On the tail end of a back-to-back, Minnesota will likely turn to Gustavsson between the pipes in a favorable matchup against the Anaheim Ducks and their league-worst offense, averaging only 2.1 goals per game. Gustavsson has faced some adversity lately, allowing three or more goals in three of his last four games (2-2-0), but has a solid 2.33 GAA and .917 SV% in nine games this season (6-2-1).
Luke Evangelista and Mark Jankowski will be healthy scratch on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals, allowing Philip Tomasino and Michael McCarron to re-enter the lineup. The 29-year-old McCarron has two points (1G / 1A) and a -9 plus/minus through 10 games this season.
Kevin Rooney will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Kirkland to return to the Flames' lineup after sitting out for two games. The 28-year-old Kirkland has five points (1G / 4A) in nine games this season while averaging 11:22 time-on-ice.
Minnesota is riding a three-game winning streak and will turn to Gustavsson in the crease for the third consecutive contest. The 26-year-old Gustavsson has allowed fewer than two goals in four of his last six games (5-1-0), and has a tremendous 2.12 GAA and .924 SV% through eight games this season (6-1-1). Minnesota enters Tuesday's contest as -164 home favorites against a Los Angeles Kings club that played last night, defeating the Nashville Predators 3-0.
On the tail end of a back-to-back, after a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames yesterday, the Oilers will switch to Pickard between the pipes on Monday against the New Jersey Devils. Pickard will have started three of the last five for the Oilers and is riding a three-game winning streak, allowing two or fewer goals in each, posting a stellar .938 SV%. The Oilers, riding a two-game winning streak since Connor McDavid suffered a lower-body injury, enter Monday's contest against the Devils as +109 home underdogs.
Kevin Rooney will draw into the Flames lineup on Friday, replacing Kirkland after playing nine straight games. The 26-year-old Kirkland has been productive in a limited role this season, averaging 11:22 time-on-ice and scoring five points (1G / 4A) in nine games.
Hartman has missed the last five games due to an upper-body injury but will make his return to the lineup on Friday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, replacing Frederick Gaudreau. The 30-year-old Hartman was off to a strong start to the season before his injury, with two goals in his first four games.
Minnesota was confidently rolling with Gustavsson to start the 2024-25 season, allowing two or fewer goals in his first five games (4-0-1) before a forgettable outing in his most recent contest, allowing six goals on 22 shots (.727 SV%) in a disappointing 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. That said, the 26-year-old Gustavsson is still sporting an excellent 2.17 GAA and .922 SV% through six games this season (4-1-1). Minnesota enters the action on Friday as -113 home favorites against the Tampa Bay Lightning, winners of three straight.
Hartman has missed the last five games due to an upper-body injury but was back at practice on Thursday and could be an option to return to the lineup on Friday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 30-year-old Hartman was off to a strong start to the season before his injury, with two goals in his first four games.
The Oilers lost Connor McDavid early in Monday's 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and will switch to Pickard between the pipes for the second time in the last three games. The 32-year-old Pickard has been serviceable in limited action this season but has been notably impressive in his last two outings (2-0-0), saving 49 of 53 shots (.925 SV%). The Oilers will be without Connor McDavid for the next two to three weeks and will face off against a Nashville Predators team with points in each of their last four games (3-0-1).
The Oilers lost Connor McDavid early in Monday's 6-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and will likely switch to Pickard between the pipes for the second time in the last three games. The 32-year-old Pickard has been serviceable in limited action this season but has been notably impressive in his last two outings (2-0-0), saving 49 of 53 shots (.925 SV%). The Oilers will be without Connor McDavid for the next two to three weeks and will face off against a Nashville Predators team with points in each of their last four games (3-0-1).
Maata was acquired yesterday in a trade from the Detroit Red Wings to address their injuries on the blue line, namely John Marino (back) and Sean Durzi (shoulder), who are out of the lineup for the foreseeable future. Maatta, in the final year of a two-year, $3.0M AAV deal, has no points, three SOG, seven blocked shots, and three hits in seven games this season.
Utah's blueline has been shorthanded after John Marino went back surgery and Sean Durzi had shoulder surgery, so they've added an NHL-calibre defenseman to help fill the void. Maatta, who is in the final year of a two-year, $3.0M AAV deal, has no points, three SOG, seven blocked shots and three hits in seven games this season.
After missing the last three games, Brink will return to the Flyers lineup on Tuesday, replacing Nicolas Deslauriers. Brink has four points (1G / 3A) in six games this season, all recorded during a season-opening four-game point streak.
Spurgeon missed the majority of the 2023-24 season and has played all but the first two games of the 2024-25 campaign but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 34-year-old Spurgeon has one assist in two games this season.
With Jared Spurgeon (lower-body) expected to return to Minnesota's lineup on Tuesday, Hunt has been sent down to the Iowa Wild (AHL). The 22-year-old Hunt suited up for one game with Minnesota this season, playing 8:01 time-on-ice.
On the front end of a back-to-back, the Oilers will turn to Pickard between the pipes. Pickard has only played once in the last six games but was stellar in that outing, saving 25 of 27 shots (.926 SV%) in a 4-2 win over the Nashville Predators. The Oilers enter the action on Sunday as -204 road favorites against the Red Wings.
