Goaltending volatility driving bubble churn
Key Questions
Which goaltenders are currently on hot streaks?
Juuse Saros (NSH) was flawless in a 5-4 SO8 win, Jake Oettinger (DAL) recorded a shutout, Filip Gustavsson (MIN) helped clinch, and others like Lyon, Luukkonen (BUF), Swayman (BOS .930), Dobes (MTL), Vasy (TBL), Sorokin (NYI), and Greaves (CBJ) are elite.
What goaltending risks are highlighted?
Carolina's Frederik Andersen and Ottawa's Linus Ullmark are out. Dallas faces high-danger save percentage issues amid key matchups.
How is goaltending affecting playoff races?
Goaltending volatility is driving bubble team churn, with heaters like Saros and Oettinger boosting teams in head-to-heads like NSH-LA and BOS-CBJ. Injuries like TBL's Hedman add to the flux.
Heaters persist: Saros NSH 26/28 in SO L to LA, prior Ullmark OTT/Quick NYR/Oettinger DAL; Lyon BUF/TBL@OTT Tue risks amid East WC ties, coaching shifts amplify swings.
Sources (2)
Updated Apr 8, 2026