NHL News

Nathan MacKinnon • C • Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon Chasing History Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has been in dominant form during another postseason campaign and can match a franchise record in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. He is two points away from recording his fifth playoff series with 10-plus points. Joe Sakic is currently the only player in Avalanche/Nordiques history to achieve that feat. MacKinnon has scored once in all four games against Minnesota, adding four assists. Overall, he is tied for fifth in scoring this postseason, with 12 points (six goals, six assists) in nine games. 11 of his points have come in the past five games.

4 hours ago

Ryan Poehling • C • Ducks

Ryan Poehling Won't Be an Option for Game 6

Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Poehling (upper body) won't play in Game 6 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports. The 27-year-old was injured in Game 5 on a big hit by Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb. With four goals, Poehling is tied for second on his team this postseason and has added one assist in 11 outings. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville is considering using an extra defenseman in Thursday's game, which suggests Radko Gudas (lower body) might finally be ready for his series debut. Among forwards, Jansen Harkins and Frank Vatrano are options to fill in for Poehling.

4 hours ago

Sam Malinski • D • Avalanche

Sam Malinski Set to Miss Second Straight Game

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) is not expected to be in the lineup on Wednesday in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild. An upper-body injury kept Malinski out of Monday's Game 4, and he didn't participate in Wednesday's optional morning skate. Fortunately for the Avalanche, their defense got Josh Manson back on Monday night. He skated on the third defensive pairing with Jack Ahcan, who figures to remain in the lineup in Malinski's absence. While Ahcan had a big year offensively in the AHL this season, he stood out defensively in Game 4, recording three blocks and two hits in 7:07 of action.

4 hours ago

Artturi Lehkonen • LW • Avalanche

Artturi Lehkonen Unlikely to Play Wednesday

Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) is unlikely to play in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night. He missed Monday's Game 4 with an upper-body injury and wasn't on the ice on Wednesday for an optional morning skate. While Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Lehkonen could "possibly" play, along with defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body), it appears unlikely he will return. With Lehkonen unavailable on Monday night, Gabriel Landeskog joined the first line. The Avalanche captain has averaged a point per game through eight postseason outings and will be an even bigger offensive threat as the running mate of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas.

5 hours ago

Matthew Schaefer • D • Islanders

Matthew Schaefer Wins Calder Trophy

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was named the 2025-26 Calder Trophy winner as the NHL's best rookie on Wednesday. The 18-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, became the first defenseman in NHL history to be the unanimous Rookie of the Year. Schaefer set many records during his maiden campaign, finishing with 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) in 82 games. He's only the fourth defenseman to lead rookies in goals. Overall, he finished third in scoring among first-year players. Schaefer made a huge impact during his rookie campaign, and it's scary to think about what he will be capable of with more experience.

5 hours ago

Mason McTavish • C • Ducks

Mason McTavish Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night

Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish dished out two assists in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. In the first period, Beckett Sennecke scored a power-play goal, and Olen Zellweger tied the game at two with an even-strength tally late in the third. This was a painful loss for the Ducks, who now face elimination in Game 6, but it was a great night for McTavish personally. He's seen limited ice time in the playoffs and was a healthy scratch for a couple of games earlier in the second-round series. Scoring-wise, McTavish hasn't done a bad job in the postseason, bagging six points (one goal, five assists) in nine appearances.

14 hours ago

Pavel Dorofeyev • LW • Golden Knights

Pavel Dorofeyev Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win

Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev produced two goals in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime victory in Game 5 against the Anaheim Ducks, putting his team one win away from the Western Conference Finals. The Russian forward notched a power-play goal late in the first period and scored at even strength with 4:10 played in overtime. Jack Eichel had assists on both Dorofeyev goals. The Golden Knights can count their lucky stars that Dorofeyev was on the ice for the game-winning goal, as he missed some time in the second period after a puck struck his knee. With seven goals, Dorofeyev is now tied for the most among all skaters in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He's also tallied two assists in 11 games.

14 hours ago

Josh Doan • RW • Sabres

Josh Doan Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory

Buffalo Sabres winger Josh Doan recorded two assists as the team tied the second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens with a 3-2 road win. Doan extended his assist streak to five games when Mattias Samuelsson opened the scoring in the first period and added another in the third on a power-play goal by Zach Benson. Doan is the first Sabres player in 20 years to post a five-game assist streak in the playoffs. Gilbert Perreault holds the franchise record, set in 1981, with a seven-game run. Playoff hockey has suited Doan, as he's been Buffalo's second-highest scorer this postseason, with nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 10 games.

14 hours ago

Evgeni Malkin • C • Penguins

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin is a pending unrestricted free agent, but he could still have a future with the franchise, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. On Tuesday, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he would "love" to have Malkin back for next season. The team has reportedly been in discussions with Malkin and his agent about a new contract. Recently, Malkin hinted he's prepared to continue his NHL career elsewhere if an agreement isn't reached with the Penguins. Malkin, who will turn 40 in July, has played in Pittsburgh since entering the NHL in 2006. With 1,407 points (533 goals, 874 assists) in 1,269 regular-season games, he ranks third on the team's all-time scoring list. In 2025-26, Malkin averaged at least a point per game for the first time in three years, showing he's got plenty of gas left in the tank.

14 hours ago

Sidney Crosby • C • Penguins

Sidney Crosby Joins Team Canada for World Championship

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby will play for Team Canada at the 2026 World Championship. This will be only the fourth time Crosby will participate in the tournament, but he will be part of Canada's squad for a second consecutive year. In 2025, Crosby racked up 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in eight games, but couldn't help his team get past the quarterfinals. The Penguins captain suffered further heartbreak with Canada at this year's Olympic Games. Crosby couldn't finish the tournament due to a lower-body injury, and the Canadians lost the gold medal game to Team USA. Canada added Crosby to the World Championship roster after New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal (undisclosed) dropped out of the squad due to a minor injury.

