Sandin's MRI revealed no structural damage, so he won't be out as long as originally feared. Head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters on Monday that the young blueline is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Sandin left Saturday's game vs. the Jets after a knee-on-knee collision with Neal Pionk. The Jets' defenseman was suspended for two games for the play but it looks like Sandin could miss an extended period of time. The Maple Leafs recalled Alex Biega and Kristiāns Rubīns from the AHL to help replace Sandin.
Dowd was moved to the COVID-19 protocol list on Friday and will not play on Saturday. With Dowd out, Lars Eller may centre the Capitals' checking line with Carl Hagelin and Garnet Hathaway.
van Riemsdyk will not play Saturday after being added to the COVID-19 protocol list after the morning skate. Matt Irwin will make his season debut with van Riemsdyk out.
Bear was in COVID-19 protocol and missed the last six games. He took regular reps in Friday's practice but remains a game-time decision for Saturday's game vs. the Sabres.
Jordan Binnington was added to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list, so Lindgren will join the Blues in Tampa and is expected to serve as Ville Husso's backup.
The Capitals sent Axel Jonsson Fjällby to the AHL yesterday to preserve his waiver exempt status, so Sgarbossa and Beck Malenstyn come up to help replace T.J. Oshie and Conor Sheary. Sgarbossa is leading Hershey in goals (8) and points (14) through 15 games this season.
Dowd has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury but is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday. Dowd is officially a game-time decision but expect him to slot back in on the fourth line.
Oshie has been out since October 27th but participated in Friday's practice and Saturday's morning skate. Both are great signs that he'll be available in San Jose, however, he remains listed as a game-time decision.
Oshie, who has been out since October 27th, was on the ice for Friday's practice and head coach Peter Laviolette said he is a "possibility" after being a full-go in the session. Oshie was back on the top power-play unit, which is a good sign that he'll be back in the lineup in San Jose.
Fucale had a sparkling NHL debut in Detroit on Thursday, stopping all 21 shots that he faced in a shutout victory. Returning him to the AHL suggests that Vitek Vanecek will be available to at least backup on Sunday. Fucale is 3-0-2 with a 1.73 GAA and .933 SV% in five AHL games this season.
