NHL Player News

Sorokin allowed four goals on 23 shots before being replaced by Marcus Hogberg to begin the third period of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Hurricanes.

Sorokin got hung out to dry by his defense, and the hook from coach Patrick Roy was more about trying to light a fire under the Islanders than it was about the netminder's play. Even so, Sorokin has given up four goals in three straight starts, and he's 3-4-1 through eight December outings with a 3.40 GAA and .879 save percentage. The Isles are off until Saturday, giving Sorokin some time to regain his focus.

Georgiev stopped 29 of 33 shots in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Jets.

The Sharks took a 3-2 lead early in the third period, but Georgiev couldn't make it last. He's now 1-1-0 with seven goals allowed on 53 shots over two starts with the Sharks since he was traded from the Avalanche. He hasn't experienced the full brunt of a defensive meltdown yet, but the results could get ugly if the team in front of him starts leaking shots at a high volume. Georgiev is now 9-8-0 with a 3.40 GAA and an .873 save percentage over 20 outings this season. He could be in line to start against his former team Thursday when the Sharks host the Avalanche -- Vitek Vanecek (head) was hurt on the bench Tuesday and may not be available for the next game.

Hellebuyck stopped 32 of 35 shots in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Sharks.

The Sharks showed some resilience against the Jets, but it wasn't enough. Hellebuyck earned his fifth win in six starts despite allowing three goals, and he's the first in the NHL to the 20-win mark this season. The 31-year-old improved to 20-5-1 with a 2.15 GAA and a .926 save percentage through 26 starts. Eric Comrie figures to get the start Wednesday in Anaheim, but Hellebuyck should be back between the pipes for a huge Central Division showdown at home versus the Wild on Saturday.

Ullmark posted a 30-save shutout in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Kraken.

This was Ullmark's sixth straight win, and two of those victories have been shutouts. He has allowed just five goals on 178 shots during the streak, making him the hottest goalie in the NHL right now. Ullmark is 11-7-2 with a career-high three shutouts, a 2.39 GAA and a .915 save percentage over 21 appearances. The Senators' road trip continues Thursday in Calgary, which would be a favorable matchup if Ullmark gets the nod again.

Daccord stopped 24 of 27 shots in Tuesday's 3-0 loss to the Senators.

The Kraken generated some pressure but didn't get enough good chances to give Daccord any help. The 28-year-old has gone 2-2-1 with 12 goals allowed over his last five appearances, so he remains a fairly steady performer when he plays, though he has lost time to Philipp Grubauer recently. Daccord is 12-7-2 with a 2.46 GAA and a .915 save percentage through 21 appearances this season. The Kraken begin a road trip in Chicago on Thursday.

Kuemper made 28 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Penguins.

Kuemper had allowed one goal in each of his first three starts back from missing seven games with a lower-body injury before Tuesday's contest. He stood on his head in the third period to force overtime. The Kings have been a revelation in the Pacific division, and they're just three points back from the Golden Knights. Kuemper is a key driver of the Kings' success.

Nedeljkovic made 29 saves in a 3-2 overtime win over Los Angeles on Tuesday.

It was Ned's first game since Dec. 6. Nedeljkovic is just 5-5-3 in 14 appearances, and his 3.26 GAA and .886 save percentage are queasy at best. He doesn't get enough playing time to be a viable fantasy asset, but it was still a nice night.

Vanecek was hit in the head by an errant puck while sitting on the bench during Tuesday's tilt versus the Jets and won't be available for the remainder of the game, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Vanecek was sitting in the backup goalie's spot on the bench when he was struck. For now, the 28-year-old netminder can be considered day-to-day, though if he's forced to miss time, Yaroslav Askarov would likely be recalled from AHL San Jose to split time with Alexandar Georgiev. More information on Vanecek's status should be available prior to Thursday's game against the Avalanche.

Wolf stopped 31 of 35 shots in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins.

Wolf posted a shutout in his last outing but reverted back to previous form Tuesday. This was the fourth time in five starts he's been tagged for at least four goals. Wolf is now 9-5-2 over 16 starts, posting a 2.72 GAA and a .913 save percentage. Prior to a recent lower-body injury, Dan Vladar had been carving out more playing time, and the Flames may turn to him for Thursday's game versus the Senators after Wolf's shaky showing Tuesday.

Greaves made 27 saves in a 5-3 loss to the Lightning on Tuesday.

The game was closer than the score -- the Jackets staged a third-period comeback before the Bolts put in an empty-net goal. Greaves has started three of the team's last four games, and he hasn't recorded a win. But he has made some key saves and impressed his coach. No goalie on the Jackets is a safe play. But at some point, they will need to look at handing the reins to Greaves or Daniil Tarasov to see who emerges from their system.