News:Henrik Karlsson will again back-up Blackhawks' goalie Corey Crawford on Friday in Game 2 against the Wild as Ray Emery is still out with a lower-body injury, ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis: Unless Crawford gets injured, Henrik Karlsson will not see the ice. In addition Emery might be back for Game 3 against the Wild so Karlsson's time as back-up might be short lived.
Hawks' Karlsson To Back Up Crawford In Playoff Opener
News:Henrik Karlsson will back up Corey Crawford in the playoff opener on Tuesday, CSN Chicago reports.
Analysis: If you gave the Blackhawks truth serum, they are crossing their fingers that Crawford stays healthy on Tuesday. Ray Emery is still out with a lower-body injury, but the Blackhawks are hopeful that he will be ready in the second game against the Wild on Friday. Henrik Karlsson was chosen over Carter Hutton to back up Crawford because he has more than one game of NHL experience. Karlsson started in goal for the Flames for 18 games in total for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 season where he had a .905 save percentage and a 2.79 goals against average.
News:Henrik Karlsson was recalled from AHL Rockford on Friday.
Analysis: In 18 games with Rockford this season, Henrik Karlsson went 11-5-0 with a 2.86 GAA and a .898 save percentage. He'll provided some added goalkeeping depth to the top-seeded Blackhawks as they gear up for the playoffs.
News:Henrik Karlsson was assigned to AHL Rockford on Friday.
Analysis: After being recalled last week, Henrik Karlsson served as Ray Emery's backup for three games, but didn't see the ice. Corey Crawford (upper body) has returned to practice and will be back on the bench Friday, so Karlsson was sent back down.
News:Henrik Karlsson was recalled by the Blackhawks on Friday from AHL Rockford, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson was traded to the Blackhawks from the Flames on Jan. 21 for a seventh-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. In 26 career NHL games with the Flames, Karlsson has a 5-9-8 record with a 2.79 GAA. The Blackhawks have Crawford and Emery on the roster already, so playing time will be limited for Karlsson unless there is an injury ahead of him.
News: The Flames have traded Henrik Karlsson to the Blackhawks in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson is on his way to AHL Rockford to provide the Blackhawks with some added goaltending depth.
News: The Flames have assigned Henrik Karlsson to AHL Abbotsford, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson's demotion solidifies Leland Irving's position as Miikka Kiprusoff's top backup for the time being.
News:Henrik Karlsson lost the backup netminder battle to Leland Irving and will either be sent to the AHL or Europe, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson has only two wins in the last two calendar years, and didn't really impress in his appearances in 2011-12. He should get another chance someday for a backup job, but his chances at a starter position are limited.
News:Henrik Karlsson and fellow netminder Leland Irving were placed on waivers Thursday, the team's official Twitter account reports.
Analysis: The battle to back up Miikka Kiprusoff continues, as the Flames appear to be hoping a team takes either Irving or Henrik Karlsson off their hands. With a shortened season, the backup goalie job will be increasingly important, so Karlsson or Irving should get a decent amount of time in 2012-13.
News:Henrik Karlsson stopped 23 shots in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.
Analysis: It took Henrik Karlsson until the last day of the schedule to get his first win of the season, so his fantasy numbers aren't exactly off the charts. He'll once again compete for the backup job behind Miikka Kiprusoff in 2012-13.
Karlsson To Close Flames' Season Saturday Vs. Ducks
News:Henrik Karlsson will start Saturday's season finale against Anaheim, according to Sportsnet Calgary's Rob Kerr.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson's last win came over a year ago - Jan. 21 versus Dallas - so he will no doubt be very anxious to close the season on a positive note. Karlsson has one year remaining on a two-year deal and will most likely be back with the Flames next season as backup to Miikka Kiprusoff.
News:Henrik Karlsson made 31 saves on 34 shots in Saturday's overtime loss to the Canucks.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson hadn't started since Feb. 21 vs. Edmonton, so suiting up on the road in Vancouver wasn't exactly an easy task. He certainly gave his team a chance to win Saturday, but will continue to see only limited duty behind workhorse Miikka Kiprusoff.
Flames' Karlsson To Spell Kiprusoff Saturday Vs. Canucks
News:Henrik Karlsson will start in place of Miikka Kiprusoff against the Canucks on Saturday, according to The FAN 960's Pat Steinberg.
Analysis: With just one win in their past seven games, the Flames have fallen to 11th spot in the West and have been all but eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile, Kiprusoff has played every other day for the past two weeks and badly needs a rest, so it makes sense that Henrik Karlsson gets some work in.
