NHL Player News

DeSmith stopped 29 of 30 shots in Thursday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets.

DeSmith was just over three minutes away from his second shutout of the season before Zach Werenski tied the contest late in regulation. His strong performance reinforces his value as a reliable backup, although his fantasy ceiling remains limited by his secondary role behind Jake Oettinger. This was just the fourth appearance DeSmith has made this season, though he has a .909 save percentage and 2.42 GAA in those four games while going 1-2-1. He has posted a single-game save percentage of .920 or higher in three of his four appearances.

Talbot stopped 27 of 28 shots in Thursday's 2-1 shootout win over the Stars.

Talbot kept Dallas scoreless through two periods, making several difficult saves before surrendering Mikko Rantanen's third-period goal. Columbus rallied late and prevailed in the shootout, giving the veteran his fifth win of the season. His .964 save percentage was particularly encouraging, and this was the fourth straight outing in which he posted a single-game save percentage above the .900 mark. He's on a four-game winning streak, posting a 1.69 GAA and a .940 save percentage with 109 stops on 116 shots faced over that stretch.

Werenski scored a goal on five shots in Thursday's 2-1 shootout win over the Stars.

Werenski tied the game with 3:14 remaining in regulation, ending his season-long goal drought when the Blue Jackets needed him the most. The defenseman has seven points (one goal, six assists) during an active five-game point streak. His sustained offensive involvement and heavy workload continue to make him an elite fantasy option despite his relatively slow start in the goal-scoring department.

Foligno (upper body) might be available to face the Lightning on Saturday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Foligno has been sidelined for the Wild's last 14 games and will be out for at least one more when the team squares off with San Jose on Friday. In the 39-year-old winger's three games, he generated one goal, three shots and a plus-two rating while averaging just 9:57 of ice time.

Foligno (lower body) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Sharks but could play in Saturday's matchup against the Lightning, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

The Wild announced Thursday that Foligno would join the team for its upcoming three-game road trip, but he could ultimately return to game action for the final matchup in Minnesota's homestand. The 35-year-old has been sidelined since Oct. 10, and he was held scoreless with 13 hits while averaging 12:10 of ice time across his four appearances prior to his absence.

Tarasov stopped 32 of 34 shots in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Golden Knights.

Tarasov kept Vegas scoreless through 40 minutes and finished with a .941 save percentage, but Trevor Connelly's late winner denied him a positive result. The netminder delivered an encouraging performance despite falling to 2-2-2, particularly with John Gibson (lower body) currently carrying a day-to-day status. Tarasov has posted a save percentage of .920 or higher in his last two starts and in four of his seven outings this season. He's made three starts in a row and should continue to see more playing time until Gibson is ready to return.

Huberdeau (hip) took the ice in a regular jersey Friday, Pat Steinberg of QR Calgary 770 AM reports.

Huberdeau shouldn't be expected back in the lineup against the Ducks on Friday, but at this point, he could be cleared at any point. The final step in the 33-year-old winger's return to action will be his activation off injured reserve. In 50 games last year, Huberdeau produced 25 points and could be capable of topping that number once cleared to play.

Hart stopped 25 of 26 shots in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Red Wings.

Hart kept Detroit scoreless through the first two periods before allowing Anton Johansson to score early in the third, but a late comeback allowed the Golden Knights -- and Hart -- to earn the win. Hart now has a 5-3-2 record this season, and Vegas' strong offensive support continues to provide a favorable environment for accumulating wins. The 28-year-old netminder has a 2.49 GAA and a .900 save percentage in his 10 starts.

Pickard is slated to start Saturday's home game against the Sharks, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Although Jesper Wallstedt will draw a fifth consecutive start during Friday's home game against the Sharks, Pickard will be in the crease for the second time in the Wild's last 11 games during the second half of the back-to-back set. Across his two appearances this season, Pickard has gone 1-1-0 with a 3.50 GAA and .833 save percentage.

Johansson scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Golden Knights.

Johansson broke a scoreless tie early in the third period, converting a rebound off the end boards for his second goal of the season. The young defenseman provided Detroit's only offense, but his contributions weren't enough to prevent another defeat. His limited offensive deployment and modest shot generation leave him with little immediate fantasy appeal outside deeper formats.