NHL Player News

Sogaard allowed five goals on 16 shots in Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Avalanche.

Sogaard relieved Leevi Merilainen during the second period. While Sogaard isn't on the hook for the loss in this outing, his awful performance was what put the game out of reach for the Senators. Merilainen ultimately returned to the crease for the third period. Sogaard's standing within the Senators' organization has been dropping over the years, and the 25-year-old may be shipped back to AHL Belleville due to this outing, though Hunter Shepard isn't much of an upgrade for the backup role. The Senators' next game is Saturday in a tough matchup versus the Panthers.

Merilainen allowed three goals on 18 shots in Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Avalanche.

Merilainen was initially pulled after giving up a goal to Cale Makar at 2:35 of the second period. That stood as the game-winner, but after Mads Sogaard gave up five goals in the middle frame, Merilainen returned to crease in the third and finished the contest. The Senators are in an untenable position in goal while Linus Ullmark (personal) is away from the team. Merilainen has allowed at least three goals in five of his last six outings and is now 6-9-0 with a 3.50 GAA and an .867 save percentage over 16 appearances. The Senators return home Saturday for another tough matchup against the Panthers.

Wolf made 26 saves in a 4-1 loss to Boston on Thursday.

It was his eighth consecutive start because Devin Cooley is ill. Wolf battled hard all game, but it's not ideal to exhaust a player this way. It was his fourth straight loss, and he's 3-5-0 in those eight. Overall, Wolf is 14-18-2 with a 2.97 GAA and .898 save percentage. He has started 34 of the Flames' 44 games after starting 53 last season. Wolf is talented, but at some point the Flames are going to need to get him some proper rest.

Wedgewood stopped 29 of 31 shots in Thursday's 8-2 win over the Senators.

Wedgewood did more than well enough as the Avalanche's offense erupted with a six-goal second period to make it easy for their goalie. The 33-year-old had lost consecutive games in regulation for the first time this season entering this contest. He's now 19-3-4 with a 2.19 GAA and a .917 save percentage over 28 starts. Wedgewood will continue to patrol the crease regularly while Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body) is on injured reserve, so it's safe to assume Wedgewood will get the nod versus the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Korpisalo made 28 saves Thursday in a 4-1 win over Calgary.

It was his first win since Dec. 11; he had lost two straight. Korpisalo's workload is light -- it had been almost two weeks since he'd been in net. He's 7-8-0 with a 3.42 GAA and .888 save percentage, which makes him a fantasy risk, regardless of the success of his team.

Vladar made 21 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss to Toronto on Thursday.

Vladar was nursing a shutout until the 14:04 mark of the third when former Philly pivot, Scott Laughton, beat him from distance while shorthanded. And he allowed the winner on an odd-man rush in OT. Vladar had rung up three straight wins prior to Thursday's game. He's 3-0-1 in his last four starts and 5-1-1 in his previous seven. Overall, Vladar continues to deliver the best numbers of his career. He is 16-6-4 with a 2.35 GAA and .910 save percentage in 26 outings.

Hart sustained an apparent lower-body injury in Thursday's game versus the Blue Jackets, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

Hart couldn't put weight on his left leg after falling awkwardly on it during the sequence that led to the Blue Jackets' first goal. It's unclear if he'll be able to suit up Saturday versus the Blues. If Hart misses time, Carl Lindbom could be called up from AHL Henderson if Adin Hill (lower body) isn't ready to return.

Hildeby made 22 saves in a 2-1 overtime win over the Flyers on Thursday.

Hildeby has won two games in a row, with just one goal allowed in each of the contests. It's a nice contrast to his middling December, when he went 1-3-3 in seven starts with 21 goals allowed. The Leafs play back-to-back games in Colorado and Utah on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, so Hildeby is likely to get one of those games.

Merilainen is set to start on the road against Colorado on Thursday.

Merilainen has a 6-8-0 record, 3.46 GAA and .868 save percentage in 15 appearances this campaign. He has allowed at least three goals in four of his past five outings. Colorado leads the league in goals per game with 3.95.

Saros is slated to start at home against the Islanders on Thursday, according to Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site.

Saros has a 16-14-3 record, 3.03 GAA and .894 save percentage in 33 appearances in 2025-26. He has allowed at least three goals in each of his past five outings. The Islanders rank 22nd in goals per game with 2.91.