NHL Player News

Merzlikins made 22 out of 23 saves in Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Senators.

Merzlikins entered the game in relief of Daniil Tarasov after the latter conceded two goals in the first 4:26 of Sunday's contest. With his strong outing in net, Merzlikins did enough to keep the decision off his record. Overall, the 30-year-old netminder has a 25-21-5 record with a 3.20 GAA and a .891 save percentage in 52 games this season. Despite holding inflated numbers this season, Merzlikins has a chance to post his best GAA in a season since the 2021-22 campaign. There are likely better options on the waiver wire in most fantasy formats. Depending on the matchup, however, Merzlikins could be a strong spot starter in deeper leagues.

Hellebuyck will patrol the home crease against St. Louis on Monday, according to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Hellebuyck has lost his last two outings, permitting six goals on 46 shots. However, he has a 43-12-3 record with seven shutouts, a 2.04 GAA and a .924 save percentage through 59 appearances this season. St. Louis is riding an incredible 12-game winning streak, and the team ranks 12th in the league with 3.04 goals per game in 2024-25.

Hofer was the first goalie off during Monday's morning skate, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports, indicating that he'll draw the road start against Winnipeg.

Hofer has had somewhat limited playing time in recent weeks, but he's been effective when called upon lately. He's in the midst of a five-game winning streak in which he's posted a 1.79 GAA and .921 save percentage. The 24-year-old made two starts against the Jets earlier this year, going 1-0-1 with a 1.92 GAA and .922 save percentage.

Tarasov stopped four of six shots in Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Senators.

Tarasov was pulled after just 4:26 of Sunday's contest and replaced by Elvis Merzlikins. Tarasov conceded two early goals and was credited with the loss. Overall, the 26-year-old netminder has a 7-10-2 record with a 3.55 GAA and a .880 save percentage in 20 appearances this season. With the Blue Jackets falling out of the wild-card race in the Eastern Conference, Tarasov may get a few more starts to round out the regular season. However, it is best to fade him in all fantasy formats amid his struggles this season.

Luukkonen stopped 17 of 20 shots in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Bruins.

Luukkonen returned to the Sabres' crease after not seeing action in the previous three games, and he was able to deliver a solid performance in what was his return to winning ways. Luukkonen had lost his last two outings, and that does nothing but back up the consistency issues the 26-year-old has had all season long. Over his last eight outings, Luukkonen has gone 4-4-0 with a 3.72 GAA and an .856 save percentage.

Talbot will defend the road net against Montreal on Tuesday, per Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.

Talbot is coming off a 32-save performance in Sunday's 2-1 win over Florida. He has won three of his last four outings (3-0-1), stopping 117 of 124 shots. Talbot has a 20-17-4 record with two shutouts, a 2.87 GAA and a .904 save percentage through 43 appearances this season. Montreal ranks 16th in the league with 2.99 goals per game in 2024-25.

Korpisalo stopped 31 of 36 shots in Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Sabres. The sixth goal was an empty-netter with 46 seconds left in the third period.

Korpisalo returned to the ice after not seeing action in each of the Bruins' last four games, but he was defeated once again and suffered a fourth straight loss. Perhaps the most worrisome stat about this is that Korpisalo has given up three or more goals in three of those four starts, a span in which he's gone 0-3-1 with a 3.98 GAA and a subpar .870 save percentage.

Vanecek stopped 22 of 24 shots in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Red Wings.

Vanecek returned to the Panthers' crease after not playing in the team's previous two games, but he was tagged with yet another loss -- he's now dropped each of his last four starts while allowing at least three goals in three of those contests. Over that four-game stretch, the 29-year-old has gone 0-3-1 with a 3.56 GAA and an .874 save percentage, so he's far from being a reliable fantasy option in most formats.

Talbot stopped 32 of 33 shots in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Panthers.

Talbot was only 40 seconds away from securing a shutout until Anton Lundell beat him late in the third period. The 37-year-old Talbot is ending the regular season on a strong note and has won three of his previous four starts while posting excellent numbers -- he's gone 3-0-1 with a 1.74 GAA and a .944 save percentage in that span, stopping 117 of the 124 shots he's faced.

Vasilevskiy was the first goalie to leave the ice Monday, Gabby Shirley of FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun reports, indicating he'll be in goal on the road against the Rangers.

Vasilevskiy has allowed three or fewer goals in eight straight contests, posting a 6-2-0 record, 1.37 GAA and .937 save percentage in that span. With an eye on the postseason, the veteran backstop could get some additional rest down the stretch, which would open the door for Jonas Johansson to make an extra start or two. Still, once the playoffs begin, it figures to be all Vasilevskiy the rest of the way.