News:Henrik Karlsson has lost the backup goalie spot to Leland Irving, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson went down with injury at a bad time, as Leland Irving played well in the backup role in his stead through the middle of the season. Karlsson was unimpressive in his five starts this season, going 0-4-1, and will likely wind up back in the AHL soon.
News:Henrik Karlsson came on in relief of Miikka Kiprusoff Tuesday, stopping seven of eight shots in the third period of a 6-1 blowout loss to Edmonton.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson looked decent after playing in the NHL for the first time since early December. He will likely get his next start March 2 on the second half of a back-to-back against Anaheim.
News: The Flames recalled Henrik Karlsson from AHL Abbotsford Sunday, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson has been out since Dec. 4 with an injury. With Miikka Kiprusoff on a roll, Karlsson likely won't get much playing time for the rest of the season but may get a spot start here and there. He is 0-4-1 on the season with a 3.48 goals against average.
News:Henrik Karlsson (knee) is headed for AHL Abbotsford on a two-week conditioning stint, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: As a result, the Flames have recalled Leland Irving to work behind Miikka Kiprusoff in the meantime.
News: With the re-assignment of Leland Irving, it appears Henrik Karlsson (knee) is finally near 100 percent, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson has been out for nearly two months with a torn MCL. He didn't play particularly well before the injury, going 0-4-1 with a 3.48 goals against average, but has reclaimed his backup role.
News:Henrik Karlsson took part in practice Monday for the first time since injuring his knee Dec. 4, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson is still a few weeks away from returning, but he is making progress. He should get his No. 2 goaltender spot back when he returns, although current backup Leland Irving has played well in his stead.
News:Henrik Karlsson (knee) is practicing on-ice on his own and continues to progress, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson tore his MCL in early December, and the injury was projected as a six-to-eight-week injury, so he is should be back in a couple weeks. The bigger problem for Karlsson is that current No. 2 goalie Leland Irving has played well in his absence, which may not bode well for Karlsson.
News:Henrik Karlsson will miss 6-to-8 weeks with what has been officially diagnosed as a torn MCL in his right knee, according to the Flames' official website.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson's injury will hurt the Flames more than fantasy owners - new backup Leland Irving, while promising, has not appeared in an NHL game and would benefit from regular playing time in the AHL.
News:Henrik Karlsson (knee) was placed on IR on Monday, CalgaryFlames.com reports.
Analysis: Leland Irving was called up to take Henrik Karlsson's place. It's not clear how long Karlsson will be shelved with what has been diagnosed as an MCL sprain.
News:Henrik Karlsson left the Flames' 5-1 loss to Vancouver on Sunday night with an apparent knee injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson left in the third period after a collision with teammate Tom Kostopolous. It's not likely Karlsson will receive another start for a while anyway, as he has an 0-4-1 record and a 3.48 goals against average, so that should give his knee time to heal.
News:Henrik Karlsson gave up five goals on 32 shots Sunday against Vancouver. He was pulled after 46:39 and took the loss.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson rarely plays as Miikka Kiprusoff's backup, and he's more prone to have a game like this than be worth a spot start, especially on a poor Calgary team.
News: Karlson gave up three goals on 29 shots in a loss to Columbus on Monday.
Analysis: Backing up Miikka Kiprusoff, Henrik Karlsson rarely plays, and he has not impressed in his career when given the chance.
News:Henrik Karlsson is expected to start Monday against the Blue Jackets, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: With the Jackets turning to Curtis Sanford, it's a good opportunity for the Flames to deploy their backup netminder without ceding a significant competitive advantage.
News:Henrik Karlsson made 42 stops Friday, but it was not enough as Calgary fell to Buffal,o 2-1.
Analysis: This was one of the better starts of Henrik Karlsson's career; he just didn't get any offensive help. Karlsson will get 10-15 starts this season, but they will be few and far between.
News:Henrik Karlsson is expected to start Friday at Buffalo, according to Sportsnet's Roger Millions.
Analysis: The Flames are in the midst of a busy schedule with three games in four nights, which began with Thursday's 4-1 win against the Red Wings. Accordingly, it's no surprise to see Henrik Karlsson get the nod Friday against the Sabres, with regular starter Miikka Kiprusoff expected back between the pipes Sunday against the Avalanche. Karlsson is still very much entrenched in the backup role in Calgary this season, currently sporting a less-than-stellar 0-1-1 record, 3.31 GAA and .881 SV%.
News:Henrik Karlsson allowed three goals on 29 shots Thursday against the Rangers, taking the loss on Ryan McDonagh's goal with two seconds remaining in overtime.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson was helpless on the game-ender, as he'd gone after a Dan Girardi shot that went wide behind the goal and bounced right out into the slot, where McDonagh was waiting. The big Swede looked a lot better Thursday than he had in his first start of the year, but he did give up a shorthanded goal early on and was battling the puck at times in the third period.
