Brodin returned from a five-week absence due to an upper-body injury last month and has played seven consecutive games since, tallying four points (0G / 4A), 13 shots, and three hits. He has predominantly played on a defensive pair with Zach Bogosian and will likely return to that spot if he can play on Wednesday.
Kirkland has been recalled for a second time this season after scoring two goals, 14 assists, and eight PIMs in 18 games played with Tucson (AHL). The 27-year-old returns to the Coyotes, where he appeared in two games this season but didn't put up any counting stats while only averaging 7:13 TOI.
Pickard has been limited to only one game in the last nine for the Oilers but will return to the crease on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The lack of play hasn't been an indictment on Pickard's play but rather a testament to Stuart Skinner's, as Pickard has been stellar when called upon, allowing three or fewer goals in his last three games (3-0-0), posting a serviceable .904 SV%. The Oilers, winners of 14 straight, are gargantuan -601 home favourites against a Blackhawks club defeated 6-2 by the Seattle Kraken last night.
Pickard has been limited to only one game in the last nine for the Oilers but will return to the crease on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The lack of play hasn't been an indictment on Pickard's play but rather a testament to Stuart Skinner's, as Pickard has been stellar when called upon, allowing three or fewer goals in his last three games (3-0-0), posting a serviceable .904 SV%. The Oilers, winners of 14 straight, are gargantuan -601 home favourites against a Blackhawks club defeated 6-2 by the Seattle Kraken last night.
Gustavsson will start his fifth straight game on Thursday and look to extend his winning streak to four. The 25-year-old Gustavsson has allowed three or fewer goals in three straight (3-0-0), posting a serviceable .919 SV%. Minnesota, -112 home favourites, face off against division rivals, the Nashville Predators, who have lost two straight, being outscored 7-3.
Gustavsson will search for his third straight win when he tends the twice against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. Gustavsson was tremendous in his last outing, saving 40 of 42 shots (.952 SV%) in a 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Minnesota is a -165 home favourite against a Washington club that has scored two or fewer goals in three of their last four games (2-2-0).
Brink was a healthy scratch for the Flyers' previous three games and will head to Lehigh Valley (AHL) on loan so that he can continue to get some playing time. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with Philadelphia in 2023-24, with seven goals, 18 point, 55 SOG and a +7 plus/minus in 38 games played prior to being sent down.
Foligno will return to the lineup for the first time in eight games, playing his first game since signing a two-year, $9 million ($4,500,000 AAV) contract extension. Foligno has made an impact in his first season with the Blackhawks, scoring 17 points (8G / 9A) in 39 games, his best point-per-game pace (0.44) in five seasons.
Cody Glass and Juuso Parssinen will be healthy scratches on Monday, allowing McCarron and Philip Tomasino to draw into the lineup. McCarron is expected to play on the fourth line with Tomasino and Cole Smith.
With Marc-Andre Fleury still unavailable due to an upper-body injury he suffered in Friday's game in Florida, the Wild will turn to Filip Gustavsson when they travel to Carolina on Sunday. Gustavsson relieved Fleury after the injury on Friday night and secured a victory, allowing three goals on 24 shots as the Wild were able to stave off the Panthers' comeback and hold onto a 6-4 win. Gustavsson has struggled since returning from a lower-body injury on January 13th, posting an ugly .813 SV% across three appearances. He'll have his hands full again on Sunday with the Wild being +160 underdogs in Carolina.
Hunt returns to the press box Friday as Minnesota's defensive carousel continues with Alex Goligoski drawing back into the lineup. The 21-year-old Hunt is in his first NHL season and has yet to score but has a goal, seven SOG, and a -1 plus/minus in 12 games played.
Sturm has been out since December 12th due to an abdomen injury but will draw back into the Sharks' lineup for the first time in a month Saturday vs. Anaheim. The 28-year-old role playing centre has struggled to produce so far in 2023-24, with his two goals, four points, 30 SOG, 10 PIMs and a -10 plus/minus through 26 games played prior to the injury.
McCarron will be the odd-man out on Thursday as Cody Glass will draw back into the Predators' lineup. McCarron has six goals and five assists in 34 games this season.
Brink is the odd man out as Jamie Drysdale (illness) and Sean Couturier (undisclosed) return to the Flyers lineup Thursday vs. Dallas. The 22-year-old has been having a strong rookie season despite his reoccurring scratches, as he has 18 points (7G/11A), 55 SOG, six PIMs and a +7 plus/minus through 38 games played this season.
