Matt Dumba left Saturday's game with a lower-body injury and is not expected to play Sunday, so look for Smith to draw in for his Stars debut. Smith had 15 points (5G / 10A), 60 SOG, 117 hits and 101 blocks in 63 games with the Devils last season.
According to head coach Pete DeBoer, Dumba will have some imaging done on Monday, effectively ruling him out for Sunday's game. For now, the Stars are considering him day-to-day but expect and update early next week. Brendan Smith should draw into the lineup to replace Dumba on Sunday.
The Capitals did not provide much of an update on Roy's status post-game other than to say he's "out, lower-body." Expect more clarity on Roy's timeline before Tuesday's game vs. the Golden Knights.
Eriksson Ek took an elbow to the face from Adam Larsson in the second period and went to the locker room. He missed the final 12:45 of the period before returning to the game in the third period with a full face shield. He only played one shift, though, and left the game again and did not return. Eriksson Ek reportedly didn't travel to Winnipeg for Sunday's game, the start of a lengthy seven-game road trip for the Wild.
Patrick Roy favoured Varlamov last season after taking over the Islanders' head coaching duties and will turn to Varlamov for consecutive games to start the season. The 36-year-old Varlamov was great last season, posting a 2.60 GAA and .918 SV% in 28 games (14-8-4), but struggled in the Islanders season opener on Thursday, allowing five goals on 26 shots (.808 SV%) in 5-4 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club.
Daccord served as the backup in the Kraken's season opener but will start Saturday in Minnesota. Fresh off of a five-year contract extension, Daccord will look to build off of a career-year in 2024. He was 19-18-11 with a 2.46 GAA and .916 SV% in 50 games with the Kraken. Seattle are +116 road underdogs.
Montembeault stopped all 48 shots that he faced in Canadiens' shutout win over the Maple Leafs on Wednesday. It was an outstanding start to the season for Montembeault, who was fourth in the NHL in QualityStart% (70.0%) a season ago. Tonight, he'll face the Senators as +139 home underdogs.
Ullmark stopped 31 of 32 shots in the Senators win over the Panthers on Thursday. He is expected to make a second straight start Saturday in Montreal, who are 1-1-0 in their first two games. The Senators are -155 road favourites.
Stolarz allowed one goal on 27 shots in the Maple Leafs' 1-0 loss in Montreal on opening night. Despite the loss, it was a strong showing for Stolarz, who could see extra playing time while Joseph Woll is out with a lower-body injury. The Maple Leafs are -195 home favourites vs. the Penguins on Saturday.
