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Goalie nods: Dell gives Jones the night off in San Jose

San Jose Sharks v Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 15: Aaron Dell #30 of the San Jose Sharks warms up prior to the start of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 15, 2016 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

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Aaron Dell will make his first start since Dec. 10 tonight, when the Sharks host the Flyers in San Jose.

Dell’s nod means Martin Jones will get a well-deserved break. Jones had started each of San Jose’s last seven games and played very well over that stretch, going 6-1. That included an impressive final outing, Tuesday’s 3-2 OT win over the Ducks in which he stopped 34 of 36 shots.

As for Dell, the 27-year-old has shown relatively well in his first campaign as Jones’ backup -- albeit in a very limited role. He’s 3-1-0 with a 2.16 GAA and .926 save percentage this season, and comes into tonight carrying a modest two-game winning streak.

For the Flyers, Steve Mason’s in net.

Elsewhere...

-- Cam Ward makes his 29th start of the year when the ‘Canes host the Blackhawks in Carolina. Chicago has yet to announce a starter, but all signs point to Scott Darling after Corey Crawford made 36 saves in a win over Nashville last night.

-- The Blues will go back to Jake Allen after Carter Hutton got the nod on Wednesday. Nashville, as mentioned above, played Chicago last night, so the Preds have also not yet named a starter. Pekka Rinne went on Thursday night, however.

-- Ryan Miller, coming off a terrific 36-save win against the Kings on Wednesday, is back in goal for the Canucks. No word yet on who goes for the visiting Ducks, but John Gibson did play last night against Calgary.