Another ten games, another set of huge playoff implications across the NHL landscape tonight. The Vancouver Canucks have a chance to climb ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights if they can dispatch the pesky Ottawa Senators, while the Minnesota Wild could make it ten in a row if they beat the Montreal Canadiens. The schedule is full and like always, we’ll keep track of all the minor league shuffling throughout the day.
Atlantic Division
Metropolitan Division
- The New York Islanders have recalled forward Otto Koivula on an emergency basis. The big 23-year-old power forward has played in five games with the Islanders this season, recording one point, but is enjoying a career year in the AHL with 47 points through 56 games.
Central Division
- Matias Maccelli has been returned to the AHL by the Arizona Coyotes after a tough stretch for the young forward. Brimming with confidence when he first arrived, Maccelli has just a single point in his last 16 games and has only registered 19 shots on goal during that stretch. Still just 21, he can return to the AHL and build his game back up before getting another chance at the NHL level.
- The Chicago Blackhawks returned top prospect, Lukas Reichel, to the Rockford IceHogs today, per the team. Still just 19, Reichel’s seen multiple looks at the NHL level this season because of his wonderful point-per-game season in Rockford. He’s tallied just one assist in 11 games with the big club this year, though, likely signifying a little bit more seasoning in the minors is required for him. That’s certainly no cause for concern, though, as he’s looking very much worth the 17th overall pick.
- Eyebrows raised when it was announced Eric Comrie would start tonight against the Rangers, and now we seem to know why. The Winnipeg jets recalled netminder Mikhail Berdin from the Manitoba Moose on an emergency basis, likely meaning something is up with starter Connor Hellebuyck. Berdin has a .901 save percentage in 29 games with the Moose this year.
Pacific Division
This page is updated throughout the day