San Jose Sharks News

Klingberg was forced to leave Thursday’s game after blocking a shot but is ready to play in Carolina. Klingberg has cooled off recently, picking up just one goal and one assist in his last eight games.

With Brandon Sutter out with a lower-body injury, Gaudette earns another call-up in 2018-19. The 22-year-old has scored three goals with four assists (seven points) in 32 games with the Canucks this season. During his time in the AHL, Gaudette has 11 points (5G / 6A) in 14 games.

Nutivaara was a healthy scratch in Winnipeg on Thursday but will play tonight vs. the Blues. Nutivaara is expected to replace Dean Kukan and re-enters the lineup with no points in his last four games and just 15 points (4G / 11A) in 49 games this season.

Vlasic took to the ice for Friday’s practice and declared himself “100 percent” which suggests that he will play for the first time since January 2nd when the Sharks host the Coyotes tonight. Vlasic could see more minutes than usual with Erik Karlsson potentially not playing due to a lower-body issue.

White has missed the last five games with a shoulder injury but will play Friday in Pittsburgh. White, who has 11 goals and 15 assists (26 points) in 44 games, will centre the second-line with Brady Tkachuk and Mark Stone on his wings.

White missed the final five games before the All-Star break but said he’s almost 100 percent sure that he will play on Friday. The Senators went 2-3-0 without White, who has 11 goals and 15 assists (26 points) in 44 games this season.

Grundstrom was one of the Maple Leafs’ top prospects and has been enjoying a quality campaign with the Marlies, scoring 13 goals with 16 assists (29 points) in 42 games. Grundstrom, a former second-round pick, plays a physical two-way game but doesn’t project to be much of a high-end scorer at the NHL-level.

Vlasic was originally listed as a game-time decision on Monday before being scratched in warmups and will not be available for the eighth straight game on Tuesday.

Vlasic has missed the last seven games but “is an option” to play Monday in Florida. Vlasic’s return would be key with Erik Karlsson out for a second-straight game.

Skinner missed Thursday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for Friday’s game in Vancouver. This would be a huge loss for the Sabres, Skinner leads the team in goals (30) and sits second in points (44).

Nedeljkovic has gone 20-5-0 with a 2.68 GAA and .903 SV% in 30 games with the Checkers this season. With Curtis McElhinney dealing with a knee injury, Nedeljkovic will back Mrazek up on Friday.

Vlasic remained off of the ice during Monday’s morning skate and will miss his second straight game with an undisclosed injury. The Sharks did just fine without Vlasic vs. the No.1 team in the NHL over the weekend so expect them to be patient with Vlasic.

Head coach Pete DeBoer said that Vlasic will not play Saturday but did not give a reason why. Tonight’s matchup with the high-powered Lightning will be tough without Vlasic, Justin Braun or Radim Simek.

Klingberg has been out since November 8th but is set to return to the Stars lineup tomorrow. Klingberg has registered 13 points (5G / 8A) in 16 games with the Stars prior to getting hurt. Klingberg will be back on a pair with Esa Lindell and on the top power-play against the Blackhawks.

Klingberg is four weeks into what was originally a five-week timetable. It looks like Klingberg will be back a couple of days early as he appears to be on-pace to play Thursday. The 26-year-old was tied for sixth among defensemen in points with 13 (5G / 8A) in 15 games before getting hurt.