NHL Hockey Player News

Kuemper was lights out in Game 1, stopping 40 of the 43 shots that he faced as the Coyotes held onto an early lead to win Game 1 4-3. Kuemper is now 2-0 while stopping 63 of 68 shots (.927 SV%) in two starts vs. the Predators in 2020.

Lemieux served his two-game suspension during Game 1 and 2 but is eligible to play in a must-win for the Rangers on Tuesday. Lemieux, who had 18 points (6G / 12A) in 59 games, is expected to replace Steven Fogarty in the lineup.

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper expects Stamkos to skate on Tuesday but will not play tomorrow vs. the Bruins. Tampa Bay won their first round-robin game vs. the Capitals without Stamkos and it's evident they won't rush him back for these pre-playoff games.

Boychuk left Game 1 after playing just 5:17 TOI and did not return. The Islanders did not practice on Monday so the Islanders did not have much of an update on the veteran's status. Look for Andy Greene or Noah Dobson to replace Boychuk on Game 2.

The Stars have two very capable goaltenders and both will probably see playing time during the round-robin but Bishop will start the opener. He was 21-16-4 with a 2.50 GAA and .920 SV% in 43 starts this seasons. In two starts vs. the Golden Knights, Bishop was 1-0-1 with a 2.48 GAA and .917 SV%.

Michael Raffl was hurt in the third period of the Flyers' win over the Bruins on Saturday, opening the door for Farabee to play against the Capitals on Thursday. There's no indication what line Farabee will play on but he comes in having picked up 21 points (8G / 13A) in 52 games.

Raffl was hurt in the third period of the Flyers' win over the Bruins on Saturday. He went into the boards left first and had to be helped off of the ice and down the tunnel. Look for Joel Farabee to draw into the lineup to replace Raffl on Thursday.

Vasilevskiy will start the Lightning's first round-robin game after leading the NHL with 35 wins and posting a 2.56 GAA and .917 SV% in the regular season. As good as he was throughout the season, he struggled against the Capitals, giving up eight goals on 68 shots (.882 SV%) in two games.

The Oilers went with Mike Smith in Game 1 and it was an unmitigated disaster. Smith gave up five goals on 23 shots before the midway point and was then replaced by Koskinen, who stopped 18 of the 19 shots that he faced. Koskinen, who was 18-13-3 with a 2.75 GAA and .917 SV% in the regular season will be making his first career NHL playoffs start.

Hellebuyck surrendered three goals on 32 shots in the Jets' Game 1 loss. It wasn't Hellebuyck's best effort but the Jets were badly outplayed. With Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine both out today, Hellebuyck will need to be on top of his game more than ever. He is now 11-13 with a 2.47 GAA and .919 SV% in 24 career playoff starts.

Talbot stopped 17 of 18 shots in the Flames Game 1 win over the Jets. It's probably the easiest win Talbot will ever get in the postseason. Today the Jets will be shorthanded with both Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine getting injured in Game 1. Talbot was 2-2-0 with a 3.01 GAA and .913 SV% in four afternoon starts during the 2020 seaosn.

Price was terrific in Game 1, stopping 39 of 41 shots in the Canadiens 3-2 overtime win. He was not sharp before the season was paused so the long layoff may have done the veteran some good. Price comes into Game 2 having not given up more than three goals in a game in his last 11 playoff starts.