Just four games on the schedule this evening, but it’s all eyes on Vegas and the Golden Knights, who are in essentially a must-win situation to save their season. Unfortunately, they’ll be up against a team that has some experience ending their seasons in the Washington Capitals–the club that defeated Vegas in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. The Golden Knights are now tied with the Vancouver Canucks and four points back of the Dallas Stars for the final wild card position with just five games to play. As they and others prepare for tonight’s action, we’ll keep track of all the minor shuffling:
Atlantic Division
- Rafael Harvey-Pinard has been recalled from the AHL by the Montreal Canadiens, giving the young forward another chance to show what he can do at the NHL level. In 64 games with the Laval Rocket, Harvey-Pinard has scored 19 goals and 51 points, showing once again that his size will not hold him back at the professional level. Later in the day, the team announced that Corey Schueneman has been returned to Laval.
- The Detroit Red Wings have assigned Riley Barber to the AHL, sending him back to the Grand Rapids Griffins for the time being. Barber, 28, has played in just three NHL games this season, spending most of his time lighting up the score sheet in the minor leagues. Through 44 games with Grand Rapids, he has 42 points.
- The Boston Bruins have returned Jack Ahcan to the AHL, as they travel back east. The Bruins will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow night before an afternoon home game on Saturday against another potential playoff opponent. Ahcan, 24, has one goal in five NHL games this season.
- After making his Ottawa Senators debut on Monday and playing just over four minutes in his second game yesterday, Zachary Senyshyn has been sent back to the AHL. The 25-year-old forward does not appear like he’s going to break through in Ottawa down the stretch, meaning it’s likely Group VI unrestricted free agency for him this summer.
Metropolitan Division
- The New Jersey Devils have recalled Nikita Okhotiuk from the AHL, the first time he has been on the active NHL roster. The 21-year-old defenseman has 12 points in 63 games for the Utica Comets this season but plays a physical game, racking up 68 penalty minutes in the process. In return, the team has sent Nico Daws back to the AHL.
- Linus Hogberg has been recalled by the Philadelphia Flyers, after 57 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms this season. The 23-year-old defenseman has yet to make his NHL debut but will be available for tonight’s game against the Canadiens.
Central Division
Pacific Division
- After recalling him just yesterday, the Vancouver Canucks have returned Spencer Martin to the AHL. The depth goaltender, who signed a one-way contract extension earlier this month, has been excellent whenever called upon this season. In three appearances with Vancouver, Martin has posted a .958 save percentage.
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