NHL News
Mattias Ekholm A Game-Time Decision Wednesday
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (undisclosed) has been labeled as a game-time decision for Wednesday's matchup against Minnesota. He was absent from the morning skate and might sit out his first game of the season. Ekholm has gone quiet offensively in recent times, with eight scoreless outings in 10 games, but it's been a good campaign for him overall. The Swedish blue-liner has bagged 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 43 games while recording 98 shots and 62 blocks with a plus-15 rating. Brett Kulak, who has registered 14 points (five goals, nine assists) and 66 blocks in 43 games, is projected to replace Ekholm on the first defensive pairing if he can't play.
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Tristan Jarry Placed On Waivers
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry was placed on waivers Wednesday. The move came after Jarry gave up two third-period goals inside a minute in Tuesday's 4-2 defeat to Seattle, marking another low point in a tough campaign. The 29-year-old has won only eight of 22 appearances, allowing 3.31 goals with a .886 save percentage. Jarry is only in the second season of a five-year, $26.875 million contract. With Jarry now out of the picture, Alex Nedeljkovic, who boasts a 7-7-4 record for the season, will become the Penguins starter. Joel Blomqvist will be called up from the minors to serve as the No. 2 option in the crease.
1 hour ago
Leevi Merilainen Wins Third Straight Contest On Tuesday
Ottawa Senators goaltender Leevi Merilainen won his third-straight contest on Tuesday evening against the New York Islanders. The 22-year-old netminder stopped all 24 shots he faced in Belmont. This was Merilainen's second shutout over this three-game stretch. Overall, he has posted a near-perfect 0.67 GAA and a .975% SV over this span and has taken full control over the Ottawa net. With Linus Ullmark (back) on the injured reserve, Merilainen and Anton Forsberg originally split time in the crease, but given his recent stretch of performances, fantasy managers should expect Merilainen to be deployed as the clear No.1 option. Merilainen should be added in all standard formats while he continues to perform at this level. However, he has a more formidable task ahead of him on Thursday evening against the Washington Capitals.
10 hours ago
David Pastrnak Busy In Tuesday's Victory
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak tallied three points during their victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday evening. Pastrnak tallied a primary assist in the opening frame on Parker Wotherspoon's first goal of the campaign. Later in the second, he tacked on another primary assist, this time on Brad Marchand's goal. Later in the period, Pastrnak would find the back of the net on a snap shot for his 20th goal of the season. This was Pastrnak's second-straight three-point showing and fourth multi-point game over his previous six games. During this stretch, Pastrnak has tallied ten points (seven goals, three assists) and averaged four shots on goal per game. The 28-year-old is beginning to heat up and will look to stay hot on Saturday afternoon against the Ottawa Senators.
10 hours ago
Kyle Connor Scores Natural Hat Trick In Victory
Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor scored a natural hat trick during their victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday evening. Connor scored all three of his goals within the first period, all during 5-on-5 play. Later in the third period, Connor tacked on a secondary assist on the power-play. Connor also logged three blocks in this contest and had a+3 rating. This performance extended his point streak to four games. Over his previous 14 contests, Connor has only been held off the scoresheet twice and has tallied an impressive 23 points (10 goals, 13 helpers). During this stretch he has averaged 3.4 shots on goal per game and tallied 11 of the points on the power-play. Connor remains a must-start player in all formats and a top pick in any matchup in DFS. He will look to stay hot on Thursday evening against the Seattle Kraken.
10 hours ago
Cole Caufield Tallies Pair Of Points On Tuesday
Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield tallied a goal and an assist during their victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday evening. Caufield tallied his first point of the evening in the opening frame with the primary assist on Mike Matheson's goal. Later in the third, Caufield would score the game-winning goal on a tip-in. This was Caufield's third multi-point showing in his past four games. The former first-round pick has only been held off the scoresheet twice over his previous ten contests. During this stretch, he scored seven goals and added five helpers. Overall, Caufield is on pace to smash his career highs, as he is just four goals away from matching his previous high of 28. He remains a must-start player in all formats and a solid pick in DFS competitions.
