All the latest from the blue paint…
Challenging assignments
In the second start of his NHL career, Anton Forsberg draws the tough job of trying to end the Columbus Blue Jackets’ seven-game losing streak. To make matters worse, Forsberg faces a quality (and rested) Tampa Bay Lightning team while Columbus is coming off of an OT loss to Carolina from Friday.
At least the Lightning are gearing up for their own back-to-back. Evgeni Nabokov makes it a battle of the backups, even if Forsberg’s essentially the No. 3 guy.
Forsberg isn’t the only goalie with a serious hurdle in his way, though. Jhonas Enroth heads a Buffalo Sabres team coming off of last night’s frustrating loss against the Edmonton Oilers against the always-dangerous Pittsburgh Penguins (who will probably roll with Marc-Andre Fleury). On paper, that’s a blowout waiting to happen, yet Buffalo’s goalies have generally managed to keep things semi-respectable lately.
Elsewhere ...
Flames at Panthers: Karri Ramo vs. Al Montoya
Rangers at Maple Leafs: Cam Talbot vs. Jonathan Bernier
Wild at Canadiens: Darcy Kuemper vs. Carey Price
Jets at Senators: Ondrej Pavelec vs. Craig Anderson
Avalanche at Flyers: Reto Berra vs. Steve Mason
Hurricanes at Capitals: Anton Khudobin expected for Carolina while Justin Peters will probably go for Washington.
Predators at Blues: Pekka Rinne’s likely to face Brian Elliott (the latter’s more of a sure thing).
Sharks at Stars: Another backup battle between Alex Stalock for San Jose and Anders Lindback for Dallas.
Islanders at Coyotes: Jaroslav Halak vs. Mike Smith
Canucks at Kings: Seems likely to be Ryan Miller for Vancouver and Jonathan Quick for Los Angeles.