New York Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand will be in the net against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. The 23-year-old will make his second career appearance. Garand has gotten his opportunity with Jonathan Quick (upper body) unavailable for a third straight game. He enjoyed a solid debut on Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets, finishing a 3-2 shootout loss with 35 saves. Garand has a favorable matchup on Friday against the third-worst offense in the NHL. Chicago has averaged only 2.57 goals per game this season, while generating a league-low 1,759 SOG.

Buffalo Sabres center Noah Ostlund (upper body) won't play on Friday against the Detroit Red Wings, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports. He hasn't joined the team for pregame warmups after being regarded as a game-time decision. Ostlund is nursing an upper-body injury and didn't practice on Thursday. The 22-year-old Swedish native has had a good rookie campaign, with 11 goals and 27 points in 60 appearances. Tanner Pearson will replace Ostlund in the lineup, making only his second appearance for the team since being acquired from Winnipeg at the trade deadline.

Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary (upper body) was back at practice on Friday, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports. This was his first practice session since suffering an upper-body injury last week. Zary has missed three games since being hurt. He remains day-to-day, but the fact that he's practicing again indicates that Zary could soon be ready to return to the lineup. The Flames head out next against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. Zary has notched 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 67 games during his third NHL campaign.

Calgary Flames left wing Samuel Honzek (upper body) will not return to action this season, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports. The 21-year-old suffered an upper-body injury in November, which required surgery. On Friday, he practiced with the team for the first time since getting hurt. However, Calgary won't bring Honzek back into the lineup this season. Honzek is expected to fully recover in time for the 2026-27 campaign. He made 18 appearances in 2025-26, recording four points (two goals, two assists) and 35 hits. The 2023 first-round pick has great potential as a power forward, but he needs to stay away from injuries.