Johansson only played 11:09 time-on-ice in Thursday's 5-2 win, giving Minnesota a 2-1 series lead, and is uncertain for Game 4. The 34-year-old Johansson has one point (0G / 1A) through three playoff games.
Mercer is an undrafted goalie out that has spent the previous five seasons playing for the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL. The 21-year-old had an excellent 2024-25 season, posting a 2.53 GAA and .925 SV% in 46 games (27-15-4) with Drummondville.
Minnesota enters Game 3 with their first-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights tied 1-1, courtesy of an excellent performance from Gustavsson in Game 2, saving 30 of 32 shots (.938 SV%) in the 5-2 victory. The 26-year-old Gustavsson will return to the crease in Game 3, looking to build on his 2.38 GAA and .919 SV% through seven career playoff games (3-4-0). Minnesota enters Game 3 on Thursday as +140 home underdogs against Vegas.
Down 0-1 in their first-round matchup against the Golden Knights, the Wild will roll with Gustavsson between the pipes for Game 2, looking to even the series. The 26-year-old Gustavsson was beaten three times in Game 1, allowing three goals on 26 shots (.885 SV%) in a 4-2 loss. The Swedish netminder had a solid 2024-25 campaign, posting a 2.56 GAA and .914 SV% in 58 appearances (31-19-6) and has been serviceable in limited playoff action, posting a 2.45 GAA and .915 SV% in six career outings (2-4-0). Still, Minnesota enters Game 2 as a sizeable +192 road underdogs against Vegas.
Down 0-1 in their first-round matchup against the Golden Knights, the Wild will likely roll with Gustavsson between the pipes for Game 2, looking to even the series. The 26-year-old Gustavsson was beaten three times in Game 1, allowing three goals on 26 shots (.885 SV%) in a 4-2 loss. The Swedish netminder had a solid 2024-25 campaign, posting a 2.56 GAA and .914 SV% in 58 appearances (31-19-6) and has been serviceable in limited playoff action, posting a 2.45 GAA and .915 SV% in six career outings (2-4-0). Still, Minnesota enters Game 2 as a sizeable +192 road underdogs against Vegas.
The Florida Panthers have completed the 2024-25 season and, no longer in need of reserves, have assigned Jesse Puljujarvi, Rasmus Asplund, and Matt Kiersted to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Kiersted has 27 points (1G / 27A) in 63 games with Charlotte this season.
Minnesota can clinch a playoff spot by recording a single point against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Gustavsson will be tending the twine, looking to build on his 2.57 GAA and .914 SV% through 57 games this season (31-19-6). After a stellar March performance, the 26-year-old Gustavsson has struggled in April, posting a 3.33 GAA and .881 SV% in five games (2-2-1). Still, Minnesota enters Tuesday's contest as sizeable -251 home favorites against an Anaheim team outscored 10-3 during a two-game losing skid (0-2-0).
Buium was Minnesota's 12th-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old defenseman just completed his second season with the University of Denver, scoring 48 points (13G / 35A) in 41 games.
Middleton has not played since April 4th but he will draw back into Minnesota's lineup on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 29-year-old Middleton is averaging 21:56 time-on-ice and 20 points (8G / 12A) in 66 games this season.
Spurgeon did not play Minnesota's previous game but he will re-enter the lineup on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 35-year-old Spurgeon is averaging 20:26 time-on-ice and has 32 points (7G / 25A) in 65 games this season.
Middleton will be held out for a third consecutive game on Friday in Calgary. Middleton has been great in banger leagues this season, posting 20 points (8G / 12A) to go along with 1.4 SOG, 1.5 hits and 2.4 BS per game.
Middleton missed the last two games with an upper-body injury, but could draw back into the lineup on Friday in Calgary. Middleton has been great in banger leagues this season, posting 20 points (8G / 12A) to go along with 1.4 SOG, 1.5 hits and 2.4 BS per game.
Minnesota will turn to Gustavsson in the crease on Friday as they can virtually cement a berth in the playoffs with a win over the Calgary Flames. Gustavsson was solid in his most recent outing, saving 23 of 25 shots (.920 SV%) in a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. The 26-year-old netminder has a solid 2.54 GAA and .915 SV% in 55 appearances this season (30-18-6). Minnesota enters Friday's contest as -116 road favorites against a Calgary team with points in four straight (2-0-2).
