It's highly unlikely Gustavsson will be ready for the start of the regular season in one week against Buffalo, which is why the Red Wings are preparing to go with Petr Mrazek as Jimmy Howard's backup.
“A minimal of two weeks and then what do we say, day-to-day and then seven-to-10 days before you start talking about playing him,'' coach Mike Babcock said.
This is Gustavsson's first start since March 13th when he was lit up for five goals on 22 shots. He gets the call tonight after Jimmy Howard had a great weekend. Howard went 2-0-0 with a 1.00 GAA and .971 SV% vs. the Ducks on Friday and Sunday. Gustavsson has a good matchup against a Coyotes team who have lost five straight.
Jimmy Howard has the flu and did not practice this morning so Gustavsson will be between the pipes tonight against the Flames. He allowed three goals on 24 shots in his last start vs. the Blue Jackets. Gustavsson has a good matchup vs. the Flames so he could make for a good spot start.
Gustavsson will give Jimmy Howard the night off after three great games in a row from Howard. Gustavsson played very well in his last outing stopping 25 of 26 (.962 SV%) shots that he faced in a 2-1 win over San Jose. He has a great matchup tomorrow against Columbus.
Gustavsson was supposed to make a start last week but was forced to miss it because he tweaked his groin earlier in the day. He is set to make another start tonight when the Red Wings face San Jose. Gustavsson could be worth a spot start tonight but it is tough to put faith in a goalie who has barely played this season.
“They think it's just a slight aggravation,'' Holland said of Gustavsson. “If things change, we can fly somebody out tomorrow.''
Gustavsson has yet to make a start in the NHL this season because he got hurt filling in for Jimmy Howard in the Red Wings first game this season. Howard is a workhorse so Gustavsson likely won't be fantasy relevant but could be worth the occasional spot start.
Howard will start the next 2 games at least for the Red Wings. Thomas McCollum will serve as backup.
The Monster is an upgrade over Conklin but isn't recommended in standard fantasy formats unless Howard goes down with an injury.
Gustavsson could be an option to play before the end of the season.
Gustavsson is not available to play tonight but practicing is a good sign. The Leafs expect him to start again this season.
Gustavsson practicing indicates he isn't hurt too badly. He should be an option to play on Saturday.
Gustavsson is apparently lying on the ice face-first and barely moving. Not a good sign for Leafs' starting goalie.
In three career starts against the Flyers, Gustavsson has a 0-2-1 record with a 3.27 GAA, .888 SV% and one shutout.
In four career starts against the Canes, Gustavsson has a 1-2-1 record with a 3.46 GAA and .888 SV%.
In three starts against the Rangers this season, Gustavsson has a 2-1-0 record with a 2.34 GAA and .924 SV%.
In three starts against the Rangers this season, Gustavsson has a 2-1-0 record with a 2.34 GAA and .924 SV%.
In three starts against the Rangers this season, Gustavsson has a 2-1-0 record with a 2.34 GAA and .924 SV%.
In four career appearances against the Caps, Gustavsson has a 2-1-1 record with a 3.16 GAA and .905 SV%.