Goalie Announcements (Feb 25)

It was a rare start these days for Chad Johnson, as the Flames took on the Panthers last night, but it was good enough for the win and now John has made it through to next week in the goalie survivor pool, as both teams are in good shape for another week.

The afternoon has lots of action, just ahead of the evening's activities, including the outdoor game in Pittsburgh today, where the Flyers and Penguins will go at it at Heinz Field.  Both teams are celebrating anniversary seasons and they'll round out the mini-game with their clash tonight.

It isn't a very busy Saturday, so we'll have a quick peek at the games scheduled today.

Jonathan Bernier (Eric) versus Jonathan Quick (Kristy & Don)
Huge news for the home side on Saturday, as Jonathan Quick is expected to come off the Injured Reserve today and be ready to dress for the anniversary celebrating Kings this afternoon, with the Anaheim Ducks in town.  Quick has been out since the first game of the season with a major groin injury and he has reportedly been given the green light to come back.  It won't help Kristy & Don much, but it will be a big boost to have him back.  At the other end, Jonathan Bernier will get another start, as the Ducks rest John Gibson's lower-body injury, just before they start their 5-day break tomorrow.

Philipp Grubauer (Tony) versus Juuse Saros (Kristy & Don)
With the Washington Capitals on back-to-back days and a fairly early start on Saturday, it will come as no surprise to see Grubauer in the net today in Nashville.  The Predators are playing the first half of back-to-back days today and they currently hold the last wild card spot in the West, but since Washington is on the back half, playing their back-up, the Preds will do the same against a non-conference opponent.  Juuse Saros gets the nod and this could be a pretty good game today.

Thomas Greiss (Dale B.) versus Joonas Korpisalo (N/A)
Dale B. does get one start, as he tries to defend his lead on Saturday, with Thomas Greiss getting into the visitors' net in Columbus tonight and Dale might just get the benefit of his goalie playing against Columbus' back-up, Korpisalo, thanks to the early afternoon start of back-to-back days this weekend.

Antti Raanta (Stacey M.) versus Cory Schneider (Stuart)
Well, it's not like Stacey needs the start today, she probably would have been more thrilled about a start from Raanta when she needed a win, but I'm sure she'll still take it today.  The Rangers will draw up against Cory Schneider and the New Jersey Devils this afternoon, just before the last outdoor game of the season starts.

Carey Price (Benson) versus Frederik Andersen (Brian)
The old rivalry gets the number one goalies tonight in Toronto, as Price and Andersen will go head-to-head.  If this was early in the season, this would have been a prime match-up at the top of the standings, but it has been a while since Benson had a sniff of the money, while Brian aims to take back top spot tonight... with a little help, of course.

Michal Neuvirth (Clayton) versus Matt Murray (Scott)
Puck drop on the outdoor game doesn't go until 6pm MT tonight and it will be the last game of the outdoor games pool, so we'll have some money decided before the end of the night. Scott is only 3 points back of the lead and gets a big start from Matt Murray, while Clayton has a point in previous games and will also get a start from Michal Neuvirth.  Either way, a shutout is the most intriguing finish for either goalie in the mini-game.

Martin Jones (Wes) versus Ryan Miller (Brenda & Seward)
The Pacific-leading Sharks are in Vancouver tonight to take on the Canucks, looking to pad their lead in the division over a mumps-riddled rival in one of the late games on Saturday.  Jones will likely get the start for the fish, while the whale will go with Miller tonight, as the pool's second duo will need some help to climb back into the money conversation again.

Robin Lehner (Dropped) versus Calvin Pickard (Derek B.)
If the Sabres are going to make a run at a playoff spot, they will need to win the games that are presented to them on a silver platter, like a game against the Avalanche.  The now pool-unemployed Lehner will get the now-full-time starter in Colorado, Pickard, and Derek B. is the only one with the potential of points from the crease here tonight.