Fantasy Hockey

The Bruins reassigned Frederic to AHL Providence on Thursday.

Frederic didn't do much during his first NHL recall, going scoreless while firing 13 shots on net in 11 appearances, so he definitely stands to benefit from some additional time in the minors. The University of Wisconsin product will remain with AHL Providence for the foreseeable future, but he could be back with the big club once postseason play gets underway.

Hendricks will sit as a healthy scratch Thursday against the Rangers, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

It looked like Hendricks was set to make his return following a three-game absence due to an upper-body injury, but the recently recalled J.T. Brown was able to make it to the rink in time for puck drop and will take the veteran forward's spot in the lineup.

As expected, Duchene (coach's decision) won't be in the lineup for Thursday's game against New Jersey, NBC Sports Washington reports.

It's a foregone conclusion that Duchene is going to be dealt prior to Monday's trade deadline, so there's no reason for the Senators to risk his health in a meaningless game. If he's still with Ottawa, it's safe to assume the 28-year-old forward will watch Friday's game against Columbus and Sunday's matchup with Calgary from the press box as well, but we'll circle back if anything changes on that front.

Hendricks (upper body) is in the projected lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers, NHL.com's Dan Rosen reports.

Hendricks received clearance to practice Tuesday, which was the first indication that he might be an option Thursday. The 37-year-old veteran, who's notched two assists in 22 contests this campaign, will slot into a bottom-six role against New York.

Staal (concussion) is expected to miss Thursday's game against the Panthers, Alain Poupart of NHL.com reports.

Staal joined the team on its two-game road trip and coach Rod Brind'Amour indicated that he hopes to have him back during the road swing, but it now appears it's Saturday or bust for Staal's return. The 30-year-old center's return will bring an offensive boost for a Hurricanes club that's already clicking at a 3.40 goals per game clip during February.

Danault (personal) will return to action against the Flyers on Thursday, TSN.ca reports.

Danault became a father to a baby boy Wednesday, and now he's back in Montreal preparing for the upcoming contest. The excitement doesn't stop there, as Danault needs only one more goal or assist to reach a career-high 41 points.

Ovechkin scored his 650th NHL goal Thursday in a 3-2 win over the Maple Leafs.

He sits 14th on the all-time goal list and is just six from tying Brendan Shanahan (656). The goal was classic Ovie -- he wired a one-timer from the left face-off circle on the power play. The goal extended Ovechkin's current goal streak to four games and five goals (six points).

Wood exited Thursday's 4-0 win over the Senators after suffering an undisclosed injury, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

Wood departed Thursday's contest after logging just 8:59 of ice time, but he made the most out of his limited opportunities, picking up a goal and an assist while firing four shots on net. Coach John Hynes doesn't think Wood's dealing with "anything major," but at this point he should probably be considered questionable at best for Saturday's matchup with the Rangers.

Wood had a goal and an assist in Thursday's 4-0 win over Ottawa.

Wood is on a three-game goal streak (three goals, one assist). He remain a 30-point winger whose value is restricted to extremely deep formats.

Panik (illness) will return to the lineup for Thursday's game against Vancouver, Dave Vest of the Coyotes' official site reports.

Panik has missed the Coyotes' last three contests due to an illness, but he traveled to Vancouver to rejoin his teammates Wednesday, which was the first indication that he would likely be available for Thursday's contest. The 28-year-old winger will return to a top-six role against the Canucks, and should also see time on the man advantage as a member of one of Arizona's power-play units.

The Blues recalled Blais from AHL San Antonio on Thursday.

Brayden Schenn missed Thursday's game against Dallas due to an upper-body injury, so Blais will be on hand in case Schenn is unable to go Saturday against the Bruins. The 22-year-old winger has notched 18 points in 25 AHL appearances this campaign.

Arvidsson (undisclosed) is in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Kings, Thomas Willis of the Predators' official site reports.

