Tarasov last took the crease for Columbus on Nov. 28, allowing two goals on 36 shots (.944 SV%) as he, unfortunately, took the overtime loss to Vegas. Columbus' third goaltender has been their best this season in limited time, with his 2-3-1 record, 3.17 GAA and .912 SV%. He will face the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won five of their last six games and rank fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.61).
Verhaeghe missed Tuesday's contest due to an undisclosed injury and is expected to return to the Panthers' lineup Thursday after feeling better during practice. The 27-year-old will be a welcome addition back as he leads the Panthers in goals (15) and has 24 points in 29 games played.
Tkachuk has 14 goals, 25 assists, 107 SOG, 45 PIMs and a +8 plus/minus through 28 games to start his Florida Panthers' tenure so if he is forced to miss anytime due to illness it will be a massive loss for Florida. He will be a game-time decision and should know by warmups if he is good to go for their game vs. Pittsburgh.
Bobrovsky was perfect in his previous start vs. Columbus, stopping all 22 shots for his first shutout of the season. The 34-year-old has fought the puck all season but will hope this recent run of good fortune will continue as he has a 6-8-1 record, 3.35 GAA and a .889 SV%. He faces the surging Pittsburgh Penguins, who have won six straight games averaging just under four goals a game during the streak.
Verhaeghe missed Tuesday's contest due to an undisclosed injury and will be a game-time decision Thursday after feeling better during practice. The 27-year-old will be a welcome addition back as he leads the Panthers in goals (15) and has 24 points in 29 games played.
Lundell has not played since Dec. 1st due to an upper-body injury and illness and it seemed as though he was close to returning but is now considered more than day-to-day. The 21-year-old has four goals, 13 points, 56 SOG and a +9 plus/minus in 24 games prior to missing time.
Bobrovsky allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) as he picked up his second straight loss in a defeat to Seattle his last time out. The 34-year-old has been having a horrific season, posting a .884 SV%, 3.58 GAA and a 5-8-1 record. He takes on the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have won their last two games but are 27th in the NHL in shots per game (29.6)
Tarasov has not been great in the AHL with Cleveland, as shown by his .850 SV% and 4.29 GAA through four starts but has still earned himself the call-up to Columbus Monday. He has been solid with the Blue Jackets through seven appearances this season, with a 2-3-1 record, .912 SV% and 3.17 GAA.
Bobrovsky stopped 14 of 15 shots (.933 SV%) in relief his previous time out picking up no result vs. Winnepeg. The 34-year-old has been uncharacteristically horrendous this season, posting. 4-6-1 record, 3.72 GAA, and .880 SV%. HE takes on the Detroit Red Wings, who have won their last two games after beating Tampa 4-2 in their last game.
Barkov is expected to return to the lineup Thursday after missing six games due to pneumonia. The Panthers' superstar had five goals, 13 assists, 74 SOG and nine PPP in 19 games prior to the unfortunate injury.
Heponiemi will head back to Charlotte (AHL) after scoring a goal and an assist with two PIMs through seven games with the Panthers. He heads back to the minors where he had four goals, three assists and a +6 plus-minus before his previous call-up.
Lundell has missed the Panthers' previous two games due to an upper-body injury and will be a game-time decision Thursday. The 21-year-old has four goals, 13 points and a +9 plus/minus in 24 GP this season.
Barkov is expected to return to the lineup Thursday after missing six games due to pneumonia. The Panthers' superstar had five goals, 13 assists, 74 SOG and nine PPP in 19 games prior to the unfortunate injury.
Greer heads to the press box as a healthy scratch yet again Wednesday as Boston takes on Colorado. The 25-year-old will not get the chance to play against his old team after having three goals, seven points and 20 SOG through 19 games played this season.
Tarasov will head back to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) after Elvis Merzlikins was activated from the injured reserve (hip) Thursday. Tarasov did a fine job while called up to Columbus, posting a 2-3-1 record with a .912 SV% and 3.17 GAA.
Svechnikov was a healthy scratch for the Sharks' win Tuesday vs. Montreal but will draw back into the lineup Wednesday. The 26-year-old has three goals and three assists with 17 SOG through 18 games played while playing bottom-six minutes averaging only 10:41 TOI.
