Anderson will play for the first time since February 26th tonight vs. the Penguins. This is a massive boost for the Blue Jackets heading into the playoffs, as Anderson was on a 24-goal, 15-assist pace before he got hurt.
Danault was back in the Canadiens lineup on Saturday but was hurt after taking a high-stick in the face. Danault has been ruled out for tonight’s game in Columbus and is not expected to play vs. the Stars either. Nikita Scherbak is expected to draw in and take his spot in the lineup.
Anderson was knocked out of Monday’s game vs. the Capitals on a hit from Dmitry Orlov. As of now there is no timeframe for Anderson’s return, but expect an update prior to Thursday’s game in Los Angeles.
Danault has been cleared to practice and was skating with the top line Monday morning. Claude Julien said Danault could possibly return later in the road trip, but he remains without a definite timetable.
Montembeault, 21, started the season as Springfield’s backup but tonight he is expected to be the Panthers’ backup with Roberto Luongo and James Reimer out with injuries. Montembeault has gone 12-15-1 with a 3.00 GAA and .904 SV% in 30 games with the Thunderbirds and he is expected to backup Harri Sateri vs. the Capitals.
This is far from surprising considering Danault was hospitalized after getting hit in the head by a Zdeno Chara slapshot on Saturday. With Danault out, Daniel Carr will draw into the Canadiens lineup vs. the Islanders.
Danault had to be stretchered off of the ice on Saturday after taking a Zdeno Chara slapshot in the head. It was a scary scene on the Bell Centre ice, but he was released from the hospital yesterday, but still it is highly unlikely he will be available for tonight’s game vs. the Islanders.
Anderson appeared in a game with Cleveland (AHL) over the weekend and will get into the Blue Jackets lineup tomorrow in Carolina. Anderson skated with Brandon Dubinsky and Matt Calvert on the third line on Monday.
Matheson, 23, was the No.23 pick in 2012 and has become a big part of the Panthers’ blueline, averaging over 21 minutes per game last year and through the first two games of this season. He has some offensive ability to his game and should be able to top his 17 points (7G / 10A) from last season.
Anderson missed training camp due to a contract dispute, but signed a three-year deal on Tuesday. Despite inking a new contract, head coach John Tortorella said that Anderson is out on Friday. Anderson will likely need a few practice sessions to get back into the swing of things, but don’t expect the power-forward to sit out for too many contests.
Anderson held out of training camp as an unsigned RFA, but gets a contract one-day before the start of the NHL season. The 23-year-old is coming off of 17-goal, 12-assist season and will look to carve out a larger role this season. Missing training camp will put Anderson behind the 8-ball and likely force him to start the season in the bottom-6.
Suzuki excels as a playmaker, but he also showed off some goal scoring ability in 2016-17, scoring 45 goals to go along with 51 assists (96 points) in 65 games with the Owen Sound Attack. Suzuki is a smart centre who makes those around him play better.
Anderson missed the last three games with a lower-body injury, but it expected to replace Lauri Korpikoski in the lineup in Philadelphia. Anderson has scored 14 goals with 10 assists while playing limited minutes in 63 games this season.
Anderson was hurt in Sunday’s win over the Devils and it will keep him sidelined for at least one week. Anderson hyperextended his knee and his injury opens the door for T.J. Tynan to make his NHL debut on Monday.
