Is your favorite NHL player sidelined? The latest injury updates and lineup changes could drastically impact tonight's games! Here's a breakdown of the crucial news you need to know.
Toronto Maple Leafs Face Uncertainty
The Toronto Maple Leafs are holding their breath regarding Auston Matthews. The star center is a game-time decision for their Tuesday night clash against the New Jersey Devils (7 p.m. ET; SNO, MSG) due to a lower-body injury. Matthews has been a key contributor this season, racking up 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists) in 33 games. His absence would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the Leafs' offensive firepower.
Adding to the Leafs' woes, defenseman Chris Tanev (lower body) and forward Dakota Joshua (upper body) are confirmed to be out of the lineup. To bolster their roster, the team has recalled defenseman Matt Benning and forward Jacob Quillan from their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. These call-ups provide depth, but can they truly fill the void left by injured veterans?
Montreal Canadiens Turn to Montembeault
In Montreal, goaltender Sam Montembeault is set to make his first start for the Canadiens since December 2nd. He'll be between the pipes against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, TSN2, RDS). His last start wasn't one to remember, as he surrendered five goals in a 5-2 defeat to the Ottawa Senators. He also had a brief appearance on Dec 9th where he allowed 3 goals on 13 shots in a 6-1 loss to Tampa Bay. To get back in game shape, Montembeault played two games with the Laval Rocket of the AHL before being recalled. So far this season, Montembeault holds a 5-6-1 record with a 3.65 goals-against average and a .857 save percentage across 15 games (13 starts). Can he rediscover his form and provide the Canadiens with a much-needed boost in net?
Chicago Blackhawks Await Bedard's Return
Chicago Blackhawks fans received a glimmer of hope as rookie sensation Connor Bedard skated on Monday for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury. But here's where it gets controversial... The injury occurred late in a game against the St. Louis Blues on December 12th when Blues center Brayden Schenn went for a stick lift and collided with Bedard, causing him to fall awkwardly. While the sight of Bedard back on the ice is encouraging, there's still no firm timeline for his return.
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill tempered expectations, stating that the timeline for Bedard's return remains uncertain and that a reevaluation in January will provide more clarity. Bedard has been a shining light for the Blackhawks this season, amassing 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 31 games. The team is eagerly awaiting his comeback, but they're prioritizing his long-term health.
Adding to the Blackhawks' injury woes, forward Frank Nazar, who sustained a facial injury after being hit by a puck on Dec 20th, has started to eat solid food again but hasn't resumed skating. Nazar has contributed 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 33 games.
Utah Mammoth Deal with Goaltending Injury
The Utah Mammoth have placed goaltender Karel Vejmelka on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, retroactive to December 23rd. Vejmelka had been a key player for the Mammoth, posting a 16-10-2 record with a 2.70 GAA and .896 save percentage in 29 games this season. In response to Vejmelka's injury, the Mammoth recalled goalie Matt Villalta from the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. Villalta served as the backup to Vitek Vanecek in their recent game against the Nashville Predators.
St. Louis Blues Lose Suter to Injury
The St. Louis Blues will be without forward Pius Suter for at least four weeks after he suffered an ankle injury during a game against the Nashville Predators. Suter, in his first season with the Blues, has recorded 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 37 games. Coach Jim Montgomery highlighted Suter's defensive contributions, particularly on the penalty kill, emphasizing how much the team will miss his steady presence.
Now, here's where we turn it over to you. Do you think Schenn's hit on Bedard was a clean hockey play, or did it warrant a penalty? How will these injuries impact the playoff races as we head into the new year? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
