The team has been trapped in a scoring slump that doesn’t just impact one or two players, it’s been impacting everyone not selected to the All-Star game. It’s been especially dinging Vladimir Tarasenko, who has only 11 goals and 22 points in 37 games. Tarasenko may not be getting a chance to add anything to his totals tonight; he’s been sick and is more than likely a game-time decision against the defending Cup champions.
As Tarasenko more than likely won’t play, that leaves some space for Carl Gunnarsson to finally return to the lineup if the team runs with 7 defensemen.