10 hours ago
Ryan McDonagh Exits Tuesday's Contest Early
According to Gabby Shirley of the Tampa Bay Lightning, defenseman Ryan McDonagh (face) left Tuesday's contest after taking a puck to the face. Before exiting, the defenseman logged just under 15 minutes of ice time and tallied one shot and two blocks. The 35-year-old was riding a three-game point streak entering Tuesday's contest but could not get on the scoresheet before exiting. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status leading up to Thursday's contest against the Anaheim Ducks. If McDonagh were to miss a period, Emil Lilleberg would likely move up to the second pairing. The Lightning would have to promote a defenseman from the AHL to fill a spot in the lineup.
10 hours ago
Thomas Chabot Exits Early On Tuesday
According to the team, Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (head) exited early during Tuesday's contest for precautionary reasons. The 27-year-old was struck by a puck in the face during the opening frame. Before leaving, Chabot logged just four minutes of ice time and tallied one hit and one blocked shot. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Thursday's game against the Washington Capitals. Over his previous four complete games, Chabot has tallied a goal and an assist with ten shots, three hits, and three blocks. If Chabot were to miss time, 23-year-old Maxence Guenette would likely be promoted from the AHL to fill the spot in the lineup.
11 hours ago
Troy Terry Returns To Action Tuesday
Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (personal) will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's visit to Washington. He has missed four games following the birth of his son on Jan. 7. The Ducks will be delighted to have Terry back, as the 27-year-old leads the team in all the major offensive categories. He has produced 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 39 games this season. Terry is expected to skate on a line with Frank Vatrano and Ryan Strome. Tuesday's matchup is a tough one for the Ducks, but Terry enjoyed a hot streak before exiting the lineup, bagging five goals and eight points over a six-game span.
Yesterday
John Marino Set For Utah Debut On Tuesday
Utah Hockey Club defenseman John Marino (back) has been activated from Injured Reserve and appears poised to make his team debut on Tuesday against Montreal. Utah moved Dylan Guenther (lower body) to Injured Reserve in a corresponding move. Marino, an offseason trade acquisition from New Jersey, has yet to play in 2024-25 due to back surgery. He recorded 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 75 games with 57 shots and 89 blocks last season. Utah will initially use him in a third-pairing role, which limits his fantasy value, but Marino should move up in the lineup once he's shaken off some rust.
Yesterday
Jack Eichel Expected To Return To Vegas Lineup Tuesday
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (illness) is expected to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday against Nashville. The American star missed his first game of the season on Sunday versus Minnesota after feeling under the weather. William Karlsson operated as the first-line center in his absence. Eichel is on track for his first 100-point campaign, sporting 11 goals and 43 assists through 42 outings. He has been held off the score sheet just five times since December, and Eichel has kicked off 2025 by notching one goal and five assists in five games.
Yesterday
Charlie McAvoy Lands On Injured Reserve
Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (undisclosed) was placed on Injured Reserve Tuesday, meaning he will miss at least two games. McAvoy's absence will begin with Tuesday's clash against Tampa Bay, and he will also have to sit out Saturday's contest against Ottawa. "Charlie's been dealing with a nagging injury for the last little while here," Bruins head coach Joe Sacco said on Tuesday. "So, he's going to be shut down for the next couple of games and then we'll reevaluate him after the game in Ottawa on Saturday and we'll see where he is next week." Parker Wotherspoon will replace McAvoy in the lineup on Tuesday. Mason Lohrei will take over from McAvoy on the first power-play unit, which gives his fantasy stock a nice little boost.
Yesterday
Chris Kreider Poised To Return Tuesday
New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (upper body) has been activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Tuesday's matchup against Colorado. The veteran forward looks ready to return from a four-game absence. Kreider is projected to skate with Filip Chytil and Arthur Kaliyev on the third line, but he should also see action on the power play. It's been a tricky campaign for Kreider, who has totaled 13 goals and 15 points in 34 appearances. However, he had heated up before getting hurt with a season-best three-game point streak.
Yesterday
Michael Bunting Back For Penguins Tuesday
Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Michael Bunting (undisclosed) will return to action in Tuesday's matchup against Seattle. He dropped out of the lineup for Sunday's contest against Tampa Bay after being involved in a car accident ahead of the game. Bunting will head back to the second line, where he will be joined by Cody Glass and the returning Evgeni Malkin (upper body). Bunting has recently enjoyed a successful spell playing with Malkin. He has averaged a point per game over his last nine appearances, boosting his tally for the season to 13 goals and 25 points. The 29-year-old has produced 12 power-play points across 43 outings and will look to do further damage on Tuesday as a member of the first power-play unit.
