NHL Player News

Hofer was the first goalie off Thursday, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports, indicating he'll be in goal for the Blues' home game against the Islanders.

Hofer has started in just one of the Blues' first four games of the season, and he turned aside 25 of 29 shots in a road win over the Sharks on Oct. 10. He'll have the chance to start at home Thursday against the Islanders, who have scored 10 goals over their first three games this season while posting a 1-1-1 record.

DeSmith was the first goaltender off the ice at morning skate, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press, and is expected to patrol the visiting crease in Washington on Thursday.

DeSmith was perfect in his first start in a Dallas uniform Sunday, turning aside all 25 shots in a 2-0 victory over Seattle. DeSmith gave up two goals on 24 shots in his only appearance last season versus Washington as a member of the Canucks. The Capitals have scored seven goals in two games this season, scoring twice on the power play in six opportunities, so DeSmith will be hoping his teammates stay out of the box.

Ullmark (strain) will not be in the lineup against the Devils on Thursday, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports.

While Anton Forsberg will get the starting nod versus New Jersey, it's Mads Sogaard who will suit up as the No. 2 option instead of Ullmark. Still, the fact that the 31-year-old Ullmark was on the ice for Thursday's game-day skate bodes well for him getting back into the lineup sooner rather than later. It's possible Ullmark will retake his spot between the pipes versus Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Forsberg will start in the home crease during Thursday's game against the Devils, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports.

Although Linus Ullmark (muscle strain) was on the ice during Thursday's morning skate, he isn't yet ready to return to game action, which will allow Forsberg to draw his second start of the season, while Mads Sogaard will dress as the backup. Forsberg struggled during Monday's game against the Kings, turning aside six of nine shots before getting the hook in the second period following a collision. He appeared to be fine following the collision, and it's encouraging that he'll make a second consecutive start Thursday.

Vasilevskiy was the first goalie to leave the ice Thursday, Gabby Shirley of Bally Sports Florida reports, indicating he'll be between the pipes at home versus Vegas.

Vasilevskiy is riding a two-game winning streak to open the season in which he has posted a 1.00 GAA and .958 save percentage. Given the 30-year-old backstop preference for playing as often as possible, don't be surprised to see him featuring in upward of 60 games this year, though a back-to-back against Toronto and New Jersey on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, should see Jonas Johansson make his 2024-25 season debut.

Stolarz allowed two goals on 34 shots in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Kings.

Stolarz has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, giving up two or fewer goals in his three appearances, posting a save percentage of at least .910 in every contest and winning his last two starts. He should remain in the crease for Saturday's contest against the Rangers.

Montembeault is slated to start Thursday's home game against the Kings, Patrick Friolet of RDS reports.

Montembeault has started in three of the Canadiens' first four games of the season, posting a 2-1-0 record, 2.03 GAA and .942 save percentage. He struggled during his most recent start Monday against the Penguins, turning aside just 25 of 30 shots, but he'll attempt to bounce back Thursday.

Lindgren was the first goaltender off the ice at morning skate, according to Tom Gulitti of NHL.com, indicating he will defend the home crease versus Dallas on Thursday.

Lindgren was saddled with the loss Opening Night, allowing four goals on 32 shots to the Devils. Lindgren had a strong 2023-24 campaign, going 25-16-7 with six shutouts, a 2.67 GAA and a .911 save percentage in 50 regular-season appearances. Lindgren will have a tough task as he faces the Stars, who enter Thursday's tilt with a 4-0-0 record, finding the back of the net 12 times.

Bobrovsky will be between the home pipes versus Vancouver on Thursday, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.

Bobrovsky has won two of his three starts to begin the 2024-25 campaign, giving up nine goals on 85 shots (.894 save percentage). He will face the struggling Canucks, who are 0-1-2 thus far, scoring only eight goals in three contests. Bobrovsky had his troubles versus Vancouver last season, losing both starts while allowing eight goals on 47 shots.

Rittich gave up four goals on 14 shots before being removed from Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Maple Leafs midway through the second period.

Rittich gave up three goals in the first period, and by the time Morgan Rielly made it 4-0, the Kings had seen enough and replaced Rittich with Pheonix Copley, who gave up two more goals the rest of the way. Darcy Kuemper (lower body) is considered day-to-day and might not be available to start against the Canadiens on Thursday, and if that's the case, then it's unclear whether the Kings will give Rittich another chance, or if they'll decide to go with Copley instead. This was Rittich's first appearance of the 2024-25 campaign after going 13-6-3 with a 2.15 GAA and a .921 save percentage across 24 regular-season outings in 2023-24.