Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars: Oettinger is 2-0-3 with a 2.31 GAA and a .910 save percentage in six games (five starts) as the backup to Anton Khudobin. The No. 26 selection in the 2017 NHL Draft, Oettinger is a big goalie (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) who covers a lot of the net. He made his NHL debut in relief of Khudobin against the Vegas Golden Knights during Game 2 of the Western Conference Final last season. He became the first goalie in 55 years, and the only one in the expansion era (since 1967-68), to make his NHL debut in the round leading into the Stanley Cup Final (conference final or NHL Semifinal).
"I think I have a good routine with what I do each day, whether it's a practice or a game, and I think all the preparation comes in practice and the work that I've done with (goaltending coach) Jeff Reese," Oettinger said. "I'm just doing my best to stay ready and feel more comfortable every game."
Igor Shesterkin, New York Rangers: Shesterkin is 1-2-0 with a 1.69 GAA and a .946 save percentage in his past three starts, including a .934 save percentage at even strength. The 25-year old, who was a fourth-round pick (No. 118) in the 2014 draft, is 3-4-1 with a 2.16 GAA and a .922 save percentage in nine games (eight starts). He is 13-6-1 with a 2.36 GAA and a .928 save percentage in 21 NHL games (20 starts).
"Personally I have not changed anything, I've been working diligently with my coaches, each and every practice on small details," Shesterkin said. "And we're going to continue working and hopefully having success and moving in the right direction."
Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals:The 25-year-old went 5-0-2 with a 2.78 GAA and a .918 save percentage in seven games in January to win NHL Rookie of the Month. Chosen in the second round (No. 39) of the 2014 draft, Vanecek has made 10 straight starts since Ilya Samsonov was placed on the NHL COVID-19 protocol list Jan. 20. Vanecek is 5-3-2 with a 3.26 GAA and a .901 save percentage in 11 games this season.
"He's been great," Capitals forward Jakub Vrana said. "He's a really talented goaltender, works hard, works hard for every inch out there. He's made some big saves in important moments out there. He's doing really good so far."