Leivo, 21, had a nice preseason and will likely be back with the Leafs at some point this season, but for now he heads back to the AHL where he had 23 goals and 19 assists (42 points) in 59 games last season.
Smith had a rough year in 2013-14, but should be in line for a bounce-back season. He is a good goalie on a defence-first team, which makes him a reliable fantasy option. The 2.64 GAA he posted last season, was the worst GAA he has posted in his three years in Arizona, so expect that number to creep closer to 2.40 in 2014-15. He starts the season with a nice matchup vs. Winnipeg.
Howard had an excellent preseason posting a 1.90 GAA and .943 SV% in three outings. He has said that he is feeling as good as he ever has to start a season and that is great news for the Red Wings, who will need Howie to bounce-back from a disappointing 2013-14. The Red Wings are a young team, but Mike Babcock has them playing a puck possession style that limits chances at the Red Wings' net--thus helping Howard.
Bouwmeester was "fixing leaks" this morning and will play tonight. Alright, no idea what that means, but Bouwmeester will play on the Blues second pair with Kevin Shattenkirk. He had 37 points (4G / 33A) and a plus-26 rating in 82 games last season. He has played in 717 consecutive games (longest active streak) so it is not really surprising that he will suit up tonight.
Ward finished the preseason with a 1-1 record while posting a 2.80 GAA and .887 SV% in 50 minutes of playing time. He is coming off of an injury plagued season where he posted a 3.06 GAA, which was his worst since his rookie season. On Friday, he will get the call against an improved Islanders team.
Panik, 23, was the Lightning's second round pick (53rd overall) in 2009. He has a lot of skill and upside, but could't find his way in Tampa, posting just eight goals and 14 assists (22 points) in 75 career games. A year ago I don't think the Maple Leafs make this claim, but with a new direction and focus on scoring goals and puck possession, Panik seems to fit their future plans.
Head coach Bruce Boudreau declined to name his starting goalie tonight, but Gibson was the first goalie off of the ice so it looks like he will get the start in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He is the NHL's top goalie prospects and is coming off of a strong end of regular season and playoffs with the Ducks last season. He will share the crease with Frederik Andersen this season, but it looks like he will get the first start.
It is up to the coaching staff whether Fowler will play, but if he does it will be on the Ducks second pair with his usual partner Ben Lovejoy. He is coming off of a strong season, having posted six goals and 30 assists (36 points) in 70 games. He has 40 points in his rookie season and on a high-octane Ducks' offence he could get back there this season.
Fowler skated hard on Wednesday and is on the ice this morning in his regular spot with Ben Lovejoy. This is a good sign for Fowler's availability tonight, but we will get an official update following the gameday skate.
There is no word as to why Bouwmeester is absent from the morning skate, but for now Barrett Jackman is skating in his spot with Kevin Shattenkirk. We will get an update on Bouwmeester's status following the morning skate.
Lehtonen struggled in the lockout shortened season, but bounced back to the tune of 33 wins, 2.41 GAA and .919 SV% last year. He has a more powerful offence in front of him this season, so expect more goal support and more wins, with similar numbers to the ones he posted last season. However, he draws a rough opening matchup against the Blackhawks.
Luongo went 6-7-1 with a 2.46 GAA and .924 SV% in 14 starts after being traded to the Panthers last season. With a full training camp in Florida under his belt expect him to be more comfortable than he was coming over half way through the season. In 2014-15 he should start 60 games for the first time since 2010-11, making him a high-end number-2 option.
Caron, 23, will be eligible to play in the Bruins game tonight vs. the Red Wings. He had one goal and two assists (three points) in 35 games with the B's last season. There is a solid chance that he replaces enforcer Bobby Robins, because the Red Wings don't carry an enforcer of their own.
Green was skating on the fourth pair this morning so this comes as no surprise. "He is close," said head coach Barry Trotz, who added Green will definitely be back for the homestand next week and may even play on Saturday.
In the last four seasons Fleury has won 36, 42, 23 (lockout year) and 39 games while posting a GAA below 2.40 with a SV% above .912 with 12 shutouts.Playing for the high-powered Penguins should provide him with a ton of goal support and lead to close to 40 wins. He draws a tough matchup to start the season against the Ducks.
Mason allowed two goals on 33 shots (.939 SV%) in a 2-1 loss to the Bruins in last night's season opener. It was a nice start to the season for Mason, who is trying to find some consistency from season-to-season. He will try and play well again tonight, but get the Flyers into the win column this time around.
Enroth has been waiting for his chance to be a starting goalie in the NHL and with Ryan Miller now in Vancouver, he may finally get his chance. He will need to outplay Michal Neuvirth to lock down the number-1 gig, but in order to do that he will need to improve on his 2.82 GAA and .911 SV% from a season ago.
Both Mason and Ray Emery shared the starter's net this morning, but Mason was the first one off, which suggests he will get his second start in as many nights. Mason allowed two goals on 33 shots (.939 SV%) in a 2-1 loss to the Bruins in last night's season opener.
Bishop had a sensational season in 2013-14. He won 37 games with a 2.23 GAA, .924 SV% and five shutouts. He was injured prior to the playoffs and underwent wrist surgery in April, but is at 100% to start 2014-15 and should be in for another excellent season. The Lightning have a ton of firepower, so the 6-foot-7 netminder should have plenty of goal support.