Arvidsson will face a struggling Kings squad after missing the team's morning skate. He's been solid in the month of February, scoring seven goals -- with a shooting percentage of 21.2 -- and adding an assist in 10 games

Butcher had two assists in a 4-0 win over the Senators on Thursday.

Butcher has taken a step back this season -- he's on pace for about 33 points after posting 44 in his rookie season. But he's just 24 and will continue to grow his game. Keeper owners may be able to acquire Butcher at a slight discount because of this sophomore slump. Smart move.

McQuaid (undisclosed) won't return to Thursday's game against the Wild due to precautionary reasons.

The specific nature of McQuaid's issue remains unclear, but it doesn't sound like something that will keep him sidelined for long. At this point there's no reason to believe the physical blueliner won't be available for Saturday's matinee matchup with New Jersey, but confirmation on his status for that contest should surface prior to puck drop.

Hunwick (undisclosed) will return to the lineup for Thursday's game against Tampa Bay, John Vogl of The Athletic reports.

Hunwick was held out of Tuesday's game against Florida as a precaution, but he was never expected to be sidelined for long. The 33-year-old blueliner will skate with Nathan Beaulieu on the Sabres' third pairing against the Lightning.

Hedman (lower body) will play Thursday against the Sabres, Bryan Burns of the Lightning's official site reports.

The towering Swedish blueliner missed Tampa's last game but will return to face the Sabres who have dropped three straight contests and four of their last five overall. In three prior meetings with Buffalo this season, Hedman has recorded four assists. The Lightning's top defenseman last scored a goal on Jan. 19.

Lovejoy (undisclosed) will not play Thursday against the Senators, Rob Carlin of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Lovejoy and Marcus Johansson will both be held out for "precautionary reasons", which begs the question of whether they're actually on the verge of being traded. Time will tell, but it's worth noting that Lovejoy did struggle with an upper-body injury before returning to action Feb. 7.

Matheson (lower body) isn't in the projected lineup for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes, Alain Poupart of NHL.com reports, adding that the defenseman is day-to-day.

It seems like Saturday's game against the Kings is a more realistic target date for Matheson's return. Ian McCoshen should hold down the fort at left defense in the meantime.

Holtby made 40 saves in a 3-2 win over Toronto on Thursday night.

It was a nice bounce back for Holtby who had allow five Sunday against the Ducks. His individual ratios certainly do not shine, but they are very similar to last season. And we all know how that worked out for Holtby.

Nilsson made 27 saves in a 4-0 loss to New Jersey on Thursday.

The Sens were playing without forwards Matt Duchene, Mark Stone and Ryan Dzingel because they were held out to protect their health in the event of a trade. Nilsson could face a lot more nights like Thursday if all three are moved.

Schneider made 30 saves Thursday in a 4-0 win over Ottawa.

It was Schneider's first shutout in 15 months. It came against a depleted Senators' lineup that was without forwards Matt Duchene, Mark Stone and Ryan Dzingel. But a shutout is a shutout. Schneider has won three straight after going 0-17-4 in his last 24 regular-season games.

Quick will patrol the crease in Thursday's road game against the Predators, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Quick has struggled in the month of February, compiling a 2-2-2 record in six appearances while posting a sub-par 3.58 GAA and .878 save percentage over that span. The American netminder will look to get back on track and snap his three-game losing streak in a road matchup with a Predators team that's 19-11-1 at home this campaign.

Rinne will start Thursday at home versus Los Angeles, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Rinne has won back-to-back starts for the first time since Jan. 7 and Jan. 9. He and the Predators have a solid matchup on paper Thursday, facing a struggling Kings team that has lost five in a row and sit 30th in the league with 52 points through 59 games.

Ullmark suffered a minor upper-body injury during morning skate and will serve as the backup Thursday.

It's a good sign that Ullmark will be available as the backup, as it indicates that he can play if needed. With Thursday now off the table for him to retake the cage, the Sabres' primary netminder, who has let in nine goals in his last two starts, will look to Saturday against the Capitals. Carter Hutton will take the cage Thursday to face the high-powered Bolts.