NHL Player News

Markstrom conceded four goals on 28 shots in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes in Game 4. The fifth marker was an empty-netter.

Markstrom allowed more than three goals for the first time this postseason, and the Devils were unable to overcome a 3-2 deficit in the second period, even with Frederik Andersen (undisclosed) exiting the game. Markstrom is down to a 1-3 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.53 GAA over four playoff outings. The 35-year-old and his club are now on the brink of elimination ahead of Game 5, which takes place in Raleigh on Tuesday.

Kochetkov made 14 saves on 15 shots after coming on in relief for Frederik Andersen (undisclosed) in the second period of Sunday's 5-2 win over New Jersey in Game 4.

Kochetkov allowed a goal to Timo Meier shortly after replacing Andersen, but the Hurricanes took control the rest of the way and beat Jacob Markstrom twice in the final frame. Kochetkov was not credited with the victory in this contest, but he may have a chance to clinch the series win in Game 5 on Tuesday if Andersen is unavailable. Over seven career postseason appearances, the 25-year-old Kochetkov has a 1-4 record, .870 save percentage and 3.73 GAA.

Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said after Sunday's 5-2 Game 4 win over the Devils that Andersen (undisclosed) will be re-evaluated Monday, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Andersen exited Sunday's matchup in the second period following a collision with Timo Meier. Pyotr Kochetkov entered in relief, but Andersen was credited with the win after stopping six of seven shots. While Andersen wasn't able to return to the game, the exact nature and severity of his injury aren't yet clear. The Hurricanes took a 3-1 lead in the series with Sunday's victory, which should give the team more flexibility if Andersen doesn't feel fully healthy ahead of Tuesday's Game 5 in Raleigh.

Thompson (lower body) will tend the road twine Sunday versus the Canadiens in Game 4, per Sammi Silber of The Hockey News.

Thompson was deemed a game-time decision heading into Sunday after he was injured in Friday's Game 3 loss. The 28-year-old needed assistance leaving the ice after getting hurt in that contest, but he's healthy enough to return for a pivotal road matchup just two days later. Charlie Lindgren is on hand as Washington's No. 2 netminder in the event that Thompson aggravates his lower-body injury.

Dobes will serve as the starting netminder at home against the Capitals in Sunday's Game 4, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Dobes got the Game 3 win in relief Friday after Sam Montembeault (lower body) exited the matchup. Montembeault is considered day-to-day, so Dobes will make his first postseason start Sunday. Dobes made 16 appearances during the regular season, going 7-4-3 with a 2.74 GAA and .909 save percentage.

Andersen has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Game 4 against the Devils due to an undisclosed injury.

Andersen was involved in a collision with Timo Meier in the second period of Sunday's matchup. Andersen was down on the ice for a few minutes before heading to the locker room, and he'll be unable to return down the stretch. Pyotr Kochetkov took his place in the crease, while Ruslan Khazheyev is available as the Hurricanes' emergency backup. It's not yet clear whether Andersen will be able to return for Game 5, which will take place in Carolina on Tuesday.

Comrie stopped all six shots he faced in relief of Connor Hellebuyck in Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Blues in Game 4.

Comrie made a second straight relief appearance after another poor start from Hellebuyck. The Jets have squandered a 2-0 series lead, but Murat Ates of The Athletic reports head coach Scott Arniel is still expressing confidence in Hellebuyck. That likely means Comrie will begin Wednesday's Game 5 watching from the bench again as the Jets try to pull out of their recent tailspin.

Hellebuyck surrendered five goals on 18 shots in Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Blues in Game 4.

The Blues put up three goals over a span of 8:08 in the second half of the second period to take control of the game. Hellebuyck came out for the third but was pulled after Robert Thomas scored early in that frame. This was Hellebuyck's second straight early exit from a game, and he's now allowed 15 goals over four first-round contests. He isn't facing a particularly heavy workload, but the Blues have been opportunistic. Even with these struggles, the Jets are unlikely to turn away from Hellebuyck in favor of Eric Comrie for Wednesday's Game 5 on home ice. Head coach Scott Arniel expressed full confidence in Hellebuyck following Sunday's loss, Murat Ates of The Athletic reports.

Kuemper is expected to guard the road goal against Edmonton on Sunday in Game 4 after being the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate, per Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site.

Kuemper surrendered five goals on the 34 shots he faced in Friday's 7-4 loss to the Oilers in Game 3. The 34-year-old netminder has a 2-1 record with a 4.04 GAA and an .859 save percentage through three games this postseason.

Binnington stopped 30 of 31 shots in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Jets in Game 4.

The Blues took control with a three-goal second period, and Binnington didn't let the Jets back in. This was his best performance of the series, and it allowed the Blues to even the first-round series at 2-2 after holding firm on home ice in the last two games. Binnington has allowed nine goals on 96 shots over four playoff contests and is a virtual lock to be between the pipes in Winnipeg for Wednesday's Game 5.