NHL News
Boone Jenner Scores First Goal Of The Season
Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner found the back of the net for the first time this season on Friday evening against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jenner beat Pittsburgh netminder Alex Nedeljkovic in the opening frame on a tip-in. The 31-year-old has appeared in just 13 contests this season after missing the first half of the campaign due to a shoulder injury he suffered during training camp. During these 13 games, Jenner has tallied a solid 10 points (nine helpers). He has logged 32 shots on goal with 26 hits and 11 blocked shots. Jenner has typically been deployed on the second offensive line and No. 2 power-play unit. Jenner remains a solid option in deeper formats, as he should provide a solid amount of hits and blocks along with his scoring production. He will look to stay productive on Monday against the New York Islanders.
4 hours ago
Elvis Merzlikins Stumbles On Friday
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins allowed five goals on 34 shots during their loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening. The Blue Jackets dominated the shot total in this contest, but Merzlikins was unable to keep them in the game. He allowed three goals during the opening frame and two goals in the second frame. This poor showing extended his losing streak to six contests. During this stretch, Merzlikins held a 0-5-1 record with a hefty 3.55 GAA and a .890 save percentage. Merzlikins allowed at least five goals during three of these games. However, before this skid, Merzlikins held a modest 5-3-1 record with a 2.88 GAA and a .910 save percentage. The 30-year-old will likely get the starting nod in their next game on Monday evening against the New York Islanders.
5 hours ago
Kent Johnson Snaps Skid On Friday
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Kent Johnson found the back of the net during their loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening. Johnson would beat Pittsburgh netminder Alex Nedeljkovic in the third period with a wrist shot. Entering Friday, Johnson was in the midst of a scoring slump as he tallied just two points (one goal) over his last seven contests. However, before this brief slump, the 22-year-old tallied an impressive 19 points (nine goals) over his last 18 contests. During this stretch, he logged 37 shots on goal with a +6 rating. Through 55 games this season, the former fifth-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft has enjoyed a career season, scoring 22 goals with 24 helpers. He will look to kickstart another impressive stretch on Monday evening against the New York Islanders.
5 hours ago
Rickard Rakell Scores Goal No. 32
Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Rickard Rakell scored his 32nd goal of the season during their victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday evening. In the opening frame, Rakell found the back of the net on a wrist shot. He would then tack on the primary assist on Bryan Rust's empty-netter in the final minutes. Rakell is now just eight points away from matching his previous career-high in points (69). This is also his third campaign in which he scored at least 30 goals. Since the start of the month, Rakell has scored seven goals and added five helpers across 10 games. During this stretch, he has logged 19 shots on goal and held a solid +4 rating. Fantasy managers should continue to view Rakell as a high-upside option when looking for goals. He will look to stay busy on the scoresheet on Sunday evening against the Florida Panthers.
5 hours ago
Sidney Crosby Tallies Goal, Assist On Friday
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby tallied two points during their victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday evening. In the opening frame, Crosby tallied the secondary assist on Rickard Rakell's 32nd goal of the season. Later in the second period, Crosby found the back of the net for his 25th goal of the campaign. This outing extended his current point streak to six games. During this stretch, Crosby has found the back of the net six times and added four helpers. Over his previous 14 games, the 37-year-old has tallied 18 points (eight goals), with three of them coming on the power play. Despite Pittsburgh's struggles, Crosby has remained a high-end scoring option in all standard leagues. He will look to stay hot on Sunday evening against the Florida Panthers.
5 hours ago
Alex Nedeljkovic Stops 44 Shots On Friday
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 44 of the 47 shots he saw on Friday evening en route to defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets dominated the shot total, but Nedeljkovic was able to lead the way. He allowed one goal in the opening frame to Boone Jenner. In the second, Columbus forward Justin Danforth found the back of the net on a backhand. Later in the third, Kent Johnson would beat Nedeljkovic on a wrist shot for his 22nd goal of the campaign. This was Nedeljkovic's third outing of the campaign in which he stopped at least 40 shots. Entering Friday, Nedeljkovic carried a poor 0-5 record over his last six outings. During this stretch, he held a 4.43 GAA with an .843 save percentage. Fantasy managers should expect him and Tristan Jarry to continue to share the Pittsburgh crease.
