Gostisbehere has missed several multi-week stints this season, most recently being sidelined since January 13th because of a lower-body injury. That said, when healthy, the 32-year-old Gostisbehere has been one of the most productive blueliners this season, scoring 32 points (6G / 26A) in 35 games. He will return to action and resume his role as the quarterback on Carolina's top powerplay unit on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth.
The red-hot Penguins, 5-0-2 in their last seven games, have received exquisite goaltending from newcome Stuart Skinner, but has continued to rotate Silovs into this mix. The 24-year-old Silovs was excellent in his previous outing, saving 30 of 32 shots (.938 SV%) in a 6-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. He has helped his team record a point in seven of his last eight games (5-1-2), posting a solid 2.66 GAA and .902 SV%. The Penguins enter Thursday's contest as -168 home favorites against a Chicago Blackhawks team that has only scored five combined goals in their last three games (0-1-2).
Swayman allowed six goals on 34 shots (.824 SV%) in a 6-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on January 20th, a forgettable night for the talented American goalie who has otherwise been excellent in recent weeks. The 27-year-old Swayman has allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his last 10 games (7-2-1), posting a serviceable 2.71 GAA and .906 SV%. The Bruins enter the action on Thursday as -141 home favourites against a Philadelphia Flyers team that lost 5-3 to the Columbus Blue Jackets last night for their ninth loss in their last 11 games (2-7-2).
On the front end of a back-to-back, the Blackhawks will turn to Soderblom to tend the twine on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 26-year-old Soderblom has had an up-and-down season in a supporting role, but is coming off a stellar performance, saving 30 of 31 shots (.968 SV%) in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has a 2.89 GAA and .878 SV% in his last five games (2-2-1). The Blackhawks enter Thursday's contest as +150 road underdogs against a Pittsburgh Penguins team with points in seven consecutive games (5-0-2).
Luukkonen was having a rough performance on Tuesday, allowing two goals on five shots (.600 SV%) and did not get the chance to redeem himself, exiting the game midway through the first period because of a lower-body injury. Colten Ellis entered the crease as Lukkonen's replacement, but expect Alex Lyon to see most of the action while Luukkonen is sidelined.
McDonagh has been plagued by injuries this season, playing only 18 games, but is expected to return on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets. The 36-year-old defenseman has eight points (4G / 4A) and is averaging 20:00 time-on-ice.
Tsyplakov showed flashes of promise as a 26-year-old rookie a season ago when he tallied 10 goals and 25 assists in 77 games, but had gone ice-cold this year and was ultimately deemed to be expendable by Isles General Manger Mathieu Darche. Tsyplakov has just a single goal and no assists in 27 games this season, routinely bouncing in and out of the lineup as a healthy scratch. He'll get a fresh start in New Jersey where presumably he'll compete for playing time in their bottom-six.
The Devils have been rotating goalies, not entirely by preference, as neither Jake Allen nor Jacob Markstrom has been able to string together a consistent stretch of reliable goaltending. The 35-year-old Markstrom allowed three goals on 18 shots (.833 SV%) in his previous outing, a 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken. He has a sub- .900 SV% in four of his last five games (3-2-0). The Devils enter the action on Thursday as -131 home favourites against a Nashville Predators team that has lost four of their last five games (1-3-1).
Bussi has been exquisite in recent games, riding a three-game winning streak while posting a sensational 1.02 GAA and .957 SV%. The 27-year-old first-year NHLer has been a revelation in Carolina's crease this season and has won eight of his last 10 games (8-2-0). The Hurricanes enter the action on Tuesday as -162 home favourites against a Montreal Canadiens team that defeated them 7-5 earlier this month.
Berard went scoreless in 12 games with the Rangers earlier this season, but has spent most of the 2025-26 campaign in the AHL. The 23-year-old forward has 18 points (6G / 12A) in 30 games with Hartford (AHL) this season.
With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen expected to miss at least a week due to an injury, Alex Lyon will see an increase in usage, beginning with Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Kings. The 33-year-old Lyon has been terrific lately and is coming off his second shutout of the season, a 26-save performance in a 5-0 win over the New York Islanders. Lyon has won nine straight outings, posting an impressive 2.11 GAA and .927 SV%. The Sabres enter Thursday's contest as -120 home favourites against a Kings team with points in six straight games (3-0-3).
Gustavsson has helped his team record a point in four straight games (3-0-1) despite showcasing pedestrian netminding, allowing three or more goals in each game, posting a 3.40 GAA and .884 SV%. The 27-year-old Swedish goalie has allowed three or more goals in six consecutive starts (3-1-2). Minnesota enters the action on Thursday as -180 home favourites against a Calgary Flames team on a four-game losing streak (0-2-2).
McGroarty was drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, but has yet to make his mark at the NHL level. The 21-year-old forward scored three points (2G / 1A) in 16 games with Pittsburgh earlier this season, but has excelled at the AHL level, scoring 12 points (4G / 8A) in nine games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Despite a 5-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Konecny had a terrific performance on Wednesday, scoring all three goals, but suffered a lower-body injury late in the game. The 28-year-old forward has 48 points (20G / 28A) in 51 games this season.
Ristolainen has had trouble staying in the lineup this season, battling a myriad of injuries, most recently a lower-body injury that had him exit Wednesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period. The 31-year-old Finnish defenseman has three assists in 15 games this season.
Pulock has not played in a week, but will return to the lineup on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. The 31-year-old Pulock is averaging 21:09 time-on-ice and has 21 points (2G / 19A) in 50 games this season.
Boqvist will take a seat on Wednesday, and could see his ice time take a significant hit in the near-future given the arrival of Carson Soucy and return of Ryan Pulock. Boqvist has zero goals and one assist in 20 games this season.
Brodzinski will slot in for Artemi Panarin, who is being held out indefinitely for roster-related reasons. Brodzinski will skate with Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe on the Rangers' fourth line on Wednesday.
