NHL Hockey Player News

Khudobin was 16-6-7 with a 2.56 GAA and .913 SV% in 29 starts and two relief appearances with the Bruins last season. This summer he signed on with the Stars, where he will serve as Ben Bishop’s backup. Khudobin has a career .915 SV% in 147 games, but could have a tough time getting the ‘W’ tonight as he goes head-to-head with John Gibson.

Raanta allowed two goals on 25 shots in the Coyotes win in Anaheim on Wednesday. Raanta has played very well this season, allowing just six goals on 70 shots (.914 SV%) in three games. Raanta should be in consideration tonight thanks to his matchup with a 2-2-0 Sabres team that is averaging just 2.00 goals for per game.

Bernier allowed three goals on 24 shots in the Red Wings loss in Los Angeles last Sunday. Jimmy Howard started each of the last two games, but will give way to Bernier this afternoon in Boston. The Red Wings don’t have the firepower to match-up with the Bruins, making Bernier a risky option on a busy Saturday.

Gibson allowed two goals on 39 shots in the Ducks overtime loss to the Coyotes on Wednesday. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Gibson, who has an impressive 1.44 GAA, .955 SV% and one shutout to start the 2018-19 season. The 25-year-old did not face Dallas last season, but they come in averaging 4.00 goals for per game in their first three games.

Eriksson Ek missed Friday’s practice with “soreness” and is considered a game-time decision for Saturday’s game vs. the Hurricanes. If Eriksson Ek does not play, look for Charlie Coyle to move to centre and for J.T. Brown to play on the right wing of that third line.

Rittich stopped all eight shots that he has faced in relief this season but struggled to a 2.92 GAA and .904 SV% in 21 appearances with the Flames last year. Rittich will have some spot-start value through the season, but he will be in tough tonight. The Avalanche, particularly their top-line is absolutely dominant on home-ice.

Campbell stopped all 40 shots that he faced to earn his first career shutout in Montreal on Thursday. Campbell has been extremely busy in his first three starts of the season, facing an average of 39 shots per game—he has stopped 113 of 117 (.966 SV%). Campbell is a solid option against the Senators, who will be without three of their regulars this afternoon.

Varlamov allowed one goal on 31 shots in Colorado’s win in Buffalo on Thursday. Varlamov has won each of his first three starts, stopping 85 of the 89 shots (.955 SV%) that he has faced. Varlamov has a tough matchup with the Flames in town, but catches a break with David Rittich getting the call for Calgary.

Lehner stopped all 35 shots that he faced in the Islanders shutout win over the Sharks. It was an outstanding debut for Lehner, but he will be in tough in Nashville for his second start. The Predators are averaging just 2.50 goals per game so far, but sit at 3-1-0 through four games.

Dubnyk allowed three goals on 30 shots in the Wild’s overtime win over the Blackhawks on Thursday. Dubnyk’s strong start to the season continued, as he’s now stopped 104 of the first 110 shots (.945 SV%) that he has faced. Tonight he takes on a Hurricanes team that is averaged 4.25 goals per game in their first four contests.