Bobrovsky was fantastic in his previous start, stopping 32 of 33 shots (.970) for his first win in three starts as he beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-1. It has been an down year for the 34-year-old one-time Vezina Trophy winner, with his 13-13-2 record, 3.17 GAA and .900 SV%. He takes on the San Jose Sharks, who have won their last two games but are 19th in the NHL in goals per game (3.08).
Barkov left Monday's game vs. the Lightning and was unable to practice on Tuesday or Wednesday. Head coach Paul Maurice called Barkov a game-time decision. He said he will skate on Thursday morning, and they will reassess from there.
Kahkonen allowed four goals on 41 shots (.902 SV%) for his first win in three games as he beat Pittsburgh in his previous start. The 26-year-old Sharks' backup has been one of the league's worst goaltenders this year, with his 6-9-4 record, 3.89 GAA and .871 SV%. He takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who lost their previous game 7-1 to Florida Monday but are still fifth in the NHL in goals per game (3.57).
Megna was acquired from the Sharks for a fourth-round pick on Sunday and will be paired with Carson Soucy in his Kraken debut against the Islanders. Megna has 25 points (4G / 21A) in 135 career NHL games, including a career-high 12 points (1G / 11A) in 48 games this season.
Barkov left Monday's game after blocking a shot midway through the second period and did not return. Postgame, head coach Paul Maurice said that "everything's fine" and that there's a "good chance" that Barkov will play Thursday vs. the Sharks.
Vanecek stopped 33 of 35 shots (.943 SV%) for his ninth-straight win as he defeated Dallas in his previous start. The 27-year-old has been incredible in his first season in New Jersey, with his 21-5-2 record, 2.29 GAA and .917 SV%. He will face the Vancouver Canucks, who have won two of their last three games and are 11th in the NHL in goals per game (3.31).
Bobrovsky allowed five goals on 37 shots (.865 SV%) in his previous full start as he was defeated by Toronto in that game. The 34-year-old has been fighting game by game to bring his save percentage above .900 but still has a .897 SV%, 3.24 GAA and 12-13-2 record on the season. He takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won their last three games and are fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.63).
Bobrovsky allowed five goals on 37 shots (.865 SV%) in his previous full start as he was defeated by Toronto in that game. The 34-year-old has been fighting game by game to bring his save percentage above .900 but still has a .897 SV%, 3.24 GAA and 12-13-2 record on the season. He takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have won their last three games and are fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.63).
Vanecek stopped 33 of 35 shots (.943 SV%) for his ninth-straight win as he defeated Dallas in his previous start. The 27-year-old has been incredible in his first season in New Jersey, with his 21-5-2 record, 2.29 GAA and .917 SV%. He will face the Vancouver Canucks, who have won two of their last three games and are 11th in the NHL in goals per game (3.31).
Megna was originally a seventh-round pick of the Ducks in 2012 but has been with the Sharks organization since 2021. This season, Megna has scored one goal with 11 assists (12 points) in 48 games. The Kraken have two 2023 fourth-round picks, their own and Colorado's. They must declare which one goes to San Jose by June 15.
Guzda had a 10-4-2 record, .911 SV% and 2.55 GAA through 17 games with Charlotte (AHL) and has been recalled for the first time in his career. He will be backing up Alex Lyon if Spencer Knight is unable to dress.
Bennett missed the Panthers' previous game due to a hand injury but is expected to be back in the Panthers' lineup Friday as they take on Los Angeles. The 26-year-old has 11 goals, 19 assists, 145 SOG, 48 PIMs and a -3 plus/minus through 49 games prior to his injury.
Vanecek stopped 25 of 26 shots (.962 SV%) for his seventh-straight win as he beat Pittsburgh in his previous start. The 27-year-old has been incredibly solid in his first season in New Jersey, with his 19-5-2 record, 2.32 GAA and .916 SV%. He will face the Vegas Golden Knights, who have lost four of their last five games but have the eighth best powerplay in the NHL.
Bennett suffered a lower-body injury in Monday's loss in New York. He returned to the game briefly in the second period before retiring for the night. Head coach Paul Maurice said he won't be available to play for Tuesday's game because the Panthers don't want this to turn into something long-term.
