Mats Zuccarello won’t make the road trip and is officially out with a groin strain. Pavel Buchnveich, who scored last game against the Canadians, will fill in his spot next to Mika Zibanejad and Vladislav Namestnikov.
Buchnevich was healthy-scratched for two games before returning against the Sabres on November 4th. Despite having six points in 12 games, Buchnevich has been put in the dog house by head coach David Quinn for not giving the amount of effort he requires.
The move up to the first line alongside Zibanejad and Namestnikov should give the Russian native amble opportunities to show Quinn he belongs on the ice, but if he has a rough road trip in Detroit and Columbus, Buchnevich could see himself back in the suits when they return home for Vancouver.