Howard missed the last three games with a bruised hand, but Jonas Gustavsson went 3-0. Howard returns to the cage against a Coyotes team that tagged him for three goals on 37 shots on October 10th. Expect a better Red Wings performance tonight.

In the 4-2 victory over the previously undefeated Colorado Avalanche last night, the vast array of firepower on the Detroit Red Wings was on full display, led by two-goal efforts by both both Pavel Datsyuk (who else?) and Johan Franzen. Daniel Alfredsson chipped in with three big helpers, including two with the man advantage. In particular, the 40-year old "Alfie" was a bit of a question mark for fantasy owners joining Detroit now during his twilight years and having never played for another team other than his beloved Ottawa Senators. However, the seasoned Swede has fit in nicely as a complimentary scorer, albeit in a more expanded role given the big minutes he gets on their explosive power play. With one goal and 8 assists in eight games, Alfredsson is definitely worth a look as a depth forward on your fantasy squads.. Niklas Kronwall sustained a concussion early in the first period after a hit by Colorado's Cody McLeod, and did not return. Early reports point to him missing some time, but he needs to be re-evaluated by team doctors. In the interim, Jakub Kindl will be the main beneficiary in his absence, as he gobbled up all the top power-play time (5:00) and also picked up an assist. Kronwall owners should scoop him up ASAP...Goalie Jonas Gustavsson was spectacular in the crease, thwarting away 38 of 40 Colorado shots. In relief of the injured Jimmy Howard, he has gone 3-0 with 1.67 GAA and a .953 SP. Other Fantasy Notes: Remember the hot start by Patrick Marleau last season? The Shark forward is back to his "old tricks", scoring a goal in his fourth straight game and now has nine points in seven games. Just know that he will slow down big-time at some point. However, he is more than capable of 30-goal, 70-point production even in his waning years.. In the 2-1 SO win for the Kings over the Predators, the goaltending duel between Jonathan Quick and Pekka Rinne is a clear example why both belong in the fantasy top-five year-in, year-out... Ottawa's Jason Spezza is on fire, recording his second straight three-point game. When healthy, the Sen's captain is fantasy gold. Coming off an injury-plagued season, a huge comeback is coming.. Promising defensemen Dougie Hamilton scored his first goal of the season for Boston. The youngster has taken a backseat to Torey Krug on the "B's" power play, but is too talented to ignore. Expect him to make his mark later in the year, as he continues to learn from his growing pains during his sophomore season.. Marian ...

In the 4-2 victory over the previously undefeated Colorado Avalanche last night, the vast array of firepower on the Detroit Red Wings was on full display, led by two-goal efforts by both both Pavel Datsyuk (who else?) and Johan Franzen. Daniel Alfredsson chipped in with three big helpers, including two with the man advantage. In particular, the 40-year old "Alfie" was a bit of a question mark for fantasy owners joining Detroit now during his twilight years and having never played for another team other than his beloved Ottawa Senators. However, the seasoned Swede has fit in nicely as a complimentary scorer, albeit in a more expanded role given the big minutes he gets on their explosive power play. With one goal and 8 assists in eight games, Alfredsson is definitely worth a look as a depth forward on your fantasy squads.. Niklas Kronwall sustained a concussion early in the first period after a hit by Colorado's Cody McLeod, and did not return. Early reports point to him missing some time, but he needs to be re-evaluated by team doctors. In the interim, Jakub Kindl will be the main beneficiary in his absence, as he gobbled up all the top power-play time (5:00) and also picked up an assist. Kronwall owners should scoop him up ASAP...Goalie Jonas Gustavsson was spectacular in the crease, thwarting away 38 of 40 Colorado shots. In relief of the injured Jimmy Howard, he has gone 3-0 with 1.67 GAA and a .953 SP. Other Fantasy Notes: Remember the hot start by Patrick Marleau last season? The Shark forward is back to his "old tricks", scoring a goal in his fourth straight game and now has nine points in seven games. Just know that he will slow down big-time at some point. However, he is more than capable of 30-goal, 70-point production even in his waning years.. In the 2-1 SO win for the Kings over the Predators, the goaltending duel between Jonathan Quick and Pekka Rinne is a clear example why both belong in the fantasy top-five year-in, year-out... Ottawa's Jason Spezza is on fire, recording his second straight three-point game. When healthy, the Sen's captain is fantasy gold. Coming off an injury-plagued season, a huge comeback is coming.. Promising defensemen Dougie Hamilton scored his first goal of the season for Boston. The youngster has taken a backseat to Torey Krug on the "B's" power play, but is too talented to ignore. Expect him to make his mark later in the year, as he continues to learn from his growing pains during his sophomore season.. Marian ...

Howard will back up Jonas Gustavsson tonight and could return on Saturday vs. Phoenix.

