NHL Player News

Oettinger stopped 19 of 23 shots in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Avalanche in Game 1. The Avalanche also scored an empty-netter.

Oettinger couldn't break with recent trends to open the postseason. His losing streak in Game 1s is eight games, dating back to the Stars' first-round series in 2022 versus the Flames. His recent play in 2024-25 is also discouraging -- Oettinger went 0-3-1 with 17 goals allowed over his final four regular-season contests. Combined with the absences of Jason Robertson (knee) and Miro Heiskanen (knee), the Stars have an uphill battle, especially after losing home-ice advantage early in the series. Still, Oettinger figures to tend the twine for Game 2 on Monday.

Blackwood stopped 23 of 24 shots in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Stars in Game 1.

Making his playoff debut, Blackwood was up for the challenge. This was a close game for the better part of two periods, though the Avalanche's rally in the third made it look less competitive than it was. Blackwood limited the damage to a Roope Hintz power-play goal in the final frame. This ended a three-game losing streak for Blackwood, who was 28-21-6 with a 2.55 GAA and a .912 save percentage over 56 regular-season outings. While he shared the crease with Scott Wedgewood on occasion, Blackwood figures to get the vast majority of the starts during the playoffs.

Binnington stopped 21 of 25 shots in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Jets in Game 1. The fifth goal was an empty-netter.

Game 1 was tied at 3-3 late in the third period, but Kyle Connor's goal with 1:36 left was the difference. Binnington has had success under pressure before, winning eight of his last 10 regular-season starts to help the Blues get into the playoffs, and that run started just a month after the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he led Team Canada to a first-place finish. The 31-year-old will have his hands full with the Jets, especially after Winnipeg's top line was in form in Game 1. Expect Binnington to see the vast majority of starts initially -- Joel Hofer played well in 2024-25, but he's untested in the playoffs.

Hellebuyck stopped 14 of 17 shots in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Blues in Game 1.

Hellebuyck wasn't sharp early in this contest, allowing all three goals in the first 21:13 of the game. The Jets clamped down after that and played a strong third period, which included scoring three times to take the win. Despite the shaky performance, Hellebuyck has won five straight outings, including each of his last two wins over the Blues. Arguably the favorite for the Vezina Trophy this year, Hellebuyck will be between the pipes for the Jets for nearly every second of their playoff run.

Husso was assigned to AHL San Diego on Saturday,

Husso could be in the lineup for Saturday's regular-season finale against AHL Coachella Valley. As a member of the Ducks, the 30-year-old Husso occupied the backup role behind Lukas Dostal down the stretch because John Gibson (lower body) was unavailable.

Blackwood is expected to start on the road against Dallas for Game 1 on Saturday, Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports reports.

Blackwood finished the regular season with a 28-21-6 record, 2.55 GAA and .912 save percentage across 56 appearances between San Jose and Colorado. Although the 28-year-old Blackwood is a veteran of 252 NHL outings, this will be his first time in net for a playoff game. The Stars ranked third in goals per game with 3.35 during the regular season, but Dallas will be without Jason Robertson (knee) for Game 1.

Stolarz will protect the home net against Ottawa on Sunday in Game 1, Dave McCarthy of NHL.com reports.

After posting a 21-8-3 record with four shutouts, a 2.14 GAA and a .926 save percentage through 34 regular-season games in 2024-25, Stolarz will make his first start in the playoffs. Ottawa tied for 18th in the league with 2.95 goals per game in 2024-25.

Merilainen was recalled from AHL Belleville on Saturday.

Merilainen will be the Senators' third goaltender in the playoffs, behind Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg. Merilainen was outstanding when called upon by Ottawa, going 8-3-1 with three shutouts, a 1.99 GAA and a .925 save percentage across 12 NHL appearances during the 2024-25 regular season.

Binnington will patrol the visiting crease against Winnipeg on Saturday in Game 1 of the playoffs, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

Binnington was 28-22-5 with three shutouts, a 2.69 GAA and a .900 save percentage in 56 regular-season contests in 2024-25. He gave up three goals on 24 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Jets on Oct. 22, his only appearance against Winnipeg this season. The Jets tied for third in the NHL with 3.35 goals per game in 2024-25.

Hellebuyck will protect the home net against St. Louis on Saturday in Game 1, per Lou Korac of NHL.com.

Hellebuyck was outstanding during the 2024-25 regular season, posting a 47-12-3 record with eight shutouts, a 2.00 GAA and a .925 save percentage across 63 appearances. During that span, he went 2-1-0 versus the Blues, stopping 69 of 75 shots. St. Louis ranked 13th in the league with 3.05 goals per game in the 2024-25.