NHL Hockey Player News

Colten Ellis has been between the pipes for the past two games, but Luukkonen will return on Friday. With Alex Lyon (upper body) nearing his season debut, Luukkonen's inconsistent start to the 2026-27 season could put his future playing time in jeopardy. That said, the 27-year-old Finnish goalie is coming off one of his best outings of the season, saving 27 of 29 shots (.931 SV%) in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. He has a 3.40 GAA and .874 SV% in 10 games (4-3-3). The Sabres enter Friday's game as -170 home favourites against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1 in a shootout last night.

Brossoit returned last season after nearly a two-year injury absence and has mostly played in the AHL since, but is currently getting a look in the Ducks' crease. Amid struggles from Lukas Dostal and Ville Husso, Brossoit will tend the twine for a third consecutive game. Brossoit has been far from stellar, posting a 3.50 GAA and .848 SV%, but has yet to lose, with a 2-0-0 record. The Ducks enter Thursday's game as +165 road underdogs against an Edmonton Oilers team that defeated them 5-2 earlier this season.

Hellebuyck hasn't had to be spectacular since joining the Devils, but remains undefeated and will return to the crease on Thursday. The 33-year-old American goalie is coming off his weakest performance of the season, allowing three goals on 21 shots (.857 SV%), but still winning in a 4-3 shootout over the Edmonton Oilers. In three games (3-0-0), Hellebuyck has a 1.95 GAA and .900 SV%. The Devils enter Thursday's outing as sizeable -198 home favourites against a St. Louis Blues team coming off a 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers.

With John Gibson (lower body) sidelined, the Red Wings will likely lean on Tarasov starting Thursday. The 27-year-old Tarasov has been used sparingly this season, but has been excellent when called upon, posting a 1.74 GAA and a .927 SV% in six games (2-1-2). He saved 12 of 13 shots (.923 SV%) in relief of Gibson in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Red Wings enter Thursday's action as +126 home underdogs against a Vegas Golden Knights team coming off a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Merilainen boasts an ugly 3.31 GAA and .897 SV% through 11 appearances (2-5-1), yet has unfortunately been the unquestionably most reliable Vancouver goalie this season, outplaying a struggling Kevin Lankinen. The 24-year-old Merilainen allowed three goals on 27 shots (.889 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canucks enter Thursday's game as +179 road underdogs against a Winnipeg Jets team coming off an impressive come-from-behind 5-4 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Cossa had a shaky start to the season, but has strung together some quality performances that could help him secure more playing time, especially if his counterpart, Karel Vejmelka, continues to struggle. The 23-year-old Cossa was excellent in his most recent outing, saving 27 of 29 shots (.931 SV%) in a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has won three straight games. The Mammoth enter Thursday's game as slight -111 road favourites against a Montreal Canadiens team that has scored four or more goals in three straight games (0-2-1).