Kurashev was a late scratch on Monday but returned to practice on Thursday and will likely play on Friday against the Montreal Canadiens. Kurashev is averaging nearly 20 minutes per night over his last four games, collecting three points (1G / 2A) and six shots on goal.

Dellandrea centred the fourth line on Monday but will be a healthy scratch on Thursday as Radek Faksa will return to the lineup. Dellandrea has one point (1G / 0A) , three hits, and four penalty minutes in his last two games.

Tristan Jarry has been solid most of the season but has taken a back seat lately to Nedeljkovic, who will start for the third time in the last four games. Nedeljkovic has won each of his last two starts, saving 63 of 69 shots (.913 SV%). In his first season with the Penguins, Nedeljkovic is sporting an impressive 2.58 GAA and .925 SV% through eight games (4-2-1). The Penguins are +119 home underdogs on Thursday against a Carolina Hurricanes team that is coming off a convincing 6-3 win against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Tristan Jarry has been solid most of the season but has taken a back seat lately to Nedeljkovic, who will likely start for the third time in the last four games. Nedeljkovic has won each of his last two starts, saving 63 of 69 shots (.913 SV%). In his first season with the Penguins, Nedeljkovic is sporting an impressive 2.58 GAA and .925 SV% through eight games (4-2-1). The Penguins are +119 home underdogs on Thursday against a Carolina Hurricanes team that is coming off a convincing 6-3 win against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Skinner has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but was a full participant at practice on Wednesday, suggesting his return to the lineup could come before the holiday break. Skinner has 22 points (12G / 10A) in 30 games this season and is averaging 17:46 time-on-ice, the most since his inaugural season with the Sabres in 2018-19. The Sabres are 1-2-0 in his absence, including a 9-4 blowout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

Lindblom has been out due to injury since November 10th and was reassigned to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) Monday now that he is healthy. The 27-year-old was only able to appear in one game for the Sharks prior to his injury but will return to the minor, where he had two points (1G/1A) in eight games earlier in the season.

Nedeljkovic will start on Monday after allowing three goals in relief of Tristan Jarry on 21 shots (.857 SV%) in Saturday's 7-0 blowout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Discounting Saturday's relief appearance, Nedeljkovic has been tremendous when called upon lately, posting an excellent .946 SV% in his last four outings (2-1-1). The Penguins are -120 home favourites on Monday as they will be desperate to rebound against a Minnesota Wild team that has won three straight games but is averaging only 1.8 goals per game over their last five contests (3-2-0).

Nedeljkovic will likely start on Monday after allowing three goals in relief of Tristan Jarry on 21 shots (.857 SV%) in Saturday's 7-0 blowout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Discounting Saturday's relief appearance, Nedeljkovic has been tremendous when called upon lately, posting an excellent .946 SV% in his last four outings (2-1-1). The Penguins are -120 home favourites on Monday as they will be desperate to rebound against a Minnesota Wild team that has won three straight games but is averaging only 1.8 goals per game over their last five contests (3-2-0).

Skinner exited the Sabres' previous contest with an upper-body injury after playing 7:57 time-on-ice. He will miss at least one week as he has been placed on the injured reserve. Skinner has 22 points (12G / 10A) in 30 games this season and is averaging 17:46 time-on-ice, the most since his inaugural season with the Sabres in 2018-19 season.

Nedeljkovic will get his first start in four games as the Penguins head to Montreal to take on the Canadiens Wednesday. The 27-year-old has had a resurgent and impressive season as Tristan Jarry's backup, with his 2-2-1 record, 2.18 GAA and .937 SV%. He will face Montreal on the road, who have lost two of their last three games and are struggling offensively ranking 27th in both shots per game (28.7) and goals per game (2.61).

Eklund did not play on Sunday but is expected to return for Tuesday's contest against the Vancouver Canucks. Before his injury, Eklund had five points (2G / 3A) in his last four games, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per night.

Eklund did not play on Sunday and is questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Vancouver Canucks. Before his injury, Eklund had five points (2G / 3A) in his last four games, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per night.