Couturier has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury, but is expected to play on Tuesday. Prior to getting injury, Couturier collected six goals and eight assists (14 points) in his previous 14 games. His return will provide a nice offensive boost to the Flyers’ top-6.
Couturier will be scratched on Thursday vs. the Penguins, which is a tough break for the Flyers. Couturier usually serves as a checking forward against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. With Couturier out, Jordan Weal will make his Flyers debut.
Braun was hit in the face by a puck in Monday’s win over the Flames and is listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg. If Braun can’t play, expect Matt Tennyson to be in the lineup.
Johansen quickly fell into John Tortorella’s doghouse as soon as he was hired, but he still managed to record 26 points (6G / 20A) in 38 games this season. Entering the season he was viewed as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars after recording 63 (33G / 30A) and 71 points (26G / 45A) in back-to-back seasons. The Predators desperately needed help in their top-6 and Johansen could slot in on the second line with Colin Wilson and James Neal to start.
Deslauriers suffered the injury in Saturday’s loss to the Red Wings, but finished the game. The injury will keep him out until late January, early February.
Braun was not on the ice this morning, but will play tonight in Toronto. Braun has on goal and four assists in his last five games and 11 points (1G / 10A) in 28 games on the season.
Thompson has missed the start of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in June. Thompson is expected to slot in on the Ducks’ fourth line against his former team. With Thompson back in the lineup, Patrick Maroon will likely be the healthy scratch.
Despite being back on the ice for practice on Monday, Braun will miss his third straight game with an elbow. With Braun out, look for Mirco Mueller to remain in the lineup. Braun should be back in the lineup soon, monitor his status leading up to Friday’s game in Anaheim.
Braun was back at practice on Monday, but there is no word whether he will be in the lineup on Tuesday. Braun has missed the last two games with an elbow injury.
Johansen has missed the Blue Jackets last two games, but returned to practice on Thursday and says he is 100 percent and will play on Friday. Johansen has one goal and five assists in eight games this season.
Johansen missed the last two games with an illness, but he returned to practice this afternoon which is a good sign that he will be back in the lineup on Friday.
Johansen missed the last two games, but it looks as if the Blue Jackets' top offensive threat could return to practice this afternoon and then potentially play on Friday.
Couturier has missed the last two games with a concussion and could miss his third straight contest on Thursday. Monitor Couturier’s status heading into the weekend.
Couturier will be held out of the lineup tonight but could be back on Thursday. Couturier has one goal and two assists in six games this season.
