The question of Jason Garrison or Nikita Nesterov is drawing closer and closer to becoming a reality. Garrison spoke to media after today’s morning skate and he is a game-time decision. While still not 100%, he would be able to play and perform if called upon.
It becomes a question of overall experience and the fierce urgency of the now if Garrison finds his way into the lineup and Nikita Nesterov sits. It’s not playoff experience that Garrison outweighs Nesterov with (he’s only played 15 games in his career in the NHL playoffs) but general experience.
Today’s morning skate was optional, as many game day morning skates tended to be down the stretch, and Garrison over Nesterov will be clarified come pregame warm-ups. What also will be clarified is if rookie Jonathan Drouin makes his 2015 NHL playoff debut or not. Drouin told reporters after the optional skate that he doesn’t know if he’s playing or not. Knowing the lineup from games 1 through 3 is 1-2 and has allowed the name number of goals as it’s produced (7), changing things around should very much be considered by coach Jon Cooper.
Starting netminders have not been announced for either team but there’s no reason to expect the clubs to change from Ben Bishop (Lightning) or Petr Mrazek (Red Wings). Bishop’s GAA is a solid 2.03 in these 3 games so far, but his save percentage of .897 does leave something to be desired.
