Every day, NHL.com’s team of hockey pool experts provides an overview of the different rosters that will be playing each other and identifies some players who could stand out and find success.
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FORWARDERS
Ilya MikheyevAD, OF (vs TOR) – Ilya Mikheyev will be promoted due to the injury to Tanner Pearson. The Russian will be transferred to the wing of the first line along with JT Miller and of Brock Boeser when he returns to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs, with whom he spent the first three seasons of his career. Mikheyev was shut out against the Canadiens on Wednesday, but had at least one point in each of his previous three games. It’s not the motivation that will be lacking tonight.
Barrett HaytonC, ARI (vs NJD) – Shut out in his first 10 games of the season, Hayton has picked up an assist in each of his team’s last three games, while the Coyotes have posted three wins. During that streak, he also fired three shots on goal and maintained a plus-2 differential. Hayton pivots a very interesting young first line with Clayton Keller et Dylan Guentherand all the elements are in place for him to gain confidence in his abilities.
DEFENDER
Jake BeanD, CBJ (vs NYI) – Responsibilities may be increased for Jake Bean due to the injury suffered by Zach Werenski, who will be out for the rest of the season. In the Blue Jackets’ last game, in which Werenski was injured in the first period, it was Bean who was the most used defenseman on the power play, which suggests that this will continue in the future. Bean finished the encounter with an overall usage time of 26:12. The 24-year-old defender has only four points (one goal, three assists) in 12 games since the start of the season, but circumstances could work in his favor going forward.
GUARDIAN
Akira Schmid, G, NJD (vs ARI) – With the injuries to MacKenzie Blackwood and Jonathan Bernier, Schmid has a golden opportunity to make his mark in New Jersey. The 22-year-old goaltender was credited with the win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday after making seven saves in relief. He will get his first start this season against the Coyotes, who allow an average of 3.54 goals per game (ranked 26th in the NHL). Schmid also plays for a team in full possession of their means that have won their last eight games.
