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.
Vanecek allowed four goals on 23 shots (.826 SV%) as he picked up his second overtime loss in three starts with a 5-4 defeat to the New York Rangers. Vanecek has been nearly unbeatable this season, shown by his 12-2-2 record, .912 SV% and 2.39 GAA. He faces the struggling Philadelphia Flyers, who have won only one of their last seven contests.
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)
Vanecek was pulled in his previous start after allowing four goals on 17 shots (.765 SV%) as he took the no-decision in his worst start of the season vs. the Islanders. The 26-year-old has been exceptional for the Devils in his first season, with a 12-2-1 record, 2.30 GAA and .916 SV%. He will take on the New York Rangers, who have won their last three contests after beating Colorado 2-1 in a shootout in their last game.
Vanecek was pulled in his previous start after allowing four goals on 17 shots (.765 SV%) as he took the no-decision in his worst start of the season vs. the Islanders. The 26-year-old has been exceptional for the Devils in his first season, with a 12-2-1 record, 2.30 GAA and .916 SV%. He will take on the New York Rangers, who have won their last three contests after beating Colorado 2-1 in a shootout in their last game.
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.
Sturm hasn't played since Nov. 19th due to a concussion but will return Wednesday as the Sharks take on Vancouver. The 27-year-old had been enjoying his best season to date prior to the injury with six goals and eight points through 20 GP.
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.
Kahkonen allowed five goals on 39 shots (.872 SV%) as he picked up his third loss in four starts in a loss to Ottawa. The Sharks' backup has struggled mightily this season, with a 3-6-2 record, 3.57 GAA and .882 SV%. He draws the Vancouver Canucks who are coming off the most exciting game yet with a 7-6 comeback victory over Montreal in their previous contest.