News:Henrik Karlsson will start tonight for the Flames when they take on the Rangers, according to Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson will be making his second start of the year for the Flames who have to hope that it will go better than his first outing in which he allowed five goals. The Flames would like to get Miikka Kiprusoff more rest this season, but they're going to need Henrik to be a passable option in order to follow that plan.
News:Henrik Karlsson will start between the pipes Thursday against the Rangers, according to the Flames' official Twitter page.
Analysis:Henrik Karlsson will make his second start of the season Thursday night. He'll be looking for better results after giving up five goals in a loss to the Bruins his first time out.
News:Henrik Karlsson surrendered five goals on 30 shots in Monday's loss to St. Louis.
Analysis: Efforts like this won't earn Henrik Karlsson the confidences of his coaches, but the loss can't all be pinned on him, as one goal stemmed from a defensive zone turnover and he didn't entirely see Alex Pietrangelo's blast from the blue line. Karlsson has much upside in terms of talent, but Miikka Kiprusoff is firmly planted as the Flames' starter.
News: Flames general manager Jay Feaster gave a resounding "no" when asked if starting goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff would start 70 games this year, and said head coach Brent Sutter has all of the confidence in the world in Henrik Karlsson, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: This is good news for Henrik Karlsson, as he will get another chance to prove himself after going 4-5-6 with a 2.58 GAA and .908 save percentage in 2010-11. With the amount of minutes Kiprusoff has logged over the last six seasons, we wouldn't be surprised to see Karlsson start 20 games in 2011-12. While Karlsson is far from a day-to-day option at goalie, he may be worth a pickup if you're in a pinch.
News: The Flames have re-signed Karlsson to a two-year deal, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Karlsson, who is slated to make $850,000 this coming season and $875,00 in 2012-13, figures to reprise his duties backing up Miikka Kiprusoff, a gig that only saw him play in 17 games in 2010-11. In that span, Karlsson was 4-5-6 with a 2.58 GAA and .908 save percentage.
News: Karlsson was staked to an early 2-0 lead against the powerful Vancouver attack, but couldn't hold it as the Canucks came back to win the game in overtime, 3-2 on Saturday. His record fell to 4-5-6.
Analysis: He's still playing second fiddle to Miikka Kiprusoff, though his composite stats (2.58, .908) this season were marginally better than Kiprusoff's (2.63, .906).
News: Karlsson will start Saturday's season finale against the Canucks, the Flames' official site reports.
Analysis: Karlsson will make just his second start since Jan. 21, and you'd need to be fairly desperate to roll him out there in fantasy leagues Saturday.
News: Karlsson, making his first start since Jan. 21, stopped 29 of 31 shots Thursday against Phoenix, but Ilya Bryzgalov shut out Calgary to send Karlsson to his fifth loss.
Analysis: He doesn't get much playing time as Miikka Kiprusoff's backup, but the huge Swede has some potential, as he's shown by doing fine work in the Swedish Elite League the past couple seasons.
News: Karlsson allowed four goals on 21 shots Friday against the Stars, but the Flames prevailed, 7-4.
Analysis: Karlsson allowed at least one goal in each period, but the Flames worked hard offensively to give him his first home win of the season. His goals-against average at the Scotiabank Saddledome actually shrunk to 4.89 following this performance.
News: Karlsson will start in goal Friday against the visiting Stars, according to Flames coach Brent Sutter, The FAN 960's Pat Steinberg reports.
Analysis: Karlsson has been awful at home (5.32 goals-against average, .823 save percentage) but regular puck-stopper Miikka Kiprusoff is mired in a slump himself. It would be risky to start the "Calgary Tower" against the Stars, winners of five straight games and the current leaders of the Pacific Division standings.
News: Karlsson, who was pressed into Monday's game against the Canadiens, allowed an overtime goal to Montreal's P.K. Subban.
Analysis: Karlsson did let in the deciding goal but he was solid otherwise, stopping 11 of 12 shots after starter Miikka Kiprusoff struggled and was ultimately pulled from the game. Karlsson is a solid backup option for the Flames, a team that shows little hesitation in turning to him when Kiprusoff is not at his best.
News: Karlsson stopped 33 of 35 shots in Calgary's 3-2 win over Ottawa on Friday.
Analysis: It was his first win since Dec. 3, but he's been solid otherwise in the few starts he gets. Karlsson is now 3-3-3 on the season.
News: Karlsson is expected to start in goal Friday against the Senators, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: It's been tough sledding lately for regular goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, so the Flames will roll with the 6-foot-5 Karlsson. The "Calgary Tower," as he is affectionately called, is 0-2-0 at home with a poor save percentage of .823 in three games.
