Welcome to the NHL Buzz. During the 2021-22 season, NHL.com will cover you with the latest news.
Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel played Saturday for the Golden Knights against the Los Angeles Kings.
The center left in the second period of a 5-3 victory against the Florida Panthers on Thursday after blocking a shot with his hand.
“Great concern,” Vegas coach Peter DeBoer said Friday. “I mean, you know, it could be anywhere from a few days to more than that, so I don’t know until we get results.”
Eichel has scored 10 points (five goals, five assists) and 15 games since his Vegas debut on February 16, second to the Golden Knights to advance. Jonathan Marchessaultwho scored 14 points (five goals, nine assists) and 14 games during that time.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews will return from a suspension for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Nashville Predators on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; CBC, SNO, SNW, SNP, BSSO, ESPN, NHL LIVE).
The center has not played the last two games after being suspended to review the Buffalo Sabers defender Rasmus Dahlin in the third period of a 5-2 loss in the 2022 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic last Sunday.
“With Auston coming here today, it’s changing the dynamics of our team, without a doubt,” said Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. “But who we are and what we are should be the same no matter what. That’s the message, and we’re looking forward to getting our guys up and running. [for the game]”.
Matthews leads the NHL with 45 goals this season and is fifth with 77 points.
Toronto won every game without Matthews, 4-0 against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday and 3-2 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
“The message for our team is just that we have to be really proud of the efforts we have made here in recent games, especially in getting both leads against good teams and then securing those leads and playing our best defensive hockey. through the third periods of these games, “said Keefe.
Montreal Canadiens
Jonathan Drouin will return to the lineup for the Canadiens vs. the Ottawa Senators (7 p.m. ET; SN360, CITY, SNE, TVAS, ESPN +, NHL LIVE).
The striker has not played since January 20 due to a wrist injury.
“It was a troublesome wrist injury, similar to the one I had on the other wrist (last season),” Drouin said. “I tried to take my time and make sure I was OK. I did everything I could to avoid surgery. I did a lot of extra work, a lot of cardio and I’m just happy to be back with the team especially as we now the game. “
Drouin has scored 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) and 32 games this season.
“If Jonathan touches Puck more, he will play with more confidence, and if he has more confidence, he will have more goal chances,” said Montreal coach Martin St. “It’s a bit of a domino effect. So I’m confident he has come up with the concepts we’re trying to play with.”
Forward Brendan Gallagher will not play on Saturday due to a lower body injury and is sidelined.
Forward Josh Anderson will be a game-time decision; he missed two games with a lower body injury.
Forward Ryan Poehling is 1-2 weeks out due to a thigh injury sustained in a 4-3 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 13th. – Sean Farrell
Tampa Bay Lightning
Brandon Hagel will make his Lightning debut against the New York Rangers (20:00 ET; ABC, ESPN +, NHL LIVE).
The striker was traded in a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday along with two fourth-round draft picks for strikers Boris Katchouk in the Taylor Raddyshand two first-round draft picks that are top-10 protected.
Hagel, who has scored 37 points (21 goals, 16 assists) in 55 games this season, is expected to line up with Ross Colton in the Mathieu Joseph.
“We have to put him somewhere, right? So start there and we’ll see where we go,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “You take away the 20 goals or whatever he has, he can play in any situation – the powerplay, the penalty kill. He plays with a ton of energy and he has no fear of going on the ice in any area.” – Corey Long
St Louis Blues
Vladimir Tarasenko did not play for the Blues against the Columbus Blue Jackets due to illness.
The striker was second on the Blues and goals (20) and points (54), behind Jordan Kyrou (22 goals, 59 points).
Louis used 11 forwards and seven defenders against the Blue Jackets.
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