The flu has been making its rounds around the Panthers locker room, so that is likely what Bjugstad is dealing with. Florida does not play again until Thursday, so he has plenty of time to get back on the ice and be ready for their matchup with the Jets.
Krug, 23, was set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason. Krug is on-pace to set a career-high with 41 points. So far he has 11 goals and 20 assists (31 points) in 59 games.
Bjugstad was listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury and the belief was that Vincent Trocheck was recalled to replace Bjugstad, but he will be in for Dave Bolland and Bjugstad is good to go. The 22-year-old has five goals in his last nine games.
Bjugstad is reportedly ailing a little bit which sparked the Panthers to recall Vincent Trocheck from San Antonio (AHL). Monitor Bjugstad’s status during warmups.
Bjugstad has 21 points (13G / 8A) in 34 games this season. His 13 goals leads the Panthers and puts him on pace for 31 this season. He is miles ahead of his strong rookie campaign and should continue to get better. His six-year extension will see him in Florida through the 2020-21 season.
Brian Elliott sustained a lower-body injury on Tuesday night, so Binnington, 21, has been recalled to serve as the Blues second net minder while Elliott is out. Binnington has gone 6-2-1 with a 1.89 GAA and .925 SV% in nine AHL appearances this season.
Bjugstad now has 7 points in 15 games this season.
Schenn now has 13 points in 16 games
Fowler missed Sunday’s game against the Canucks but will be back in the lineup tonight vs. the Kings. Fowler has one goal and eight assists in 15 games this season.
Fowler is taking part in line rushes at the Ducks’ game day skate this afternoon. He missed Sunday’s game vs. the Canucks but it appears as if he will be back in tonight vs. the Kings.
Krug was listed as a game time decision but is on the ice for warmups, taking line rushes with Zach Trotman, so it looks like he will be back in the lineup after a four-game absence.
Krug missed the last four games with a broken finger, but it looks like he could be back in the lineup tonight vs. the Devils. The Bruins recently lost David Warsofsky for 2-4 weeks, so he would simply slide into that spot. He has two goals and four assists in 11 games this season. Krug has averaged 20:28 TOI this season, but with Zdeno Chara still sidelined, expect him to play closer to 25 minutes.
Fowler, who suffered a lower-body injury on Friday, will be held out of tonight’s game, which means that Josh Manson will get back into the lineup. Fowler is listed as day-to-day.
Fowler left Friday’s game with a lower-body injury, but head coach Bruce Bourdreau said that Fowler could play on Sunday. He is listed as day-to-day, which sounds worse than it is if he is a possibility for tomorrow. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate.
Krug missed his four fourth game in a row with a broken finger he suffered on October 28th. Krug is one week into a 2-3 week timeline and has reportedly been limited in what he can do with his hand. Look for Krug to continue to practice and progress and could return by next weekend.
Krug will miss his fourth straight game tonight but is progressing well. "I'm told it'll be up to [Krug] how quickly he gets that feeling that he can hold a stick properly and that it's not going to be an issue,” said Claude Julien. “"He's doing well . . . the finger is much, much better."
Krug was diagnosed with a broken finger and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Returning to the ice is promising, but it remains to be seen how much he will be able to do with the stick in his hand. He could be back by next week, but that is best case scenario.
Krug broke his finger when he was slashed against the Wild on Tuesday night. He remained in the game and played a season-high 24:07 and recorded one assist. However, the bigger news is he will be out 2-3 weeks which leaves an already thin blueline even more shorthanded. With Krug out, expect Joe Morrow to get into the lineup on Thursday vs. Buffalo.
It is up to the coaching staff whether Fowler will play, but if he does it will be on the Ducks second pair with his usual partner Ben Lovejoy. He is coming off of a strong season, having posted six goals and 30 assists (36 points) in 70 games. He has 40 points in his rookie season and on a high-octane Ducks' offence he could get back there this season.
Fowler skated hard on Wednesday and is on the ice this morning in his regular spot with Ben Lovejoy. This is a good sign for Fowler's availability tonight, but we will get an official update following the gameday skate.