Yesterday
Evgeni Malkin On Track To Return Tuesday
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (upper body) has been activated from Injured Reserve ahead of Tuesday's contest against Seattle. Jesse Puljujarvi was reassigned to the AHL in a corresponding move. Malkin is poised to return to the lineup following a four-game absence, taking up his usual spot on the second line. Cody Glass, who has filled in for Malkin on the line, will switch to the right wing. Malkin has posted 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 41 games this season. 11 of the points came in the first five contests, so the Russian star has not been at his best in 2024-25.
Yesterday
Emil Heineman To Miss 3-4 Weeks After Being Hit By Car
Montreal Canadiens left wing Emil Heineman (upper body) will miss 3-4 weeks of action after being involved in a traffic accident. Ahead of Montreal's game against the Utah Hockey Club, Heineman was struck by a car while walking in downtown Salt Lake City on Monday. Heineman, who has tallied 10 goals and 17 points in 41 appearances this season, is set to miss at least 11 games. Michael Pezzetta will likely rejoin the lineup as Heineman's replacement on Tuesday. Pezzetta has averaged only 6:25 of ice time for the season and should remain on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.
Yesterday
Sam Reinhart Nets Two Goals In Loss
Florida Panthers right wing Sam Reinhart scored twice during their loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday evening. Reinhart opened the scoring with a shorthanded tally in the first period. Later in the third, Reinhart would strike again on special teams, this time on the power-play. This was Reinhart's second-straight multi-goal showing and third-straight game, tallying at least one goal. During this span, Reinhart has averaged five shots on goal per game and logged at least one blocked shot per game. Overall, the 29-year-old has tallied 51 points (27 goals, 24 helpers) across 44 games this season. Reinhart will look to extend his goal streak to four games on Tuesday evening against the New Jersey Devils.
Yesterday
Noah Cates Strikes Twice On Monday
Philadelphia Flyers center Noah Cates scored twice in their victory over the Florida Panthers on Monday evening. Cates found the back of the net for the first time on the power-play in the opening minutes of the third period. Then, in the final minutes, Cates would strike again and scored the game-winner on a backhand shot. Cates also tallied only block and a +1 rating in this contest. This two-goal outing snapped a seven-game goal drought for Cates. However, he has remained productive, tallying six points over his previous seven games. Overall, through 40 games this season, the 25-year-old has tallied 19 points (nine goals, ten helpers) and averaged over a hit per game and 0.55 blocked shots per game. Cates remains a solid value play in DFS formats in favorable settings playing on the second line.
Yesterday
Yegor Sharangovich Tallies Goal, Assist On Monday
Calgary Flames left wing Yegor Sharangovich tallied a goal and an assist during Monday's victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Sharangovich did all of his damage in the second period. In the opening minutes of the period, he tallied the primary assist on Jake Bean's goal. Later in the frame, Sharangovich would find the back of the net while shorthanded. This goal snapped a 15-game goal drought, and this was his first multi-point showing since November 21. Over his previous nine contests, Sharangovich has only tallied five points and averaged just over one shot on goal per game. The 26-year-old remains a risky play in the DFS format, given his role on the third line, and should only be viewed as a low-end streaming option in deeper leagues.
Yesterday
Jakob Pelletier Tallies Three Points In Victory
Calgary Flames left wing Jakob Pelletier tallied three points on Monday evening during their victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Pelletier opened the scoring with a snap shot goal in the first period. Later in the opening period, Pelletier would score again, this time on a wrist shot. In the second frame Pelletier would tally his third point of the evening, this time with a secondary assist on Jake Bean's second goal of the season. Pelletier tallied four shots on goal with three hits, one block, and a +3 rating. This was his best outing of the season as Pelletier never tallied multi-points in a single game this season. Overall, Pelletier has tallied eight points (three goals, five helpers) across 16 games. Pelletier will likely continue to have a spot in the Calgary bottom six if he can continue this offensive production.
Yesterday
Mattias Ekholm
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