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.
Hayes has been out since January 17th but took part in Thursday's optional morning skate and is a "possibility" to return to the lineup on Saturday. Hayes has appeared in just 20 games this season, scoring three goals and six assists (nine points).
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.
Gauthier was an undrafted free agent goalie out of the WHL. The 21-year-old netminder has gone 20-6-0 with a .932 SV% in 28 games with Prince George and Portland this season.
Karlsson skated again on Wednesday and the Sharks are hopeful that he could be back in the middle of March. Karlsson underwent surgery to repair a muscle tear in his left forearm on January 24th.
Bemstrom has missed the last seven games while in COVID-19 protocol but the Blue Jackets placed Joonas Korpisalo on IR and activated Bemstrom on Wednesday. This cleared the way for him to play Thursday in Florida but coming off of a win over the Maple Leafs, don't be surprised if they go with the same lineup as Tuesday.
Acciari had one assist while playing 12:07 ATOI in his first two since returning from injury but is expected to come out of the lineup on Tuesday. Acciari will be replaced by Maxim Mamin, who returns from an undisclosed injury.
Acciari missed the first four and half months with an injury that he suffered in October but is expected to make his season debut on Friday or Sunday. On Thursday, he skated on the fourth line in practice, suggesting that he could be in vs. the Wild on Friday. Acciari had 11 points (4G / 7A) in 41 games with the Panthers a season ago.
With Mikko Koskinen returning from the COVID-19 protocol list, Skinner goes back to the AHL. Skinner is coming off of his first career shutout and has gone 6-6-0 with a 2.62 GAA and .913 SV% with the Oilers this season.
Aho is expected to play in the NHL for the first time since December 19th. Aho, who has two assists in 12 games this season, will replace Andy Greene and should skate on the third pairing with Ryan Pulock.
Dumba returned from a two-game absence with an upper-body injury on Saturday but suffered a lower-body injury that will keep him out of the lineup on Monday. The Wild did not provide a timeline on Dumba, only saying he will be re-evaluated tomorrow. Jordie Benn will replace him in the lineup vs. Detroit.
Malkin practiced on Friday and Saturday and is expected to play Sunday in New Jersey. He's officially listed as a game-time decision, so monitor his status as the Penguins hit the ice for warmups.
Dumba missed the last two games with an upper-body injury but will replace Jordie Benn in the lineup on Saturday. Dumba has scored four goals with 16 assists (20 points) in 39 games this season.
Bemstrom will not be available for Tuesday's game in Washington, so Trey Fix-Wolansky was recalled from the AHL and is expected to make his NHL debut.
Mike Smith will start Tuesday vs. Vegas but Skinner will likely start Wednesday with Mikko Koskinen landing in COVID-19 protocol. Skinner has gone 8-0-2 with a 1.97 GAA and .928 SV% in 10 AHL games and 5-6-0 with a 2.85 GAA and .908 SV% in 12 NHL games this season.
Dumba missed the final game before the All-Star break and is expected to miss his second straight game on Tuesday. With Dumba out, Jordie Benn will continue to skate on the second pair with Jonas Brodin.