5 hours ago
Stuart Skinner Available On Saturday
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (concussion) is available for Saturday's tilt against the Seattle Kraken. He was pulled by the concussion spotter on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets, but Skinner is considered "fine." Skinner's recent performances have not been up to par, so he may still sit out Saturday's game as Calvin Pickard's backup. Since the beginning of February, Skinner has collected only four victories. He owns a 23-17-4 record for the year, allowing 2.85 goals with a .896 save percentage and two shutouts. Pickard has gone 3-1-1 over his past five appearances.
19 hours ago
Jonas Brodin Could Return To Action Saturday
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) is nearing a return to action and could be an option for Saturday's game against the Buffalo Sabres. "I think it's a strong possibility, not a guarantee," Wild head coach John Hynes said Friday after practice. Brodin took part in the practice session, skating with Jared Spurgeon. Minnesota has been without Brodin for nine games. This isn't an uncommon situation for the team, as Brodin has faced health issues all season, missing time due to three separate injuries. He has picked up 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 38 games while blocking 81 shots from the opposition.
19 hours ago
Marco Rossi Likely To Play Saturday
Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (lower body) is expected to be available on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. In Wednesday's clash against the Seattle Kraken, he logged just 3:00 of ice time before exiting the game after being hit by a puck. Rossi returned to practice on Friday, which strongly suggests he will be in the lineup against Buffalo. The 23-year-old serves as Minnesota's first-line center but has been offensively quiet lately. In nine March appearances, Rossi has recorded only two assists. He has posted a career-high 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) in 69 games during the season.
19 hours ago
Marcus Johansson On Track To Return Saturday
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson (illness) seems set to rejoin the lineup on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. He missed Wednesday's game against the Seattle Kraken due to an illness. The Swedish veteran was back in practice on Friday. Johansson found the back of the net in his last appearance against the Los Angeles Kings and has been productive lately, racking up seven points (two goals, five assists) in nine games. Overall, he has accumulated 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 59 games this season. Minnesota is expected to use Johansson on the second line against Buffalo, with Frederick Gaudreau and Gustav Nyquist skating alongside him.
19 hours ago
Elvis Merzlikins Set To Face Penguins
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will start between the sticks on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will try to end a five-game losing streak. Merzlikins' recent dip in form has left a negative mark on his record, as the Latvian netminder is now 22-18-5 for the season. He has allowed 3.00 goals with a .897 save percentage and one shutout. Recent weeks have been difficult for Merzlikins, but he has had the Penguins' number this season, winning both of his previous two starts against them, with only five goals allowed. Jet Greaves will serve as Merzlikins's backup on Friday, as Daniil Tarasov (illness) did not travel to the game.
20 hours ago
Alex Nedeljkovic Starts For Penguins Friday
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic will be in the crease for Friday's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be his first opportunity to play since suffering a 4-0 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 7. Nedeljkovic has gone winless in each of his last three starts, allowing eight total goals. He holds a 12-14-5 record for the season and has allowed 3.17 goals with a .891 save percentage. It's been a tough campaign for Nedeljkovic, and things could turn out to be complicated again for him on Friday night against a Columbus squad that averages 3.15 goals per game, marking the 11th-highest average in the league.
20 hours ago
Erik Gustafsson Facing Long-Term Absence
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Erik Gustafsson (undisclosed) will face an extended absence, according to the team. Gustafsson was not practicing on Thursday after suffering this injury during Tuesday's contest against the Washington Capitals. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but he currently carries an unknown timetable. The Red Wings also promoted Brogan Rafferty from Grand Rapids to operate as a depth defenseman. Over his previous 12 games, Gustafsson has tallied five points (all helpers) with 14 shots on goal, eight hits, and nine blocked shots. Through 60 games this season, the 33-year-old has found the back of the net twice and added 16 helpers with a -19 rating. While he remains out, fantasy managers should expect either Rafferty or William Lagesson to enter the starting lineup.
23 hours ago
Marcus Foligno Not Playing On Saturday
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (upper body) will remain sidelined on Saturday when the Wild face the Buffalo Sabres. Foligno has missed the previous two contests due to this injury. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their next game on Monday evening against the Dallas Stars. Before his injury, Foligno was riding a 10-game scoreless skid. During this stretch, Foligno logged an impressive 37 hits with nine blocked shots and a -7 rating. Through 67 games this season, Foligno has found the back of the net 11 times and added 11 helpers. While Foligno carries modest scoring upside, he does hold value in leagues that reward hits, as he has tallied 219 (3.3 hits per game). While Foligno remains out, Marcus Johansson (illness) could re-enter the starting lineup.
