Panthers Notes:
The Panthers recalled goaltender Brian Foster from San Antonio to rest Jose Theodore. Jack Skille is taking more time off to rest his shoulder, and Kris Versteeg is still out with the flu. Scottie Upshall is out for the forseeable future, and is scheduled for a sports hernia surgery later this week. On the positive side, Marco Sturm should play tonight after missing six weeks with a concussion.
Tonight’s starting lineup:
Forwards:
Fleischmann – Weiss – Kopecky
Bergenheim – Goc – Samuelsson
Sturm – Madden – Bradley
Matthias – Santorelli – Barch
Defensemen:
Campbell – Gudbranson
Weaver – Garrison
Strachan – Ellerby
Goalie:
Scott Clemmensen (6-2-5) gets the start, while Brian Foster backs him up.
Capitals Notes:
Defenseman Mike Green is expected to be out until the middle of February, recuperating a sports hernia surgery. Center Nicklas Backstrom has been placed on IR and is indefinite with post-concussion syndrome. Defenseman Tom Poti is expected to be sidelined all season with a groin injury.
Alex Ovechkin is still in the midst of his three game suspension for a dirty hit against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tonight’s starting lineup:
Forwards:
Johansson – Perreault – Semin
Hendricks – Laich – Brouwer
Chimera – Halpern – Knuble
Rechlicz – Eakin – Ward
Defensemen:
Alnzer – Wideman
Hamrlik – Carlson
Erskine – Orlov
Goalie:
Tomas Vokoun is likely to get the start tonight, with Michal Neuvirth set to back him up.