NHL Player News

Georgiev will protect the road goal versus the Stars in Wednesday's Game 5, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

Georgiev has lost three straight games, allowing 10 goals on 85 shots in that span. Despite the slump, head coach Jared Bednar is sticking by his No. 1 goalie with the Avalanche's season on the line Wednesday. If Georgiev can pick up a win, the series will shift back to Colorado for Game 6 on Friday.

Rittich signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Kings on Wednesday.

Rittich had a 13-6-3 record, 2.15 GAA and .921 save percentage in 24 regular-season appearances with the Kings in 2023-24. He also stopped 34 of 39 shots (.872 save percentage) across two playoff outings this year. Rittich would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he didn't sign this extension. Cam Talbot, who logged 54 regular-season games with LA, remains set to become a UFA, so it's unclear who Rittich's goaltending partner will be next year. Although the 31-year-old Rittich is coming off a strong campaign, he has spent most of his career as a backup goaltender, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Kings seek to pair him with an established starter.

Oettinger is set to guard the home goal in Wednesday's Game 5 against the Avalanche, Mike Heika of the Stars' official site reports.

Oettinger is aiming for his fourth consecutive victory after stopping 80 of 85 shots (.941 save percentage) across his previous three wins over Colorado. The netminder has a 7-4 record, 2.02 GAA and .923 save percentage in 11 playoff appearances this year. While Oettinger has been great, the Avalanche have a potent offense, so it wouldn't be surprising if they prove to be quite the challenge for the 25-year-old goaltender as Colorado fights to avoid elimination.

Petrovic was called up from AHL Texas on Wednesday.

Petrovic recorded five goals and 22 points in 70 regular-season outings with Texas and contributed a marker in seven AHL playoff contests. The 32-year-old isn't likely to play in Game 5 against Colorado on Wednesday.

Bourque was called up from AHL Texas on Wednesday.

Bourque's promotion comes after AHL Texas was eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs. The 22-year-old center racked up 26 goals and 51 helpers in 71 AHL regular-season contests before adding another 11 points in seven postseason games with Texas. Even if Bourque doesn't see much time in the Stanley Cup playoffs, he should be in the mix for a roster spot heading into the 2024-25 campaign given his offensive upside.

Chytil (illness) is slated to be an option for Thursday's Game 6 against Carolina, per Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today on Wednesday.

Chytil returned from a head injury last Thursday, but after recording a shot in 12:02 of ice time in that contest, the 24-year-old missed the past two outings due to the illness. He's also been dealing with some soreness unrelated to his previous head injury. Chytil might serve in a bottom-six role versus the Hurricanes, but it's also possible he'll be a healthy scratch.

Toews (illness) will be in action versus Dallas for Game 5 on Wednesday, Emily Kaplan of ESPN reports.

Toews' return to the lineup should bolster the Avs' offensive options considering he has generated six points through eight postseason contests. Caleb Jones figures to be dropped from the lineup due to Toews' return. In addition to pairing with Cale Makar, the 30-year-old Toews will probably link up with the No. 2 power-play unit.

Nieto underwent reconstructive MCL surgery on his left knee surgery May 2, the team announced Wednesday. He's expected to require six-to-seven months to recover.

Nieto last played Nov. 30, 2023 and underwent laparoscopic surgery on his right knee back in January. His new timetable suggests that he won't return until November at the earliest. Nieto should be in the mix for a bottom-six role once he's healthy.

Letang had surgery to repair a fractured finger and will need eight weeks to recover, the team announced Wednesday.

Letang's recovery timeline shouldn't impact his availability for the start of training camp in the fall. Despite the injury concern, the veteran blueliner played a full 82-game season this past year for the first time since 2010-11. While the Montreal native still managed to rack up 51 points in 2023-24, his productivity with the man advantage dropped significantly, as he managed just five power-play points compared to 21 the campaign before.

Ludvig underwent wrist surgery April 24, the team announced Wednesday. He's expected to need four-to-six months to recover.

Ludvig had three goals, five points, 47 PIM, 72 hits and 33 blocks in 33 contests with Pittsburgh during the 2023-24 campaign. If he ends up requiring the longer end of that timetable, then Ludvig would miss the start of 2024-25. If healthy, Ludvig might open the season as part of the Penguins' third pairing.