23 hours ago
Emil Bemstrom Sitting Out On Friday
Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Emil Bemstrom (undisclosed) will remain out of the starting lineup on Friday evening when the Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bemstrom was unable to suit up during their previous contest against the New York Islanders due to this injury. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Joona Koppanen to continue to be deployed as the left wing on the third offensive line. Before his injury, Bemstrom tallied one point (a helper) with nine hits and two blocked shots across his previous eight games. When Benstromg does return to the starting lineup, he will likely continue to have a role in the bottom six and carry minimal fantasy value, given his lack of scoring upside.
23 hours ago
Leon Draisaitl Ruled Out For Saturday
Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (undisclosed) will remain sidelined on Saturday evening when the Oilers face the Seattle Kraken. Draisaitl was unable to suit up in their previous contest on Thursday evening with this same injury. Before Thursday's contest, head coach Kris Knoblauch noted that the team is taking a "cautious" approach. In addition, Connor McDavid (lower body) will also miss Saturday's contest and will leave the Edmonton offense shorthanded. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Draisaitl's status, as the team has yet to provide a definitive timetable. Since the start of the month (nine games), Draisaitl has tallied 13 points with five goals. While Draisaitl and McDavid remain sidelined, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Henrique will operate as the top centers in the offense.
Yesterday
Connor McDavid Undergoing MRI, Not Playing On Saturday
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (lower body) is undergoing an MRI on Friday and will not suit up on Saturday evening when the Oilers face the Seattle Kraken. McDavid sustained this injury during their contest on Thursday evening. Before departing the game, McDavid tallied one helper, which extended his point streak to 13 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be in danger of facing an extended absence. During this 13-game stretch, the 28-year-old has found the back of the net four times and added 15 helpers. In addition, No. 2 center Leon Draisaitl (undisclosed) will also not suit up. As a result, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will likely be deployed as the top center for the time being and play alongside Zach Hyman and Jeff Skinner on the top forward line.
Yesterday
Bo Horvat Strikes Twice In Victory
New York Islanders center Bo Horvat found the back of the net twice and powered the Islanders to their overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday evening. Horvat would score his first goal of the evening in the third period. Then in overtime, Horvat would find the back of the net for the second time to seal the victory. During this contest, Horvat logged an impressive five shots on goal and added three hits with a plus-two rating. Since the start of March (10 games), Horvat has scored four goals and added two helpers. During this stretch, Horvat has averaged 3.5 shots on goal per game with 14 hits and four blocked shots. Through 67 games this season, the 29-year-old has scored 23 goals and added 24 helpers. He will look to stay productive on Saturday afternoon when the Islanders host the Calgary Flames.
Yesterday
John Tavares Tallies Three Points In Victory
Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares tallied three points during their 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday evening. Tavares would open the scoring as he found the back of the net for the 28th time this season on a snapshot. Later in the frame, Tavares would add the secondary assist on Bobby McMann's 19th goal of the campaign. In the second, Tavares would score his second goal of the evening, this time on a slap shot. This performance earned him his 1,100 career point. He is the eighth active player to achieve this feat. Over his previous 10 contests, the 34-year-old has found the back of the net seven times and added four helpers. Through 62 games, Tavares has scored 29 goals and added 31 helpers with a +5 rating. He will look to stay hot on Saturday evening against the Nashville Predators.
Yesterday
Colton Dach Sustains Injury On Thursday
Chicago Blackhawks rookie center Colton Dach (arm) exited Thursday's contest early with an apparent arm injury and is set to undergo further evaluation. He logged just over 11 minutes of ice time against the Los Angeles Kings before exiting. During this time, Dach held a -1 rating and added two hits and two blocked shots. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their next contest against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon. If Dach were to miss this game, Philipp Kurashev and Patrick Maroon could re-enter the starting lineup. Over his last 10 games entering Thursday, Dach tallied three points (two helpers) with 39 hits and 13 penalty minutes. Through his first 21 NHL contests, Dach has tallied an impressive 89 hits and is a viable source for this category in deeper formats.
Yesterday
Boone Jenner
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Blue Jackets
