NHL Player News

Stezka will defend the road net against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Stezka will make his first NHL start in the second half of Seattle's back-to-back after Joey Daccord played in Saturday's 2-1 win over Florida. The 28-year-old Stezka has a 9-12-4 record with a 2.99 GAA and a .902 save percentage in 25 appearances with AHL Coachella Valley this season. Tampa Bay ranks third in the league with 3.56 goals per game in 2024-25.

Merzlikins stopped 27 of 28 shots in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Blackhawks.

Outside of the Blackhawks' lone goal in the second period, Merzlikins tended a clean game overall. With Saturday's win, the 30-year-old goaltender eclipsed the 20-win mark on the season. Across 38 appearances, Merzlikins has a 20-14-4 record with a 2.94 GAA and an .897 save percentage. Saturday was his first victory of February after winning nine of his previous 11 performances before that. In fantasy, Merzlikins doesn't distinguish himself, but Columbus has been better than expected in 2024-25, which has led to his record being adequate even if his GAA and save percentage leave plenty to be desired. His next opportunity to defend the net is Tuesday against the Stars.

Mrazek made 16 saves on 21 shot attempts in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Blue Jackets.

Mrazek, who has now allowed at least four goals in five of his last eight outings, allowed just one goal in the first period Saturday before Columbus piled on four goals across the final two frames. The 33-year-old netminder now has a 10-19-2 record with a 3.33 GAA and an .894 save percentage in 32 appearances this season. As Chicago continues to struggle defensively, Mrazek is a difficult option to trust in fantasy. His next opportunity to defend the crease is Sunday against the Maple Leafs.

Kahkonen was assigned to AHL Manitoba on Sunday, per the NHL media site.

Due to the absence of Connor Hellebuyck (rest), Kahkonen was the backup behind Eric Comrie in Saturday's 4-3 shootout win over St. Louis. According to Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site, Hellebuyck participated in Sunday's optional practice, clearing the way for the 31-year-old netminder's return to the lineup in Monday's home game versus San Jose.

Hellebuyck (rest) is back at practice with the Jets on Sunday, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports.

Hellebuyck sat out Saturday's game following the 4 Nations Face-Off, but the 31-year-old netminder is back with Winnipeg on Sunday and figures to be in net Monday when the Jets host the Sharks. Hellebuyck, the current Vezina front-runner, is a stellar 34-7-2 with a .925 save percentage and a 2.06 GAA.

Vejmelka will patrol the home crease against Vancouver on Sunday, according to Belle Fraser of The Salt Lake Tribune.

Vejmelka will get the second half of Utah's back-to-back after Connor Ingram played in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Kings. The 28-year-old Vejmelka has a 13-15-4 record with one shutout, a 2.57 GAA and a .909 save percentage through 34 appearances this season. Vancouver ranks 24th in the league with 2.77 goals per game in 2024-25 and lost 3-1 to Vegas on Saturday.

Demko (lower body) was placed on injured reserve Sunday, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Demko is week-to-week and unavailable for at least the remaining four games of Vancouver's road trip. He has posted a 6-6-3 record with one shutout, a 2.87 GAA and an .891 save percentage in 17 appearances this season. Due to Demko's absence, Arturs Silovs was the backup behind Kevin Lankinen in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Vegas.

Blomqvist will protect the home net against the Rangers on Sunday, according to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site.

Blomqvist allowed three goals on 17 shots in relief after Alex Nedeljkovic got the hook from Saturday's 8-3 loss to Washington. The 23-year-old Blomqvist has a 3-8-0 record with a 3.68 GAA and an .893 save percentage through 12 NHL appearances this season. The Rangers rank 14th in the league with 2.96 goals per game in 2024-25 and lost 8-2 to Buffalo on Saturday.

Georgiev will guard the road goal against Calgary on Sunday, per Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

Georgiev hasn't posted a victory since Jan. 14 against Detroit, going 0-5-0 while allowing 23 goals on 161 shots in his last six outings. He has a 10-18-0 record with a 3.66 GAA and an .875 save percentage across 32 appearances between San Jose and Colorado this season. Calgary is tied for 29th in the league with 2.64 goals per game in 2024-25.

Shesterkin will guard the road net Sunday against the Penguins, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

Shesterkin got the start Saturday against Buffalo but was pulled in the first period after allowing five goals on 16 shots. The 29-year-old netminder will look to bounce back against a Pittsburgh team that's averaging 2.86 goals per game. Overall, Shesterkin is 18-20-2 with a .903 save percentage and a 2.98 GAA this season.