Wild RW Jason Pominville celebrated his return to Buffalo by scoring the game-winning goal in the 2nd period, set up by some great passing from D Jared Spurgeon and C Mikko Koivu. Pominville's 2nd of the season couldn't have come against a better opponent, as Pommer once played for the Sabres for nearly 8 years before being traded at the trade deadline in last year's Lockout season. In 10 games with the Minnesota Wild, the talented Right Wing scored 9 points and high expectations were placed on him for this season, but in 6 games, only has 2 goals.  Expect Pominville to regain that chemistry he had with Zach Parise, Koivu and company and return to normal scoring levels around the 65-70 point range. Other Fantasy Game Notes: Detroit exacted their revenge for an earlier loss by clamping down on the Boston Bruins in a Columbus Day matinee.  The only difference in this game was that Jonas Gustavsson started in place of the injured Jimmy Howard. Gustavsson shook off some early game jitters and played solid in net.  Don't worry Howard owners, Howard suffered a slight hand injury in the previous game and the Red Wings were just giving him another day's rest since they are also playing again tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  He may miss another game or two though.  How come Columbus had the night off being that it was Columbus Day? ....The Washington Capitals capitalized on two power play opportunities in the 2nd period and controlled the game the rest of the way as Braden Holtby turned in another solid effort and was finally rewarded with a W. Nicklas Backstrom was the offensive star of the game as he assisted on all three 2nd period goals. With those points, Backstrom now sits 1 point behind league leaders, Sidney Crosby and team mate Alex Ovechkin. Backstrom is back!

Wild RW Jason Pominville celebrated his return to Buffalo by scoring the game-winning goal in the 2nd period, set up by some great passing from D Jared Spurgeon and C Mikko Koivu. Pominville's 2nd of the season couldn't have come against a better opponent, as Pommer once played for the Sabres for nearly 8 years before being traded at the trade deadline in last year's Lockout season. In 10 games with the Minnesota Wild, the talented Right Wing scored 9 points and high expectations were placed on him for this season, but in 6 games, only has 2 goals.  Expect Pominville to regain that chemistry he had with Zach Parise, Koivu and company and return to normal scoring levels around the 65-70 point range. Other Fantasy Game Notes: Detroit exacted their revenge for an earlier loss by clamping down on the Boston Bruins in a Columbus Day matinee.  The only difference in this game was that Jonas Gustavsson started in place of the injured Jimmy Howard. Gustavsson shook off some early game jitters and played solid in net.  Don't worry Howard owners, Howard suffered a slight hand injury in the previous game and the Red Wings were just giving him another day's rest since they are also playing again tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  How come Columbus had the night off being that it was Columbus Day? ....The Washington Capitals capitalized on two power play opportunities in the 2nd period and controlled the game the rest of the way as Braden Holtby turned in another solid effort and was finally rewarded with a W. Nicklas Backstrom was the offensive star of the game as he assisted on all three 2nd period goals. With those points, Backstrom now sits 1 point behind league leaders, Sidney Crosby and team mate Alex Ovechkin. Backstrom is back!

Howard was supposed to start this afternoon but was a late scratch due to a bruised hand. If he can't go tomorrow, expect Jonas Gustavsson to start. Gustavsson made 28 saves in a 3-2 win over the Bruins today, so I think the Red Wings feel comfortable rolling with him tomorrow.

Howard turned aside 32 shots in a 5-2 win over the Flyers on Saturday. The win was his third of the season and dropped his GAA to 2.39 while his SV% sits at .922. Detroit is in Boston where he will face the Bruins for the second time. He allowed four goals on 37 shots in a 4-1 loss to the B's on October 5th.

Howard hurt his hand on a shot in the Philadelphia game on Saturday. He thought that he would be able to play today, but was scratched after warmups.

Chicago is playing back-to back after their tight victory over the surging Islanders, but Corey Crawford will resume his starting duties against the offensively inept Buffalo Sabres. Jonathan Toews and company should have their way. Go with Crawford... The Philadelphis Flyers lost both Scott Hartnell and Vincent Lecavalier to injury last night, so expect them to struggle against a Red Wings squad, smarting off two straight losses. Jimmy Howard makes it right.. The tale of two teams in St. Louis, as the Blues are surging and the Rangers are reeling. No Nash and Lundqvist spells doom  for the Blueshirts against one of the hotter goalies in the NHL right now, Jaroslav Halak... I believe in the "Patrick Roy Effect", as the Colorado Avalanche is riding the hot play of both goalies and a deep offensive attack to start the season 3-0. Make it 4 as the Washington Capitals have yet to find their top form on home ice... Jonathan Bernier will continue his hot hand against Edmonton. FANTASY MUST-STARTS Corey Crawford, Chicago vs. Buffalo Jimmy Howard, Detroit vs. Philadelphia Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis vs. NYR Jonathan Bernier, Toronto vs. Edmonton SLEEPER ALERT Semyon Varlamov, Colorado @ Washington Carey Price, Montreal @ Vancouver DAILY GOALIE PICKS Steve  Jimmy Howard (3-8) Ray   Corey Crawford (4-7) Mike   TBA (4-6)