Gustavsson draws the tough matchup of the defending Stanley Cup Champions at home Monday. Minnesota turns to their backup netminder as they continue to look for their first win of the 2022-23 season. Gustavsson will draw his first start of the season after allowing three goals on 20 shots in a relief appearance Saturday in the Wild's 7-6 loss to LA.
Cal Petersen will get his first start of the season for the 0-2-0 Los Angeles Kings Saturday as they take on Minnesota on the road in a battle for first wins for both teams. Petersen enters his fifth season with Los Angeles, posting a 39-39-8 record alongside his 2.83 GAA and 9.08 SV%.
Peterson will be looking to get the Kings' in the win column for the first time in 2022-23 (0-2-0) as he takes the crease for the first time this season. The 27-year-old struggled in 2021-22, posting a career-worst .895 SV% and 2.89 GAA across 35 games started. He will be looking to bounce back this season and be closer to the .908 SV% he's enjoyed throughout his career.
Hughes missed several practices with a non-COVID illness but was back on the ice for Tuesday's session. While he's expected to play in the season opener, monitor Hughes' status during the morning skate.
Kiersted was not on the ice for Monday's practice, leaving the Panthers with just five defensemen in practice. Expect Kiersted to skate next to Radko Gudas, if he plays vs. the Islanders. Kiersted has one goal and one assist in 17 career NHL games.
Sturm missed the Sharks' final preseason game with an undisclosed injury but is a "full go" for the first game of the season, according to head coach David Quinn. Sturm, who had nine goals and 11 assists (20 points) in 74 games last season, will make his Sharks debut on the fourth line with Jonah Gadjovich and Steven Lorentz on his wings.
Katchouk suffered the injury in Saturday's preseason game vs. the Red Wings and is expected to be sidelined until early-to-mid November. Katchouk was expected to fill a bottom-6 spot to open the season but expect Jujhar Khaira to fill that role now.
Brink underwent hip surgery in July after being injured in off-season workouts. Brink turned pro following his Junior season, where he had 57 points (14G / 43A) in 41 games with the University of Denver. Brink had four assists in 10 games with the Flyers.
Johansson broke into the NHL with the Capitals in 2011 and played with them until 2017. He returned to the team at the trade deadline last season, posting six points (3G / 3A) in 18 games. The 31-year-old will likely serve as a third-liner for them in 2022-23 but he's capable of playing in the top-6 if needed.
