Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen struggled in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens, but the team will keep faith in him. "This game wasn't on him at all," Hurricanes head coach Brind'Amour said. "Freddie is pretty calm. One of his strengths is that he's able to just move on." Before Thursday's Game 1, Andersen was 8-0 this postseason, with a 1.12 goals-against average, a .950 save percentage, and two shutouts. He was beaten four times in the first period and finished with a .762 save percentage in a 6-2 loss. The Canadiens made Andersen look human again, but the veteran netminder rarely loses back-to-back games -- it's happened just twice in 2026.

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi has many admirers among rival teams, including the Ottawa Senators, ESPN's Kevin Weekes reports. Goaltending was a problem for Ottawa this season, as the team ranked 31st in the league with a .882 save percentage. Former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark missed 35 games for mental health reasons and lacked a serviceable backup. The highly rated Levi could address that issue. He might also be looking for a change of scenery after seeing action in only nine NHL games this season. Levi made his debut in the league a couple of campaigns ago and carries a 17-17-2 career record. He has registered a 3.29 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage. Levi has one season remaining on a two-year, $1.63 million contract.

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood will remain in the crease for Friday night's action against the Vegas Golden Knights, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. Colorado has used both goalies in recent games, and there were questions about Wedgewood after he posted a .899 save percentage in a 4-2 Game 1 loss to Vegas. However, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has decided to stick with Wedgewood for now. The 33-year-old has made nine postseason outings, going 7-2. He has a 2.32 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. Throughout the season, Wedgewood has responded well to setbacks, losing consecutive starts only four times. Another strong bounce-back performance from him on Friday would be critical for Colorado.

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (lower body) will remain sidelined on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports. Stone skated on Friday morning, but his absence will stretch to five games. As a result, Brandon Saad is poised to remain in the lineup and will have a chance to record a point in a second consecutive game after contributing an assist in Wednesday's 4-2 win in Game 1 against Colorado. Meanwhile, Brett Howden will continue in a second-line role, aiming to set a new franchise record with a seven-game postseason road point streak.