NHL Player News

Vasilevskiy was the first goalie to leave the ice Thursday, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports, indicating he'll be in goal for Game 2 at home versus the Panthers.

Vasilevskiy was never going to lose the starting gig in Tampa, despite having given up six goals on 16 shots for his worst save percentage of the season (.625) in Game 1. The 30-year-old backstop has led the Bolts to three Stanley Cup Finals, including two wins over his 11-year career, so benching him for Jonas Johansson probably hasn't even crossed head coach Jon Cooper's mind.

Pickard stopped two of three shots in relief of Stuart Skinner in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Kings in Game 2.

Pickard allowed a goal to Adrian Kempe immediately after entering the contest, squashing any hopes of the Oilers making a comeback. Stuart Skinner has allowed 11 goals on 58 shots over the first two games of the series, so it's hard to imagine Pickard doing any worse if he gets the start on home ice for Friday's Game 3. However, if the Kings continue to play well, neither Edmonton goalie will be a viable option in fantasy.

Skinner stopped 23 of 28 shots in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Kings in Game 2.

Skinner made it about halfway through the third period before he was replaced by Calvin Pickard, who allowed the sixth and final goal against. With 11 goals allowed on 58 shots over two playoff contests, Skinner simply isn't getting the job done. The Oilers have yet to name a starting goalie for Friday's Game 3, but it could go either way at this point, as they can't afford to fall into a 3-0 hole in the series with how leaky they've been at the back.

Kuemper stopped 24 of 26 shots in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Oilers in Game 2.

The Kings' offense stayed consistent from their Game 1 win, and Kuemper was a little more dialed in this time around. With plenty of support, he had no trouble winning his second game in a row. The 34-year-old netminder will face a tougher task in the next two contests as the series shifts to Edmonton, beginning with Friday's Game 3.

Blackwood stopped 26 of 28 shots in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Stars in Game 3.

Blackwood put in a good effort, but Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin were able to get the better of him to put the Stars ahead 2-1 in the series. Blackwood has allowed seven goals on 91 shots, so he's played well and just hasn't gotten the results to go his way in the last two contests. The Avalanche trust the 28-year-old to handle a starting role, so expect him back between the pipes for Saturday's Game 4 at home.

Oettinger allowed one goal on 28 shots in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime win over the Avalanche in Game 3.

Oettinger gave up an early goal to Valeri Nichushkin, but he was able to shut the door for the rest of the contest. This was Oettinger's second overtime win in a row, allowing the Stars to pull ahead 2-1 in the series despite not yet having much control in the games. He's allowed eight goals on 89 shots over three games. Oettinger will likely get the nod again for Game 4 on Saturday.

Kuemper will protect the home goal versus the Oilers in Wednesday's Game 2, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Kuemper will be looking for a better performance than in Game 1, where he got the win but gave up five goals on 25 shots. The 34-year-old had not allowed more than four goals in any of his last 18 regular-season appearances. The Oilers' offense is as dangerous as any, which will likely keep Kuemper on his toes throughout the first round.

Blackwood will tend the twine at home versus the Stars in Game 3 on Wednesday.

Blackwood stopped 35 of 39 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 2, which allowed the Stars to tie the first-round series at 1-1. The 28-year-old Blackwood has handled a starting role for the Avalanche when healthy, and he'll have a chance to give them the upper hand again with the series shifting to home ice for this contest and Saturday's Game 4.

Montembeault will start Wednesday's Game 2 on the road versus the Capitals, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Montembeault put in a good effort, taking a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 1 after the Canadiens pulled off a third-period comeback. The 28-year-old looks to have complete control of the crease for Montreal as it tries to pull off a big upset in the first round.

Oettinger will defend the home crease in Wednesday's Game 3 against Colorado, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

After taking the loss in Game 1 of the Stars' first-round series, Oettinger was more effective during Monday's Game 2 overtime victory, turning aside 34 of 37 shots (.919 save percentage) to snap a five-game losing streak. The 26-year-old will attempt to remain effective as the Stars return home Wednesday.