NHL Player News

Pickard allowed four goals on 28 shots in Friday's 7-4 win over the Kings in Game 3.

Pickard was able to do what Stuart Skinner couldn't in the first two games of the series -- secure a win. That said, Pickard looked no better than his fellow goalie in doing so, but this win at least bought the Oilers some breathing room, as a loss would have put them on the brink of elimination. The 33-year-old could be tabbed to start again in Game 4 on Sunday as the Oilers try to establish some positive momentum.

Andersen stopped 34 of 37 shots in Friday's 3-2 double-overtime loss to the Devils in Game 3.

Andersen played well enough to keep things close despite giving up the first two goals. The Hurricanes cashed in twice on the power play to force overtime, but a Simon Nemec tally 2:36 into the second extra session sent Andersen to his first loss this postseason. Still, he's allowed just five goals on 87 shots across those three games, and he's established himself as the Hurricanes' clear No. 1 in goal for the playoffs.

Markstrom allowed two goals on 27 shots in Friday's 3-2 double-overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 3.

Going down 3-0 in the series would likely have put the Devils out of the playoffs in short order, but Markstrom prevented that with this performance. He also got some much-needed goal support in the Devils' return to home ice. Markstrom is now 1-2 with seven goals allowed on 98 shots over three playoff contests. He'll look to even the series in Game 4 on Sunday.

Thompson sustained an apparent injury to his left leg in Friday's Game 3 versus the Canadiens, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

Thompson took a beating in this game, but the final incident that knocked him out of the game was when Dylan Strome fell on his leg following the Canadiens' fifth goal. Thompson was unable to put weight on his left leg as he exited the contest. This doesn't bode well for his availability for Game 4 on Sunday and beyond. Charlie Lindgren will take over as the Capitals' No. 1 goalie as long as Thompson is out. Thompson gave up five goals on 35 shots prior to the injury.

Montembeault (lower body) won't return to Friday's Game 3 versus the Capitals.

The Canadiens did not officially provide a reason for Montembeault's absence, but Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports Montembeault looked bothered by a left leg issue prior to his exit. Jakub Dobes took over in goal, and Montembeault won't factor in the result after leaving when the game was tied at 2-2. He allowed two goals on 13 shots prior to the injury. He should be considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's Game 4.

Montembeault will start at home in Friday's Game 3 versus the Capitals, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.

Montembeault has lost the first two games of the series, but he hasn't played poorly. He's allowed five goals on 63 shots, good for a .921 save percentage, but the Capitals have been just a bit better. The Canadiens are committed to Montembeault as their starter this postseason, so don't expect Jakub Dobes to see much action.

Kuemper is set to start on the road against Edmonton in Game 3 on Friday, according to Zach Dooley of LA Kings Insider.

Kuemper has won the opening two games of the Kings' first-round series against the Oilers while stopping 44 of 51 shots (.863 save percentage). He's coming off a dominant regular season in which he posted a 31-11-7 record, 2.02 GAA and .921 save percentage across 50 appearances. Edmonton ranked 11th in goals per game with 3.16 during the regular season.

Pickard is slated to start Friday's Game 3 at home against the Kings, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports.

Although Stuart Skinner drew the start in each of the Oilers' first two playoff matchups this year, Pickard entered Wednesday's Game 2 loss in relief and allowed a goal on three shots (.667 save percentage). The Oilers are making several changes to their lineup ahead of Game 3, including giving Pickard the start. Pickard made two starts against the Kings during the regular season, going 0-2-0 with a 3.52 GAA and .891 save percentage.

Andersen is expected to patrol the visiting crease in New Jersey on Friday in Game 3, per Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

Andersen has been spectacular in the playoffs thus far, allowing two goals on 50 shots in two victories over New Jersey. Andersen was 13-8-1 with a 2.50 GAA and an .899 save percentage across 22 regular-season appearances this season. New Jersey was tied for 20th in NHL scoring during the regular season, producing 2.93 goals per game.

Thompson will defend the visiting crease in Montreal on Friday in Game 3, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

Thompson has given up only three goals on 61 shots (.951 save percentage) in his opening two wins of the series. Thompson was outstanding for most of the season, going 31-6-6 with a 2.49 GAA and a .910 save percentage across 43 regular-season contests. Montreal was 17th in scoring during the regular season, averaging 2.96 goals per game.