NHL Player News

Kuemper is expected to guard the home crease versus Anaheim on Thursday, Russell Morgan of Hockey Royalty reports.

Kuemper has been sensational in his last 14 appearances, as he has not allowed more than two goals in any of those games. Kuemper is 10-3-1 with a 1.21 GAA and a .949 save percentage since March 5, giving him a 28-11-7 record with a 2.03 GAA and a .921 save percentage across 47 contests this season. The Ducks are generating 2.71 goals per game, which ranks 27th in the NHL.

Shesterkin will patrol the visiting crease against the Islanders on Thursday.

Shesterkin has lost his last two games, giving up seven goals on only 37 shots (.811 save percentage). Shesterkin is 25-28-5 with five shutouts, a 2.89 GAA and a .903 save percentage. He is having his worst campaign in six NHL seasons, though he has played quite well through most of the year. The Islanders are registering 2.78 goals per game this season, which ranks 25th in the NHL.

Sorokin (lower body) has been ruled out for Thursday's home game against the Rangers, NHL.com reports.

Sorokin sustained a lower-body injury during Tuesday's game against the Predators, and head coach Patrick Roy said Thursday that the netminder doesn't have a timetable to return. The Islanders have just four games remaining on their regular-season schedule following Thursday's matchup, so it's unclear whether Sorokin will return to game action before the end of the regular season. Marcus Hogberg will likely serve as the Islanders' primary netminder in Sorokin's absence, while Tristan Lennox will be available as a backup.

Mrazek (head) will be available for Thursday's road game against the Panthers as Cam Talbot's backup, NHL.com reports.

Mrazek has missed the last seven games due to his head injury, but it's encouraging that he'll at least be able to dress for Thursday's matchup. While Talbot will serve as the starter Thursday, it seems possible that Mrazek will draw the start in the second half of the back-to-back set Friday against Tampa Bay, unless the Red Wings decide to roll with Alex Lyon.

Vejmelka was the first goaltender off the ice at morning practice, per Cole Bagley of KSL Sports, indicating he is slated to start at home versus Nashville on Thursday.

Vejmelka will make his 22nd straight start. He has been solid of late, going 4-1-1 in his last six starts, allowing only 10 goals on 166 shots (.940 save percentage). Vejmelka is 25-21-7 with a 2.51 GAA and a .907 save percentage, easily the best season in his four-year NHL career. The Predators are the lowest-scoring team in the NHL this season, registering only 2.54 goals per game.

Montembeault will serve as the starting goaltender for Friday's road game against Ottawa, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Montembeault has picked up wins in each of his last five starts, posting a 1.60 GAA and .939 save percentage during that time. Over his three starts against Ottawa this season, he's gone 3-0-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .922 save percentage.

Blackwood is expected to defend the home crease against the Canucks on Thursday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Blackwood has been inconsistent over his last three starts, posting a 1-2-0 record, 3.08 GAA and .885 save percentage. He's made three starts against Vancouver this year, going 0-3-0 with a 2.42 GAA and .915 save percentage.

Merzlikins will miss Thursday's clash with Buffalo due to an undisclosed injury, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

Merzlikins was originally expected to get the starting nod after being the first goalie to leave the ice, but it appears he won't even be available to serve as the backup. While not yet confirmed, Daniil Tarasov figures to be between the pipes instead, while Jet Greaves was promoted from AHL Cleveland on Thursday. While the Jackets haven't provided a more concrete update on Merzlikins, he will have just four more games to get back on the ice this season after Thursday's tilt.

Greaves was recalled from AHL Cleveland on an emergency basis Thursday, according to Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site.

Elvis Merzlikins was the first goaltender off the ice at practice Thursday but has been ruled out with an undisclosed injury, leaving Daniil Tarasov as Thursday's probable starter with Greaves as his backup. Greaves is 2-2-2 with a 2.83 GAA and a .905 save percentage in six NHL starts this season.

Talbot will tend the twine on the road against Florida on Thursday, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Talbot will make his seventh consecutive appearance in goal, having gone 3-2-1 with a spectacular 1.78 GAA and .939 save percentage in his previous six contests. With the Wings heading into a back-to-back, fantasy managers can likely expect Alex Lyon to get the road start versus the Lightning on Friday.