News: Karlsson surrendered four goals on 25 shots Monday in the loss to the Islanders.
Analysis: Calgary's a team in disarray presently, but the youngster had a rough outing as the Flames were stonewalled by the Isles, trailing 4-1 late in the second period. Look for Karlsson to give Miikka Kiprusoff some rest occasionally, but Monday's effort isn't inspiring confidence considering the Islanders' poor road record.
News: Karlsson is expected to get the start Monday when the Flames take on the Islanders, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: It;ll be just his seventh start of the season, but the Flames also played Friday and Saturday, so they'll give Karlsson some work and Miikka Kiprusoff some rest. With only five games Monday and this one being at home against the painfully poor Isles (4-12-3 on the road) this is a good spot if you're hurting for a goalie.
News: Karlsson stopped 34 of 36 shots in Tuesday's loss to Columbus.
Analysis: Karlsson played well, but his team couldn't provide him with enough offensive support. He figures to be right back on the bench behind Miikka Kiprusoff on Thursday against Dallas.
News: Karlsson is expected to start Tuesday against Columbus, according to Sportsnet's Roger Millions.
Analysis: Miikka Kiprusoff posted his third consecutive sub-par effort Monday, allowing three goals on just 22 shots, so it looks like he will get a breather in favor of the rookie. Unless Karlsson absolutely stands on his head against the Blue Jackets, we would expect him to be back on the bench for the Flames' next game, Thursday against Dallas.
News: Karlsson made 23 of 25 saves Friday to help steal a point in Friday's 3-2 shootout loss.
Analysis: Karlsson got the start with Miikka Kiprusoff off due to playing the night before. There is no news here other than a day off for Kipper.
News: Karlsson made 20 saves in Friday's 3-2 shootout win at Minnesota.
Analysis: Karlsson was good enough through regulation and overtime and turned away two of three shooters in the bonus round. He fist pumped after each stop making this his signature celebration for EA Sports.
News: Karlsson will start Friday against Minnesota, according to Sportsnet's Roger Millions.
Analysis: Karlsson will be spelling Miikka Kiprusoff who got shelled in his last start, allowing seven goals on Wednesday against the Canucks. Unless Karlsson absolutely stands on his head against the Wild, we would expect him to be back on the bench for the Flames' next contest, Sunday against Chicago.
News: Karlsson will start Wednesday against New Jersey, Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis: This comes as no surprise as it was previously announced that Karlsson would start either Monday or Wednesday, and Miikka Kiprusoff was in goal for the loss to the Rangers on Monday night. Karlsson hasn't done much in very limited opportunities to merit consideration for a spot start from fantasy owners Wednesday.
News: Karlsson will start either Monday against the Rangers or Wednesday against the Devils, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: The team probably won't decide when to give him the tap on the pads until after Monday's practice.
News: Karlsson allowed six goals on 36 shots in Thursday's loss to the Avalanche.
Analysis: He went into the third period with a 4-3 lead, but was unable to hold it, surrendering three goals to let Colorado put the game away. Karlsson has some potential, but will play rarely as the backup to Miikka Kiprusoff.
News: Karlsson will start in goal for the Flames on Thursday against the Avalanche, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Karlsson came up with a big win in his NHL debut last Friday. However, his playing time figures to be sporadic as the backup to established veteran Miikka Kiprusoff in Calgary.
News: Karlsson will start Thursday against Colorado, the Flames' official site reports.
Analysis: Miikka Kiprusoff rarely takes days off, but Karlsson was solid in his first start of the year and will get another chance Thursday.
News: Karlsson will probably start one of the next three games for the Flames, perhaps as early as Thursday, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Miikka Kiprusoff is a workhorse, so the starts for Karlsson will come few and far between. He did come up with a win in his first start against Columbus last week.
Flames Tap Karlsson For His First NHL Start On Friday
News: As expected, Karlsson will make the first start of his NHL career Friday against Columbus, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Flames starting netminder Miikka Kiprusoff is fresh off Thursday's loss to the Red Wings, so the team will unleash Karlsson for the spot start. Karlsson is a 26-year-old best known for his experience slapping away pucks for the Swedish Elite League over the past few years. He should look huge in goal for the Flames; after all, he's 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds. Even if Karlsson comes up equally as huge in the contest, it will only reassure the Flames that they have a capable backup behind Kiprusoff.
News: Karlsson will probably make his Flames debut on Friday against Columbus, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: The Flames play on the road both Thursday and Friday in Detroit and Columbus respectively, and with the short turnaround between games it makes sense to give Karlsson one of those starts.
