NHL Player News

Bussi stopped 22 of 27 shots on net in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Capitals.

After Bussi had a solid start to the campaign in Carolina's 1-0 Opening Night loss, Friday told a different tale. The 28-year-old netminder struggled in the early portion of the contest, as he allowed four goals in the first 22 minutes of action. With Friday's loss, he now holds a 0-1-1 record, a 2.88 GAA and an .872 save percentage across 47 save attempts in two games this season. With the Hurricanes playing Saturday on the second half of a back-to-back, Bussi will likely be able to rest if Pyotr Kochetkov is called upon to make his season debut. Backed by one of the league's strongest defensive cores, Bussi still holds plenty of fantasy value as a solid No.2 goalie option for the time being.

Thompson turned aside 31 of 33 shots on goal in Friday's 5-2 win over the Hurricanes.

Thompson shined during the Capitals' Opening Night matchup, as he allowed just one even-strength goal and one at a man disadvantage. The 29-year-old backstop entered the season with a lot of momentum from 2025-26, where he posted a 31-21-6 record, a 2.44 GAA and a .912 save percentage across 58 regular-season outings. Back by an improved forward group and a solid defensive core, Thompson is positioned well to post elite numbers once again in the 2026-27 campaign, making him a strong No. 1 goalie option to have rostered in fantasy moving forward.

Gibson stopped 19 of 20 shots in Friday's 2-0 loss to the Rangers, with New York's final goal getting scored into an empty net.

The veteran netminder was sharp in Detroit's season opener, surrendering only a power-play goal in the first period. Gibson got no offensive support, a common refrain from 2025-26. He still won 29 games as the Red Wings' No. 1 goalie last season -- his highest total since 2017-18 with the Ducks. However, victories could be tougher to come by in 2026-27, especially with Dylan Larkin (upper body) seemingly on his way out the door.

Garand turned aside all 22 shots he faced in Friday's 2-0 win over the Red Wings.

The 24-year-old netminder made early saves, and the Rangers' defense locked things down late, with Garand facing only two shots in the third period. It was his first career shutout in just his fourth NHL game, and if he continues to shine as Igor Shesterkin's backup, New York could have a tough decision to make once Joonas Korpisalo (lower body) is cleared to return.

Hart allowed four goals on 20 shots in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Ducks.

Hart gave up a goal late in the first period and then allowed three more in the middle stanza. The 28-year-old netminder didn't have much to do as Vegas controlled play in the third, but the comeback effort fell short. Hart has now allowed six goals on 46 shots over his two starts this season. The Golden Knights' tight defense will limit his shots faced, but that could also lead to a lower save percentage when he's not at his best. The Golden Knights are set for a two-game road trip up next, playing in Vancouver on Sunday and in Seattle on Tuesday.

Dostal stopped 27 of 30 shots in Friday's 4-3 win over the Golden Knights.

Dostal kept Vegas off the board for two periods, but last year's runners-up didn't go down without a fight, scoring thrice in the third. That's likely a product of a very young blue line, and more generally an inexperienced roster. Dostal is capable of handling a starter's workload, and it'll be up to him to provide a calming presence in goal to build his defense's confidence. The Ducks' next game is Sunday at home versus the Panthers, which will provide another tough test early in the campaign.

Hofer posted a 25-save shutout in Friday's 4-0 win over the Stars.

Mason McTavish scored early in the first period for the Blues, and Hofer made that goal stand as the game-winner. If there's any chance of Hofer and Jordan Binnington battling for No. 1 minutes, the former has set a strong tone right out of the gate. After steady work with a 2.61 GAA and a .909 save percentage over 46 games in the 2025-26 regular season, Hofer sure looks ready to handle a starter's workload if asked to do so. However, Binnington will get the chance to response as he is scheduled to make the start Saturday in Colorado.

Oettinger stopped 20 of 22 shots in Friday's 4-0 loss to the Blues. The last two goals were empty-netters.

Oettinger missed the preseason due to a lower-body injury, but the 27-year-old was cleared to play as of Wednesday. He did a decent job between the pipes Friday, but his teammates weren't able to give him any support. It's a tough loss to begin the year, but Oettinger has a winning track record with at least 30 victories in five straight years. He should see a starter's workload in 2026-27, though Dallas also has a capable backup in Casey DeSmith, who will probably get the nod Saturday in Nashville.

Skinner stopped 26 of 30 shots in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Bruins.

Skinner came within 98 seconds of earning a victory in his Winnipeg debut. He allowed two first-period goals before blanking Boston throughout the second and most of the third, but Elias Lindholm's late redirection forced overtime. JJ Peterka would then beat Skinner on a breakaway at 3:21 of overtime, leaving the netminder with an .867 save percentage in his first start for the Jets. Skinner figures to remain the No. 1 option for the Jets as long as Connor Hellebuyck (suspension) remains away from the team.

Swayman stopped 30 of 33 shots in Friday's 4-3 overtime win over the Jets.

Swayman followed Tuesday's 24-save shutout of the Rangers with another solid performance, though the potential shutout bid ended quickly after he was beaten once in the first period and twice in the second. However, the seven-year veteran shut the door the rest of the way and allowed the Bruins to mount the comeback. Swayman has had a strong start to the season, stopping 54 of 57 shots faced through two starts and winning both outings.