Hartman has the unenviable task of trying to replaced the beloved Andrew Shaw in Chicago. The former first round pick (30th overall in 2013) had 35 points (15G / 20A) in 61 games with Rockford (AHL) last season and one assist in three NHL games. He is expected to make the team and start on a hybrid checking/scoring line with Marcus Kruger and Marian Hossa.
Johansson, 25, has settled in nicely with the Capitals since they drafted him 24th overall in 2009. He had 46 points (17G / 29A) in 74 games last year, continuing his consistent mid-40’s point production. At just 25, there is room for him to grow into a mid-50’s player, especially in an explosive Capitals’ offence. Draft him as the player he has been with room for upside.
Since breaking into the NHL in 2011-12, Foligno has seen his point-production rise a little bit in each season, reaching 23 points (10G / 13A) in 75 games last year. Still not great production from the 24-year-old, but another one-year deal should motivate him for more in 2016-17.
Merrill, 24, has spent the last three years with the Devils and with this signing will be with them for at least two more seasons. He is coming off of a disappointing year, having totalled just five points (1G / 4A) in 47 games, giving him 30 points (5G / 25A) in 165 career NHL games.
Fleury missed Game 1 of the series and Jeff Zatkoff played very well in his absence. With Zatkoff’s performance the Penguins could go back to him to give Fleury another few days off, but Fleury was on the ice for Friday’s practice, so monitor his status when warmups get underway at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Fleury missed the final five games of the regular season with a concussion, but he practiced at the start of the week and practiced in the starter’s crease this morning. He was also the first goalie off of the ice, so all signs are pointing towards him returning tonight. He is officially listed as a game-time decision, so monitor his status when the Penguins hit the ice for warmups at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fleury was 3-1-0 with a 1.97 GAA and .922 SV% in four starts vs. the Rangers this season.
Fleury practiced again on Tuesday but he status for Wednesday’s series opener remains uncertain. Matt Murray is also day-to-day with an upper-body injury, so if Fleury can’t go in Game 1, look for Jeff Zatkoff to get the nod.
Fleury missed the final five games of the regular season with a concussion, but he was on the ice this morning and is working his way back. Fleury’s fill-in, Matt Murray, left Saturday’s game with an injury, so the Penguins’ goalie situation is up in the air right now. If Fleury can continue to practice and is feeling better, he could be ready for Game 1 on Wednesday.
Bogosian suffered a lower-body injury in the Sabres loss to the Blue Jackets on Friday. Bogosian is expected to be replaced by Casey Nelson.
Zucarello missed the Rangers practice on Friday and will be held out of the lineup on Saturday. The Rangers have already clinched a playoff spot, so they will give Zuccarello the night off, hoping he will be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.
Spurgeon missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but is expected to be back in vs. the Sharks. Monitor his status during the morning skate, but expect him to draw back in alongside Ryan Suter. Spurgeon has 11 goals and 18 assists (29 points) in 75 games this season.
Fleury gave up two goals on 27 shots in the Penguins win in New York on Sunday. Fleury got Tuesday night off, but will get back in goal tonight vs. Nashville. Fleury is an impressive 8-3-0 with a 2.09 GAA and .916 SV% in March. In his first start against the Predators, Fleury stopped 38 of 39 shots in a 2-1 OT win.
Fleury allowed two goals on 23 shots in the Penguins win in Detroit last night. Fleury has won six of his last seven starts while posting a 1.99 GAA and .914 SV%. Fleury has gone 2-1-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .921 SV% vs. the Rangers this season. He will make his fourth start without rest and he is 1-2-0 with a 2.03 GAA and .924 SV% in the first three.
Fleury allowed three goals on 24 shots in the Penguins 3-0 loss to the Devils on Thursday. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Fleury. Fleury has gone 6-3-0 with a 2.12 GAA and .915 SV% in March and today’s start will be his second vs. the Red Wings—he stopped 35 of 38 shots in the Penguins’ 6-3 win in the first meeting.
Fleury allowed two goals on 18 shots in the Penguins win over the Capitals on Sunday. Fleury has won five straight starts while posting a 1.77 GAA and .922 SV%. He has been great in March and tonight he draws an excellent matchup with the Devils in town. He stopped all 25 shots that he faced in a 2-0 shutout win in their first meeting and young Scott Wedgwood will make his second career start for the Devils.
