Defenseman Ethan Bear was noticeably absent from the team's morning skate and this afternoon it was announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He will be unavailable for tonight's game. While we do not know specifically where he will fit in, it would appear that Brendan Smith, who has served as the team's extra defenseman the last two contests, will play in his place. For the purpose of the below, we have listed him directly into Bear's normal spot.
In terms of the healthy bunch, Rod Brind'Amour appears to have mixed up the lines following Saturday's victory over Los Angeles. He described the game as a "very bad" one for his club, so changes are on the horizon, it appears.
As has been the case the past few games, one of the four listed players on the final line below will sit.
Lastly, the head coach confirmed that Antti Raanta will start tonight, opposite former Hurricane James Reimer.
Here are the projected lines, pairings and goaltenders:
Forwards:
Teravainen - Aho - Jarvis
Niederreiter - Trocheck - Necas
Svechnikov - Staal - Fast
Martinook - Kotkaniemi - Stepan / Lorentz
Defensemen:
Slavin - Smith\
Skjei - Pesce
Cole - DeAngelo
Goalies:
Raanta
Andersen
Scratches:
TBD
Injuries:
Ethan Bear (COVID-19)
Note: Lineup subject to change prior to opening faceoff*
