NHL Hockey Player News

Jokiharju missed Wednesday’s practice because of the flu, but traveled to Minnesota and is expected to play tonight. Jokiharju has five assists in his first three games of the season and was bumped to the top power-play unit recently—adding to his growing fantasy value.

Howard allowed two goals on 27 shots in the Red Wings 3-2 shootout loss in Anaheim on Monday. Howard has played well so far this season, stopping 61 of 66 shots (.924 SV%), but has a terrible matchup tonight with the high-powered Maple Leafs in town. Toronto is averaging 5.00 goals per game and their power-play is clicking at 50 percent.

Price allowed one goal on 22 shots in the Canadiens surprising win over the Penguins last Saturday. Price has enjoyed a strong start to the season, stopping 44 of the 48 shots (.917 SV%) that he has faced. He makes for a solid option tonight vs. a Kings team averaging just 2.33 goals per game.

Lundqvist allowed two goals on 28 shots in the Rangers loss in Buffalo last Saturday. Alexandar Georgiev started on Sunday, so Lundqvist will be back in the crease tonight vs. the Sharks. San Jose was slow out of the gates, but racked up eight goals on Brian Elliott in their last outing.

Talbot allowed four goals on 26 shots in the Oilers loss in New Jersey last Saturday. It was a rough start to the year for Talbot and the Oilers, but they will look to improve tonight in Boston. The Bruins are one of the toughest opponents in the NHL, making Talbot a risky starting option on a busy night in the NHL.

Kinkaid allowed two goals on 19 shots in the Devils win over the Oilers in Sweden last Saturday. After nearly one week off, Kinkaid will be back between the pipes tonight vs. the Capitals. Washington is on the tail-end of a back-to-back, but lead the NHL with 6.00 goals for per game in their first three contests.

Ward allowed seven goals on 34 shots in the Blackhawks loss to the Maple Leafs on Sunday. Ward was lit up by Toronto and has now given up 14 goals on 89 shots (.843 SV%) in his first three starts with the Blackhawks. The veteran has not looked good with Chicago and should be left on the waiver wire for now.

Hellebuyck allowed one goal on just 17 shots in the Jets win over the Kings on Tuesday. Hellebuyck mixed a bad start in on Saturday, but is 2-1-0 with a 2.34 GAA and .926 SV% to start the season. Hellebuyck was 2-2-0 with a 3.91 GAA and .882 SV% against the Predators last season, so be wary tonight.

Smith stopped all 43 shots that he faced in the Flames shutout win in Nashville on Tuesday. Smith has had an inconsistent start to the season, allowing a combined eight goals on 85 shots (.906 SV%) in his first three games of the year. He’s a risky option in St. Louis. The Blues are deep and talented, but have struggled defensively to start the season.

Varlamov allowed two goals on 37 shots in Colorado’s win over the Flyers on Saturday. Varlamov has won his first two starts, stopping 55 of 58 shots (.948 SV%) against the Wild and Flyers. He draws a healthy matchup tonight in Buffalo—the Sabres are averaging just 2.33 goals for through three games so far.

Rinne allowed three goals on 27 shots in the Predators loss to the Flames on Tuesday. Rinne has started the season at 1-1-0 with a 2.50 GAA and .921 SV% in his first two starts. Things don’t get any easier tonight with the Jets in town—however Rinne was 3-1-0 with a 3.52 GAA and .901 SV% against Winnipeg last season.

Larsson missed the first three games of the season but will replace Remi Elie on the third line tonight. The 26-year-old had just 17 points (4G / 13A) in 80 games last season.

Johnson missed the Lightning’s season opener on Saturday but will play tonight vs. the Canucks. Johnson will play on the second line with Brayden Point and Yanni Gourde.