Hofer will start Friday in Washington. Hofer is expected to make his first NHL start of the 2022-23 season after pitching a 22-14-4 record, .920 SV% and 2.50 GAA with the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL). The 22-year-old has previously played in two NHL games, posting a 1-1-0 record, 3.07 GAA and .880 SV%. He will face the Washington Capitals, who won their last game 5-4 over Buffalo in a shootout and are 18th in the NHL in both shots per game (31.3) and goals per game (3.1).Source: Jim Thomas
Kochetkov will start Friday in Toronto. Kochetkov stopped 20 of 23 shots (.870 SV%) for his second loss in three games as he was beaten by the New Jersey Devils last start. The 23-year-old rookie has been fantastic when called upon, with his 11-5-5 record, 2.25 GAA and .915 SV%. He will face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have lost their last two games and are eighth in the NHL in goals per game (3.39). Source: Mark Masters
Dostal will start Friday vs. the Blue Jackets. Dostal allowed three goals on 34 shots (.912 SV%) for his fourth loss in five games as he was defeated by the Vancouver Canucks in overtime last start. The 22-year-old has struggled with limited help this season, with his 3-5-2 record, 3.90 GAA and .898 SV%.Source: Lisa Dillman