthy defensemen on the roster with John Klingberg also day-to-day. Expect them to make a call-up prior to Friday’s game vs. the Blackhawks.

Pickard allowed two goals on 40 shots in Colorado’s win over the Panthers on Thursday. Pickard has won three straight starts while posting a 2.27 GAA and .930 SV%. This afternoon he takes on a Predators team that is 5-0-1 in their last six—Pickard is 3-1-1 with a 2.00 GAA and .945 SV% in five starts and one relief appearance on home ice.

Pickard stopped 15 of 16 shots after replacing an ineffective Semyon Varlamov in Colorado’s loss to the Wild on Tuesday. Pickard has landed the Avalanche backup gig with a 5-4-1 record, 2.62 GAA, .918 SV% and two shutouts. He has a tough matchup with the Atlantic Division leading Panthers in town—Florida is 1-1-1 to start their five-game road trip.

Hyman has played in 54 games for the Marlies this season, recording 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points. The 23-year-old was named the University of Michigan’s Athlete of the Year in his senior year (2014-15) while also being named a First Team All-American and a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Hyman, who was acquired via trade from Florida in June 2015, was drafted by the Panthers in the 5th round (123rd overall) during the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Kapanen has played in 32 games with the Marlies, recording eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. The 19-year-old recorded the game-winning overtime goal for his native Finland as they defeated Russia to capture the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championship. Kapanen, who was acquired via trade from Pittsburgh in July 2015, was drafted by the Penguins in the 1st round (22nd overall) during the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Pickard allowed two goals on 27 shots in the Avalanche’s win in Edmonton on Saturday. With Semyon Varlamov out with an illness, Pickard will go tonight vs. the Sharks. Pickard is 4-3-1 with a 2.67 GAA and .918 SV% on the season and 1-1-0 with a 4.23 GAA and .879 SV% in his first two starts vs. San Jose.

Pickard allowed one goal on 18 shots after replacing Semyon Varlamov in the Avs’ 4-1 loss in Buffalo. Picked has gone 3-3-1 with a 2.75 GAA and .917 SV% this season, including 2-2-0 with a 3.35 GAA and .891 SV% on the road. He’ll take on an Oilers team that has lost six of their last seven games.

Smith has been out with an upper-body injury since December 8th, but will travel on their upcoming road trip. Smith’s return couldn’t come at a better time after Anders Lindback went down with an upper-body injury earlier in the week.

Demers missed Thursday’s game in Chicago with an illness, but is expected to play tonight vs. Washington. Demers has 19 points (7G / 12A) in 48 games this season.

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.

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.

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.