NHL Player News

Bobrovsky turned aside 25 of 26 shots Monday as the Panthers fell 3-0 to the Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Carolina's final two goals were scored into an empty net.

Florida was going for a sweep to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, but instead the Panthers couldn't solve Frederik Andersen in the Hurricanes' crease, giving Bobrovsky no margin for error. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner still delivered an excellent performance, with the only puck to get past him coming on a wicked snapshot from Logan Stankoven midway through the second period. Bobrovsky has allowed two goals or fewer in eight straight starts, posting a stellar 1.13 GAA and .953 save percentage over that stretch, and he'll look to punch the Panthers' tickets to the finals in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Andersen stopped all 20 shots he faced Monday in the Hurricanes' 3-0 win over the Panthers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

With Carolina facing the prospect of getting swept out of the playoffs, Andersen returned to the crease after getting benched for Game 3 and delivered his fifth career playoff shutout to keep his team alive. Despite his rough start to the current series, the veteran netminder sports a 1.84 GAA and a .914 save percentage in 12 outings this postseason. He'll likely need to come up big again Wednesday in Game 5 if the 'Canes are going to avoid elimination.

Bobrovsky will protect the home net against Carolina on Monday in Game 4, according to George Richards of Florida Hockey Now.

Bobrovsky has stopped 90 of 95 shots during his four-game winning streak, and he has allowed two goals or fewer in seven straight starts. He has posted a record of 11-4 with three shutouts, a 2.12 GAA and a .911 save percentage across 15 appearances this postseason. Bobrovsky has limited the Hurricanes to only four goals on 75 shots through the first three games of the series, and the Panthers can compete for the Stanley Cup for a third consecutive year with one more victory.

Pickard (lower body) took the ice for Monday's practice session, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Considering this is Pickard's first time on the ice with his teammates, he seems unlikely to dress for Game 4 on Tuesday -- especially with Stuart Skinner playing in peak form -- though Pickard hasn't been officially ruled out. Once the 33-year-old backstop gets the all-clear, he should resume his duties as the No. 2 netminder and could be called upon again if Skinner struggles.

Andersen was the first goalie off the ice ahead of Game 4 versus the Panthers on Monday, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports, indicating he'll get the starting nod on the road.

Andersen gave up nine goals on 36 combined shots (.750 save percentage) in Games 1 and 2 before watching Pyotr Kochetkov feature between the pipes in Game 3. With Kochetkov giving up six goals in that appearance, the Hurricanes look poised to return to Andersen in the crease for a must-win Game 4.

Oettinger stopped 18 of 24 shots in Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Oilers in Game 3.

Oettinger took consecutive losses for the first time this postseason, and the six goals allowed were the most he's given up in any game in these playoffs. He's allowed 12 goals on 76 shots over three games against the Oilers, who look to have figured something out over the last two contests. It's like deja vu in this Western Conference Finals rematch from last year, and it will likely be Oettinger's duty to put in a better performance in Game 4 to keep the Stars away from the brink of elimination.

Skinner stopped 33 of 34 shots in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Stars in Game 3.

Skinner has now won four of his last five games, allowing just six goals in that span. The only goal against him came on a deflected shot, with Jason Robertson getting credit for the tally. Skinner's inconsistency in the postseason is mildly concerning, but it's easy to overlook when he's in a groove like he is currently. He'll likely get the nod again in Game 4 on Tuesday with a chance to give the Oilers a 3-1 series lead.

Oettinger will patrol the road crease Sunday in Game 3 against the Oilers.

Oettinger has started every game in the postseason for the Stars and that will continue in Sunday's Game 3. The 26-year-old netminder is riding a streak of nine straight games allowing three goals or fewer and holds a 2.54 GAA overall in the postseason.

Skinner will patrol the home crease against Dallas on Sunday in Game 3, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Skinner is coming off a 25-save performance in Friday's 3-0 shutout win over the Stars. He has posted a 3-4 record with three shutouts, a 2.90 GAA and an .890 save percentage through seven appearances this postseason. Dallas has registered only 2.67 goals per game this playoffs.

Kochetkov allowed six goals on 28 shots in Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Panthers in Game 3.

Kochetkov played the third period in Game 2 and got the start in Game 3, but he hasn't fared any better than Frederik Andersen in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 25-year-old Kochetkov has allowed 12 goals on 83 shots over four playoff appearances, going 1-1. The Hurricanes haven't revealed who will be tasked with the start in a must-win Game 4 on Monday.