NHL Player News

Nedeljkovic (personal) will be away from the team after Tuesday's game in Minnesota, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Nedeljkovic was originally penciled in for the start Tuesday, but the personal matter likely played a part in him instead serving as Yaroslav Askarov's backup. At this time, assume Nedeljkovic will miss at least Thursday's game versus the Flames. It's not clear if he'll be back in time to join the Sharks for Saturday's game in Seattle. With Nedeljkovic away, Gabriel Carriere or Jakub Skarek are the top candidates for a call-up, though it's safe to assume the bulk of the playing time will go to Askarov.

Gustavsson stopped 16 of 18 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Sharks.

Gustavsson was given a couple of games off to reset following a 2-2-1 stretch in which he allowed 15 goals on 143 shots (.895 save percentage). The 27-year-old wasn't able to make a one-goal lead stick in this contest, as Will Smith scored a power-play tally in the third period and Collin Graf netted the game-winner in overtime. Gustavsson is down to 4-7-2 with a 3.09 GAA and an .896 save percentage over 13 outings. It's too soon to say Gustavsson is losing his grip on the starting job, but Jesper Wallstedt has won his last two starts and could start earning extra playing time soon. The Wild will need both goalies this weekend in a pair of tough home matchups, as they are set to host the Ducks on Saturday and the Golden Knights on Sunday.

Oettinger made 27 saves in a 3-2 overtime win over Ottawa on Tuesday.

Oettinger was sharp, and it was a nice bounce back after he allowed 10 goals in his previous two starts (1-1-0). He has won two straight and is 4-1-1 in his last six with a save percentage of .899. While that number pales from his career mark (.911), Oettinger is above the current league average of .896.

Askarov stopped 28 of 29 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime win over the Wild.

Askarov was a late choice to start the game -- earlier in the day, Alex Nedeljkovic was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate. Despite the short notice, Askarov delivered an excellent performance in his fourth straight win. During the streak, he's allowed a total of five goals on 136 shots, with two of the wins coming in overtime. Overall, the 23-year-old is really starting to find a groove at the NHL level. He's up to 5-4-1 with a 3.29 GAA and an .896 save percentage over 10 outings, but he's trending straight up during the Sharks' hot stretch. They've got a couple of favorable road matchups on deck, as they visit the Flames on Thursday and the Kraken on Saturday.

Andersen exited Tuesday's game versus the Capitals in the third period due to an undisclosed injury, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports. After the game, head coach Rod Brind'Amour told reporters that Andersen was pulled by the concussion spotter, per Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer.

Andersen allowed three goals on 27 shots prior to sustaining the injury. Pyotr Kochetkov took over in goal. Given Andersen's lengthy injury history, expect the Hurricanes to exercise caution, especially since they also have Brandon Bussi on the NHL roster as a third goalie.

Stolarz (upper body) was injured in Tuesday's game versus the Bruins and won't return.

Stolarz allowed three goals on 10 shots in the first period and didn't return for the second. The goalie's injury comes at a rough time for the Maple Leafs, who are trying to allow Joseph Woll (personal) to get up to speed on a conditioning stint with AHL Toronto. Should Stolarz miss additional time, Dennis Hildeby figures to be the team's top option in goal.

Greaves will start on the road versus the Kraken on Tuesday, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

Not only will the Blue Jackets break the goalie rotation, but Greaves will be starting for the second consecutive day as well. That could indicate some kind of concern with Elvis Merzlikins, though head coach Dean Evason didn't specify anything in his pregame comments. Greaves has given up goals on 49 shots over his last two starts.

Nedeljkovic won't start Tuesday on the road versus the Wild as previously expected, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Nedeljkovic was the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate, but Yaroslav Askarov led the Sharks onto the ice in warmups. The Sharks have been alternating goalies, and this would be Nedeljkovic's usual turn for a start. The 29-year-old netminder was on the ice for warmups as well, so it's not immediately clear why the Sharks changed plans.

Askarov will defend the road net against Minnesota on Tuesday, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Askarov is coming off a 38-save performance in Saturday's 3-1 win over Florida. He has won three straight outings to improve to 4-4-1 this season while surrendering 32 goals on 287 shots. Minnesota ranks 20th in the league with 2.88 goals per game this campaign.

Hellebuyck is expected to guard the road goal against Vancouver on Tuesday, according to Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press.

Hellebuyck is coming off a 25-save effort in Friday's 2-1 loss to San Jose. He has a 6-5-0 record with a 2.30 GAA and a .922 save percentage through 11 appearances this season. Vancouver ranks 21st in the league with 2.82 goals per game this campaign.