NHL Player News

Luukkonen allowed three goals on 32 shots in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Stars. The fourth goal was an empty-netter.

Luukkonen had allowed just five goals over his last three games, all wins. The Stars were able to get to him a bit in the latter half of Tuesday's contest, though their second goal was a Jason Robertson tally directly off a turnover. Luukkonen slipped back to 11-12-3 with a 2.95 GAA and an .898 save percentage. The good news is the Sabres are back to being competitive, which should help Luukkonen have chances to earn wins. The team continues its road trip with another tough matchup in Colorado on Thursday.

DeSmith stopped 21 of 23 shots in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Sabres.

DeSmith also had an assist on Esa Lindell's empty-netter. The 33-year-old DeSmith has won his last three decisions, and he allowed just five goals on 92 shots over four appearances in December. He's firmly in a backup role but has proven himself to be good even with sporadic playing time. DeSmith is 5-4-0 with a 2.37 GAA and a .911 save percentage over 11 appearances in 2024-25. Jake Oettinger will likely be back between the pipes for Thursday's game against the Senators.

Comrie allowed three goals on 36 shots in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Avalanche. The last two goals were empty-netters.

Comrie did a good job of keeping it close, but Casey Mittelstadt's third-period tally was the difference. This was Comrie's sixth straight loss, and he's given up a total of 19 goals in that span. The 29-year-old backup goalie is 3-6-0 with a 3.05 GAA and a .904 save percentage through nine starts. This outing came during a back-to-back set, as have four of his last five appearances. The Jets don't have another back-to-back until Jan. 10 and 11, so expect Connor Hellebuyck to start four of the next five games.

Gustavsson made 43 saves in a 5-3 win over the Predators on Tuesday.

Gustavsson also picked up a power-play assist on Mats Zuccarello's second-period snipe after wiring a stretch pass from his goal line all the way to Joel Eriksson Ek at the Nashville blue line. Those 43 saves were the third-highest total of his career. Gustavsson now ranks third in the NHL with a .924 save percentage, fourth with a 2.28 GAA and is tied for third with 17 wins. He's a mid-season Vezina contender.

Blackwood stopped 20 of 22 shots in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Jets.

The Avalanche have won five straight games, and Blackwood is responsible for four of them. He was able to hold firm in the third period, allowing Colorado to build its lead with a three-goal frame. Blackwood now has an 11-10-3 record with a 2.71 GAA and a .917 save percentage over 25 appearances between the Avalanche and the Stars. He's won five of his six outings with Colorado, allowing just 11 goals, so he's proving his worth behind a stronger defense. The Avalanche continue their homestand Thursday against the Sabres.

Ersson (undisclosed) left Tuesday's game versus the Sharks after the second period, Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Ersson had stopped all 15 shots he faced over the first two frames, so he's likely dealing with something. Aleksei Kolosov took over in goal for the third and would likely operate as the No. 1 netminder if Ersson is forced to miss time. The Flyers' road trip continues Thursday versus the Golden Knights. They won't need to call up another goalie, as Ivan Fedotov is already on the NHL roster.

Mrazek made 22 saves in a 6-2 loss to the Blues in Tuesday's Winter Classic outdoor game.

Mrazek missed a couple weeks to injury prior to the holiday break, but a return to good health hasn't changed his fate. He hasn't won since Nov. 27 (0-6-0 in seven starts), and he's allowed 27 goals in that span. Mrazek has been excellent at times this season, but he needs to be that every game to help his mates win.

Binnington made 28 saves in a 6-2 win against Chicago on Tuesday in the Winter Classic outdoor game.

Binnington made a beautiful right-pad save on a Taylor Hall breakaway in the second period that kept the score 3-1. And just two power-play goals got past him. It was Binnington's 300th start in the NHL and 10th win this season (10-14-3). He commemorated the Winter Classic with a mask that paid tribute to St. Louis Cardinals' greats Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols. Class move.

Hill allowed three goals on 22 shots in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to Montreal.

Hill was staked to a 2-0 lead after one period but was unable to hold back the Canadiens. Montreal scored twice in the third period to erase a 2-1 lead and end Hill's three-game win streak. Kirby Dach beat him five hole for the game-winner. Hill dropped to 16-6-2 with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.

Gibson (illness) will serve as the backup goalie versus the Devils on Tuesday, per the NHL media site.

Gibson missed two games while dealing with an illness. However, Calle Clang was sent down Monday, clearing the way for Gibson to be in uniform. Lukas Dostal will get the start for the third game in a row.