Karel Vejmelka will start the Coyotes' season opener Friday vs. New Jersey. Vejmelka will get the start for the Coyotes in their season opener against the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. Vejmelka is coming off a 50-game campaign (18-24-6) that saw him record a 3.41 GAA and .900 SV% along with three shutouts. The Coyotes should see some improvements on their 28-40-14 record from last season but will be put to the test in their opening matchup against Jack Hughes and the high-flying offence of the Devils.Source: Craig Morgan
Schmid led the Devils onto the ice for warmups. Schmid was 9-5-2 with a .922 SV% and a 2.13 GAA in 2022-23 and will get his first start of the 2022-23 season Friday vs. Arizona. The 23-year-old netminder is only making his 19th career regular-season start but will be looking to build off his impressive postseason run last year, which saw him post a .921 SV% and 2.35 GAA in nine games played. He draws a great opening matchup against Arizona, who finished 2022-23 last in the NHL in shots per game (25.8) and 28th in goals for (225)Source: Amanda Stein
Tristan Jarry will start Friday vs. Washington. Jarry will get his second start for the Penguins in as many games and look to help them secure their first victory of the season. Despite a 4-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Jarry played reasonably well in the season opener, saving 32 of 35 shots. The Penguins are -120 road favourites against the Capitals, who will be playing their first game of the season.Source: Matt Vensel
Lindgren led the Capitals onto the ice for warmups. Lindgren will get the nod in the crease for the Capitals' season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins as Darcy Kuemper is away from the team for the birth of his son. Lindgren struggled in his first season with the Capitals, posting a 3.05 GAA and .899 SV% in 31 appearances (13-11-3). The Capitals will be facing a hungry Penguins squad that was held to just two goals in their season-opening loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Clay Stevenson was recalled from the Hershey Bears of the AHL and will serve as backup to Lindgren.Source: Sammi Silber