NHL Player News

Oettinger stopped 32 of 35 shots in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Predators.

After a scoreless first period, the Stars erupted for a 4-1 lead after the middle frame. Oettinger let in a couple of goals in the third, but the lead held. After career-worsts in GAA (2.72) and save percentage (.905) over 54 appearances in the 2023-24 regular season, Oettinger will look to bounce back this season. The 25-year-old should see a large share of starts in goal, though he'll likely split this weekend's back-to-back at home with Casey DeSmith. The Stars face the Islanders on Saturday and the Kraken on Sunday.

Blomqvist made 29 saves in a 6-3 win over Detroit on Thursday.

It was his NHL debut, and he helped Pens' fans forget about the team's 6-0 loss to the Rangers the night before. Blomqvist became the youngest Penguins goalie to win his NHL debut since Philippe De Rouville in 1995. Blomqvist is third on the Pens' depth chart, but fans are already calling for the team to sit Tristan Jarry in favor in the young man. We're not ready to go there yet, but watch this situation. Pittsburgh needs to win, and at some point, they may need to make some touch decisions about their blue paint.

Primeau stopped 23 of 29 shots in Montreal's 6-4 loss to the Boston on Thursday.

Primeau faced a team motivated to turn the page on a poor effort in Tuesday's loss to Florida, and that showed in the first period when Boston put 13 shots on net and scored three times. The Bruins scored two more in the second and entered the third period with a 5-2 lead. However, Montreal didn't play like a team on the second night of a back-to-back and made it close before Primeau allowed a softie late.

Markstrom made 18 saves Thursday in a 4-2 loss to Toronto.

Markstrom got off to a rough start in his home debut Thursday. Toronto's bottom six were buzzing early and put three goals past him by the 14:46 mark of the first period. Markstrom will rebound - he can't win them all.

Hildeby made 22 saves in a 4-2 win over New Jersey on Thursday.

It was the Hildebeast's NHL debut, and he showed why the Leafs see him in their future. He showed off his ability to go side-to-side and use his 6-foot-7 frame to stymie the Devils' snipers. Hildeby will back-up Anthony Stolarz until Joseph Woll (undisclosed) returns. He's a solid daily play given the strength of Toronto's lineup.

Saros (lower body) won't suit up in Thursday's season opener versus the Stars, Nick Kieser of 102.5 ESPN Nashville reports.

Saros is battling what's believed to be a short-term injury. The Predators will have Scott Wedgewood between the pipes and Matt Murray serving as backup for Thursday's contest, with both goalies in the lineup against their former team. Saros' next chance to play is Saturday in Detroit.

Blomqvist will protect the road goal versus the Red Wings on Thursday, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

Blomqvist will make his NHL debut Thursday as the Penguins play the second half of a back-to-back. Tristan Jarry handled the goaltending duties in a 6-0 loss to the Rangers on Wednesday. Blomqvist is in the backup role to begin 2024-25 while Alex Nedeljkovic (lower body) remains sidelined.

Hildeby is expected to make his NHL debut in Thursday's road game against New Jersey, per David Alter of The Hockey News.

Hildeby is getting this opportunity because Joseph Woll is unavailable due to a lower-body injury and Anthony Stolarz was in net Wednesday for Toronto's 1-0 loss to Montreal. The 23-year-old Hildeby did fare well in the AHL during the 2023-24 regular season, posting a 2.41 GAA and a .913 save percentage across 41 contests with the Marlies. However, the Devils are a good offensive team, ranking 12th last season with 3.22 goals per game. New Jersey has also scored a combined seven goals in two victories over Buffalo to begin the 2024-25 campaign.

Saturday's game between Lightning and Hurricanes in Tampa Bay has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton.

The two teams will meet in Carolina on Friday on Opening Night, but will have to wait for Saturday's game to be rescheduled. Andersen is expected to get the start Friday after going 13-2-0 with a 1.84 GAA and a .932 save percentage in 16 appearances during the 2023-24 regular-season.

Vasilevskiy and the Lightning won't play at home against the Hurricanes on Saturday after the game was postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Milton.

Although Saturday's game has been called off, the Lightning are still scheduled to begin the regular season on the road against Carolina on Friday, and Vasilevskiy seems likely to draw the start in the crease. Over 52 regular-season appearances last year, the 30-year-old posted a 30-20-2 record, 2.90 GAA and .900 save percentage.