This article is part of our The Daily Puck series.
Around the Rink
When Boston rolls in to Detroit on Sunday, not only will it be an Original 6 matchup, but a contest with major postseason implications. The Bruins currently sit one point clear of the Wings for second place in the Atlantic Division after 55 games. Additionally, the Lightning are one point behind the Wings with a game at hand. While I think all three of these teams will make the playoffs, it will be a fight to the wire when these squads will be looking to avoid a dreaded first-round matchup with the Washington Capitals.
The Bruins don't look like they'll have their leading scorer Patrice Bergeron for Sunday's game, but that didn't slow them down in Saturday's 4-2 win over Minnesota. On the opposing side, Pavel Datsyuk is beginning to look like the magic man once again. At 37 years of age and having dealt with numerous ankle problems, Datsyuk has turned back the clock over his last four games, scoring three goals and three assists.
Look for Bruins' coach Claude Julien to throw Zdeno Chara out whenever Datsyuk is on the ice, but I think the Russian has the edge in this clash of future Hall of Famers.
Projected Goalie Starters (all times Eastern)
Avalanche (Semyon Varlamov) vs. Sabres (Robin Lehner), 12:30 PM
Kings (Jhonas Enroth) vs. Devils (Keith Kinkaid), 12:30 PM
Bruins (Tuukka Rask) vs. Red Wings (Petr Mrazek), 3:00 PM
Blues (Brian Elliott) vs. Lightning (Ben Bishop), 6:00 PM
Flyers (Steve Mason) vs. Rangers (Henrik Lundqvist), 7:30 PM
For updates on projected goalies later in the day, check our Projected Goalies Grid.
Injury News for Teams Playing Tuesday
Colorado Avalanche
Reto Berra, G (ankle) – yet to return to practice
Jack Skille, RW (concussion) – without a timetable for his return
Ben Street, C (chest) – out indefinitely
Brad Stuart, D (back) – underwent surgery Feb. 1
Jesse Winchester, LW (concussion) – out indefinitely
Buffalo Sabres
Daniel Catenacci, LW (head) – could miss an extended period of time
Tyler Ennis, RW (upper body) – return is a ways off
Johan Larsson, C (undisclosed) – possibility for Sunday
Los Angeles Kings
Matt Greene, D (shoulder) – out for the year
Jonathan Quick, G (lower body) – possibility for Sunday
New Jersey Devils
Michael Cammalleri, LW (hand) – out Sunday
Patrik Elias, LW (knee) – skated Thursday
Jon Merrill, D (arm) – participating fully in practice
Jiri Tlusty, LW (upper body) – likely to miss the rest of the season
Boston Bruins
Patrice Bergeron, C (undisclosed) – questionable Sunday after missing Saturday's game
Chris Kelly, LW (leg) – unlikely to return this season
Adam McQuaid, D (upper body) – nearing a return to the lineup
Detroit Red Wings
Jonathan Ericsson, D (lower body) – questionable Sunday
Johan Franzen, RW (concussion) – out indefinitely
Niklas Kronwall, D (knee) – will miss at least two more games
Drew Miller, LW (knee) – out for the year
St. Louis Blues
Jake Allen, G (knee) – took shots during Friday's practice
Steve Ott, C (hamstring) – could return within the next month
Alex Pietrangelo, D (knee) – will miss at least three weeks
Tampa Bay Lightning
Jason Garrison, D (lower body) – out for a minimum of three weeks
Vladislav Namestnikov, C (illness) – game-time decision Sunday
Joel Vermin, RW (hand) – should be returning in the coming days
Philadelphia Flyers
Sean Couturier, C (lower body) – expected to miss three more weeks
Michael Del Zotto, D (wrist) – out indefinitely
New York Rangers
Ryan McDonagh, D (concussion) – began practicing Saturday
Rick Nash, LW (leg) – yet to resume skating
Hot
Shayne Gostisbehere, D, PHI – The "Ghost" has already set an NHL rookie record for a point streak by a defenseman, scoring 14 points over the 11-game span. Gostisbehere had been a force at every level of his hockey career, including leading the Union College Dutchman to their first NCAA championship in 2014, and nothing has changed since being recalled this season. With 30 points in 36 games, Gostisbehere would be a legitimate Calder Trophy candidate if he's able to maintain this scoring pace.
Brad Marchand, LW, BOS – Everyone's favorite player to hate has been scorching of late, having registered 12 goals in his last 12 games, including a seven-game goal streak. Marchand's been scoring in all different fashions during this period, with two power play goals, one shorthanded goal, and a penalty shot goal making up a quarter of the 12 goals. When Marchand's confidence is flying high, there are only a handful of players in the league that can make the same kind of impact on a game as him.
Cold
Kyle Palmieri, RW, NJD – When Palmieri began the season, his first-round pedigree was evident with an enhanced role in New Jersey while playing around 17 minutes per game (three minutes more than his previous career high with Anaheim). However, as the season's gone on, this role seems to be wearing on Palmieri. The 24 year old has one assist and has averaged less than three shots on goal per game over his last eight outings.
Recommended Pickup
Jesper Fast, RW, NYR – Since being moved into the Rangers' top six, Fast has a goal and six assists in nine games. While these numbers certainly won't floor anyone, it's worth noting that they're a huge improvement on the 14 points in 44 games that he scored prior. Fast can be a reliable fantasy player when in a top-six role, as his hardworking style and above-average hands will put him in positions to score.
