NHL Player News

Gustavsson stopped 21 shots Thursday in the Wild's 3-2 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 6 of their first-round series.

After being unable to finish Game 5 due to an illness, Gustavsson was back between the pipes Thursday with Minnesota's season on the line, but he didn't get enough help from his defense to force a Game 7. The 26-year-old netminder re-established himself as the Wild's top option in the crease with a regular season that saw him record a career-high 31 wins, along with a 2.56 GAA and .914 save percentage in 58 outings. Gustavsson has one more year remaining on his current contract, worth $3.75 million.

Hill made 29 saves Thursday in the Golden Knights' 3-2 win over the Wild in Game 6 of their first-round series.

The 28-year-old netminder won his third straight start to secure Vegas' place in the second round. Hill has a 2.83 GAA and .880 save percentage through six starts to begin the team's postseason run, numbers which may have to improve if the Knights are going to get past the Oilers to reach the Western Conference Finals.

Kuemper stopped five goals on 28 shots in Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Oilers in Game 6. The sixth goal was an empty-netter.

Kuemper's dominant play down the stretch of the regular season unraveled in the playoffs. He allowed four or more goals in four of six playoff outings, losing the last four games to send the Kings to a fourth straight first-round exit against the Oilers. Still, Kuemper was a good fit for the Kings this season, and if the team retains a strong defensive structure in 2025-26, he'll be a reliable fantasy goalie once again even in his age-35 season.

Pickard stopped 23 of 27 shots in Thursday's 6-4 win over the Kings in Game 6.

This was Pickard's fourth straight win, and it allowed the Oilers to complete their comeback from a 2-0 series deficit. They advanced with this victory and will meet the Golden Knights in the second round. Pickard has allowed 13 shots on 121 shots over five playoff appearances, but he's kept the starting job because he's getting results. If he falters versus Vegas, it wouldn't be surprising to see Stuart Skinner get another chance in goal.

Oettinger stopped 41 of 46 shots in Thursday's 7-4 loss to the Avalanche in Game 6. The last two goals were empty-netters.

The Avalanche had plenty of pressure, so it may not have mattered much in the end, but the deciding goal was scored after a failed clearance. It bounced off Colin Blackwell and past Oettinger to put the Avalanche ahead midway through the third period. Oettinger was again strong under heavy pressure, but this was his worst game of the postseason. He's now 3-3 with 18 goals allowed over six contests. Even with an elevated number of goals against, there's no doubt the Stars will stick with Oettinger for Game 7 in Dallas on Saturday.

Blackwood stopped 22 of 26 shots in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Stars in Game 6.

Blackwood gave up all four goals in the second period, but the Avalanche replied with four of their own in the third. This win allowed the series to go the distance, and there's no doubt Blackwood will be in goal for Game 7 on Saturday. He's gone 3-3 with 16 goals allowed over the first six playoff contests.

Ullmark made 19 saves in a 4-2 loss to Toronto in Game 6 on Thursday. He allowed three goals.

He'd like the first one back for sure. Auston Matthews beat a screened Ullmark on a soft wrist shot from above the left circle. The veteran netminder was sharp in some games and outplayed in others. The latter was true Thursday night. Ullmark finished the postseason with a 2-4-0 record with one shutout, 2.84 GAA and .880 save percentage.

Stolarz made 20 saves in a 4-2 win over Ottawa on Thursday in Game 6. The Leafs advance to play the Panthers in Round 2.

Stolarz was beaten on a Brady Tkachuk tip in the second period and an odd David Perron shot from behind the net that banked in off the back of his helmet at the left post when he was out of position at 12:40 of the third period. Stolarz will benefit from the extra rest that comes from a Game 6 win, as he is likely to start against Florida in Round 2. He is 4-2-0 with a 2.21 GAA and .901 save percentage so far this postseason.

Gustavsson (illness) is set to start at home against Vegas for Game 6 on Thursday, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

Gustavsson exited Game 5 due to the illness, but it seems he won't miss a full outing. He's 2-2 with a 2.63 GAA and a .919 save percentage across five starts in the Wild's first-round series. Minnesota needs a win Thursday to advance to Game 7 in Vegas on Saturday. The Golden Knights are likely to put plenty of pressure on Gustavsson in this potentially series-clinching game -- Vegas ranks third in the playoffs with 33.8 shots per game.

Ullmark will guard the home goal in Game 6 versus the Maple Leafs, per TSN 1200 Ottawa reports.

Ullmark earned the first playoff shutout of his career in Game 5, getting the Senators back within one in the series. He has a 2.80 GAA and an .883 save percentage over five playoff outings. Ullmark will look to keep the Senators' season alive in this contest as they try to fend off elimination for a third time.