New Jersey Devils News

Hischier will miss his second straight game with a lower-body injury, so Pavel Zacha will continue to serve as the Devils' second-line centre.

Brown will be a game-time decision for the second straight game. He's battling an undisclosed ailment but was able to play through it in St. Louis on Tuesday. If he can't go on Thursday, Tyler Ennis will draw into the lineup.

Brown was not on the ice for the Senators' morning skate and will be a game-time decision in St. Louis. Head coach DJ Smith said that Brown has been banged up for a while, so sounds like he's nursing some bumps and bruises rather than something that will keep him out for an extended period of time.

Hischier is dealing with a lower-body injury and is questionable to play Tuesday vs. the Avalanche. Pavel Zacha will likely shift to centre if Hischier can't go.

Mantha is listed as a game-time decision for Thursday's game but being activated from IR clears the way and suggests that he will play tonight. Mantha is expected to skate on the second line with Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie and will be on the second power-play unit.

Mantha was on the ice for Thursday's morning skate and all signs are pointing towards him playing for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in early November. Head coach Peter Laviolette would not commit to Mantha playing, so consider him a game-time decision.

Mantha was a full participant on Wednesday and could be back in the Capitals lineup on Thursday. Head coach Peter Laviolette did not rule Mantha out, so monitor his status during Thursday's morning skate.

Hatakka has been recalled to help replace Mario Ferraro, who is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured fibula. Hatakka appeared in seven games with the Sharks earlier in the season but has spent most of the year with the Barracuda, where he has three points (1G / 2A) in 20 games.