Mantha engaged with Jake Muzzin after a hit in the third period and ended up getting body-slammed to the ice by the Leafs' defenseman. Mantha's head hit the ice and remained down for a few minutes before being helped off of the ice. Sunday is the Red Wings' final game before the Christmas break, so it's entirely possible that he could be back for next Saturday's game in Florida but that is pure speculation at this point.
Clifton has been a healthy scratch for the last three games but will replace John Moore, who is out with an illness. Clifton has two goals on 19 shots (10.5 SH%) and a plus-4 rating in 25 games this season.
Rust missed Monday's practice with an illness and is listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday's game in Calgary. The Penguins have been skipping morning skates this season, so don't expect to get an update on his status until two hours before puck-drop.
Malkin missed the last two games with an illness but was back at practice on Monday and is expected to play Tuesday in Calgary. Since Sidney Crosby got hurt, Malkin is tied for ninth in the NHL with 21 points (6G / 15A) in 14 games.
Bemstrom is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks so he was going to end up on IR eventually. The move to IR opens up a roster spot to call-up some reinforcements after Josh Anderson, Sonny Milano and Ryan Murray all left Saturday's game with upper-body injuries.
Mantha will return to the Red Wings lineup on Saturday, so they've sent Dylan McIlrath back to Grand Rapids to make room for Mantha to be activated. Mantha, who has 12 goals and 11 assists in 25 games this season, will skate with Valtteri Filppula and Filip Zadina in Montreal.
Mantha has missed the last eight games with lower-body injury but could play Saturday in Montreal. Mantha skated again on Friday and told reporters that he's been medically cleared but needs clearance from GM Steve Yzerman. The Red Wings went 1-7-0 and scored only 1.63 goals per game without Mantha.
The Penguins did not hold a morning skate but head coach Mike Sullivan announced that Malkin will miss tonight's game due to an illness. The Penguins will be in tough without Malkin or Sidney Crosby. Joseph Blandisi was recalled this morning and is expected to play in Malkin's place.
Clifton replaced John Moore in the lineup last night but they will trade places again on Thursday. The Bruins didn't want Moore to play in back-to-back games after making his season debut just one week ago.
Bemstrom was hurt on a cross-check from Brian Boyle in Saturday's game in Florida and will be out until at least mid-to-late January. Alex Wennberg replaced Bemstrom on Monday and will likely remain in the Blue Jackets lineup moving forward.
Jones was sent down last Tuesday but quickly swaps spots with Joel Persson again. Jones has been spectacular in the AHL, posting 11 points (3G / 8A) in 14 games but has not registered a point in nine games with the Oilers.
Bemstrom was hurt midway through Saturday's game in Florida and did not travel to Washington for Monday's game. Bemstrom remained in Columbus to undergo further evaluation, so look for Alexander Wennberg to replace him in the lineup vs. the Capitals.
Rust has missed the last three games but will return to the lineup Friday vs. the Coyotes. Rust will be back on the top-line with Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel but is not expected to see any power-play time. Rust enters play with nine goals and eight assists (17 points) in 14 games this season.
Rust has missed the last three games but it looks like he'll play Friday vs. the Coyotes. Rust will be back on the top-line with Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel and comes in with 17 points (9G / 8A) in 14 games this season.
Clifton was in the lineup for the last three games but will take a seat with John Moore (shoulder) set to make his season debut.
Bemstrom was a healthy scratch on Tuesday but will draw back in for Eric Robinson on Thursday. Bemstrom was dominant in Sweden last year but has just nine points (3G / 6A) in 26 games in the NHL this season.
Rust skated this morning but remains day-to-day and will not play against the Blues. With Patric Hornqvist and Rust both missing from their top-6, the recently signed Stefan Noesen is expected to make his Penguins debut.
