The decision to sub Sparks in for a start in a non-back-to-back situation was a little unexpected, but it hints at two things:
1) The coaching staff — and perhaps Frederik Andersen himself — may be more receptive to the idea that the #1 goalie needs more rest than he’s gotten in previous seasons (66 starts in each).
2) They don’t want to leave Sparks totally cold on the sidelines for weeks on end as he tries to gain his footing in the National Hockey League.
The choice to give Sparks the start here tonight makes some sense.