NHL Player News

Varlamov allowed two goals on 26 shots in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Canucks.

The Islanders played an excellent defensive game over the first two periods, and they built up enough of a lead for Varlamov to protect in the third. He's now won two straight games, and he's allowed just five goals on 81 shots over his last three outings. Varlamov is 3-3-1 with a 2.86 GAA and an .892 save percentage over seven appearances this season. Ilya Sorokin will likely be back between the pipes for Saturday's matinee game in Seattle.

Bobrovsky made 23 saves in a 6-2 loss to the Devils on Thursday. He allowed five goals.

The Devils outworked the Panthers most of the night and capitalized on special teams opportunities. They put in three power-play goals and added a shortie, too. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for Bobrovsky, who is now 8-3-1 with a 3.14 GAA and .889 save percentage. His numbers this season don't leap off the page, but it's hard to quibble with his effectiveness.

Allen made 25 saves in a 6-2 win over Florida on Thursday.

He came into the game with a 2-8-0 record, 4.86 GAA and .865 save percentage against Florida, but he had the kitties' number all night long. Allen is 4-2-1 with two shutouts in seven starts overall this season (2.30 GAA and .916 save percentage). He's a consistently strong backup who should be deployed whenever he's in the blue paint.

Mrazek stopped 23 of 25 shots in Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Kraken. The third goal was an empty-netter.

It was one-way traffic for the first half of the game, though the Blackhawks made a decent push in the third period. Mrazek wasn't bad, but he didn't get enough support. He's now alternated wins and losses over his last seven games despite giving up no more than three goals in any outing in that span. Mrazek is at a 5-8-0 record with a 2.79 GAA and a .906 save percentage through 13 appearances this season. The Blackhawks wrap up their two-game road trip in Vancouver on Saturday.

Daccord allowed a goal on 19 shots in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Blackhawks.

Daccord wasn't tested much in this game, and he responded with his third straight win, all of which have come at home. He's allowed six goals on 83 shots during his winning streak. The 28-year-old netminder is now 7-3-1 with a 2.55 GAA and a .918 save percentage through 11 outings. Philipp Grubauer (undisclosed) was back in the backup role Thursday, so Daccord may once again feel some pressure for starts, but he can strengthen his claim to the No. 1 job if he keeps winning. Both goalies should start this weekend -- the Kraken host the Islanders on Saturday and the Rangers on Sunday.

Montembeault stopped 25 of 27 shots in Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Wild.

Montembeault played well but a barely existent offense offered little support for the goalie. Montreal had just two first-period shots on net and finished with 19. Montembeault dropped to 4-8-1 with a 3.29 goals-against average and .893 save percentage, which normally might cost a No. 1 goalie his job but not in Montreal. Backup Cayden Primeau (4.68 GAA, .845 save percentage) is not a reliable option at this point. Montembeault will likely guard the net Saturday, when the Canadiens return home to face the Blue Jackets.

Wedgewood stopped 31 of 34 shots in Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Oilers.

Wedgewood dropped to 1-2-1 on the year, but this was arguably his best outing. He was able to keep the game close, though the trio of Darnell Nurse, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl combined for three goals and seven points. Wedgewood has allowed 15 goals on 103 shots for an .854 save percentage through four appearances. Look for Juuse Saros to get the starting nod in Calgary on Friday to complete this back-to-back set in Alberta.

Pickard turned aside 21 of 23 shots in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over the Predators.

Pickard stepped in for a spot start and performed well, though the Predators' fourth line was able to generate both goals. The 32-year-old netminder has won four of his last five outings while offering stability in the backup role behind Stuart Skinner. Pickard is 4-2-0 with a 2.49 GAA and an .890 save percentage over seven appearances this season. It'll likely be Skinner between the pipes in Toronto on Saturday, but Pickard should start either Monday in Montreal or Tuesday in Ottawa.

Comrie made 25 saves in a 4-1 loss to the Lightning on Thursday. He allowed three goals.

It was the Jets second and Comrie's first loss of the season. He doesn't get a lot of action behind Connor Hellebuyck, but he's solid when he plays. Comrie is 3-1-0 with a 2.77 GAA and .909 save percentage. He's a worthy roll off the wire for spot starts behind the league's best team.

Vasilevskiy made 24 saves in a 4-1 win over Winnipeg on Thursday.

Vasilevskiy became the fastest goalie to reach 300 NHL wins. He hit the milestone in 490 games, shattering the record set by Jacques Plante (521 games). It was Vasilevskiy's first win in November, and it came against the NHL's hottest teams. Expect him to carry a heavy workload this season ahead of Jonas Johansson and perhaps get into the NHL's top-30 in wins overall by April. He's 7-5-1 and needs 24 more to tie Sean Burke (324) for 30th overall.