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Goalie nods: Kuemper goes for Wild, Ellis makes Florida debut

Darcy Kuemper

Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper pauses during a stoppage in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks, Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck)

AP

News and notes from around the crease...

Kuemper in for Minnesota

Darcy Kuemper will look to snap the Wild’s three-game losing skid on Thursday, as he gets the start against the Rangers at Xcel.

Minnesota heads into tonight’s game holding the first of two wild card spots in the Western Conference, but on the precipice of a tough stretch of games. As such, it’ll be interesting to see if Kuemper can reverse his recent fortunes -- he’s allowed seven goals on his last 64 shot faced, a .890 save percentage -- or if the Wild will be forced to turn to Ilya Bryzgalov, acquired at the trade deadline from Edmonton.

For the Rangers, Cam Talbot will get the nod tonight.

Ellis goes for Panthers

Dan Ellis will play his first game for Florida tonight when it takes on the Lightning in Tampa Bay.

Ellis, acquired from Dallas at the deadline, was 5-6-0 with a 3.04 GAA and .900 save percentage with the Stars before moving to the Eastern Conference. Playing him tonight puts Roberto Luongo on the bench tonight but on a collision course with ex-Canucks teammate Cory Schneider for tomorrow, as the Panthers and Devils will do battle in Florida on Friday.

For Tampa Bay, Ben Bishop will be in goal this evening.

Elsewhere...

Coyotes at Bruins: Mike Smith in for Phoenix; Chad Johnson likely for Boston.

Sabres at ‘Canes: Michal Neuvirth for Buffalo, no word yet on a Carolina starter.

Sharks at Blue Jackets: Alex Stalock vs. Sergei Bobrovsky

Oilers at Blues: Ben Scrivens vs. Ryan Miller

Leafs at Kings: No confirmations either way yet but, given the history at play, it’s highly likely Jonathan Bernier will be taking on Jonathan Quick.