14 hours ago

Ryan Poehling • C • Ducks

Ryan Poehling Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss

Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Poehling (upper body) didn't finish Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. He left the game in the first period after taking a big hit from Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb. Poehling needed assistance to leave the ice, and McNabb was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for interference. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville didn't have an update on Poehling postgame. Poehling has been quietly effective for the Ducks throughout the campaign. He finished the regular season with a career-high 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) in 75 contests and has added five points (four goals, one assist) in 11 playoff outings. Frank Vatrano and Jansen Harkins are potential options to replace Poehling in the lineup if needed.

14 hours ago

Charlie McAvoy • D • Bruins

Charlie McAvoy Slapped With Six-Game Suspension

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will sit out the first six games of the 2026-27 regular season due to a suspension, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended McAvoy for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson in Game 6 of their first-round playoff matchup on May 1. This marks McAvoy's third career suspension. Last time, he sat out four games for an illegal check to an opponent's head. Boston will feel McAvoy's absence on both ends of the ice. In 2025-26, he had a career-high 61 points (11 goals, 50 assists) in 69 games, along with 129 blocks and 79 hits.

Yesterday

Jonas Brodin • D • Wild

Jonas Brodin Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) hasn't traveled with the team for Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. He will be absent for a sixth consecutive game due to a lower-body injury. If the Wild don't win on Wednesday, Brodin won't get a chance to return this season. Daemon Hunt and Jeff Petry have seen playing time during Brodin's absence, with Hunt appearing in all four games against Colorado. The 23-year-old has been limited to 13:47 of ice time per game, but he contributed an assist in Game 2. He has also recorded two SOG, seven blocks, and five hits.

Yesterday

Joel Eriksson Ek • C • Wild

Joel Eriksson Ek to Remain Out Wednesday

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) won't play in Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. He hasn't traveled to Denver due to a lower-body injury, which has kept him out for the entire series. The Swedish forward has been listed as day-to-day, but his absence from the trip suggests he isn't yet close to returning. Until Eriksson Ek is ready to rejoin the action, Danila Yurov is poised to continue in a second-line role. He has been among Minnesota's most productive players in the second-round series, with one goal and two assists in four contests.

Yesterday

Sam Malinski • D • Avalanche

Sam Malinski Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) is considered day-to-day ahead of Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. The 27-year-old had been ever-present in the Avalanche lineup since opening day until an upper-body injury kept him out on Monday against Minnesota. Over seven postseason appearances, Malinski has averaged two blocks per game and contributed one goal and two assists. Both Jack Ahcan and Nick Blankenburg are candidates to cover for Malinski during his absence.

Yesterday

Artturi Lehkonen • LW • Avalanche

Artturi Lehkonen Considered Day-to-Day

Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) is day-to-day, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. The Finnish forward missed Monday's Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild due to an upper-body injury. Lehkonen is a highly effective player, registering six points (three goals, three assists) and a plus-nine rating in seven playoff games this year. Yet Colorado still comfortably beat Minnesota 5-2 on Monday night. Jared Bednar's team is now up 3-1 in the series and could play it safe by keeping Lehkonen out and not rushing him back for Game 5 on Wednesday. Gabriel Landeskog could remain on the top line if Lehkonen doesn't return.

Yesterday

Charlie Coyle • C • Blue Jackets

Charlie Coyle Lands Six-Year Extension

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle has signed a six-year, $36 million contract extension with the team, skipping unrestricted free agency. Coyle turned 34 in March, but his new deal suggests that Columbus believes he will remain an effective player for several more years. In 2025-26, Coyle had one of the best seasons of his 14-year NHL career, recording 20 goals and 58 points in 82 games. He matched his career high with 38 assists, playing in all situations. Coyle hasn't missed a game in five seasons, which should reassure the team that he can remain impactful in his late 30s.

Yesterday

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen • G • Sabres

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will start Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night. The Sabres started the postseason with Luukkonen as their No. 1, but Alex Lyon has been in the net in each of the last seven games. On Tuesday, Luukkonen will have a chance to re-establish himself as the starter after Lyon allowed nine goals in Games 2 and 3 against Montreal. The Finnish netminder has a 1-1 record this postseason, but he was limited to a .821 save percentage and a 4.19 goals-against average in Round 1 against Boston. Luukkonen has positive memories of facing Montreal in the regular season, finishing a 4-2 victory with 32 saves on Feb. 22.

Yesterday

Drew Helleson • D • Ducks

Drew Helleson Unavailable for Game 5

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson (undisclosed) is not an option on Tuesday for Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports. Helleson entered the lineup at the start of the postseason after the Ducks lost Radko Gudas (lower body), registering one assist, five SOG, and nine hits in eight games. However, he has now joined Gudas in the infirmary due to an undisclosed injury and will miss a second straight game. With the two out, Olen Zellweger is expected to continue on the third defensive pairing with Ian Moore. Zellweger is coming off a good Stanley Cup Playoffs debut, posting an assist in a 4-3 Game 4 win on Sunday.

Yesterday

Radko Gudas • D • Ducks

Radko Gudas Still Out Tuesday

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (lower body) will remain sidelined on Tuesday for Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports. Gudas appears to be progressing and was considered a game-time decision for Game 4, but it remains unclear when he will return. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville has said he expects Gudas to feature in the second-round series. Anaheim's defense has also lost Drew Helleson (undisclosed), giving Olen Zellweger a chance to make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in Game 4. The 22-year-old made a positive impact, finishing with one assist, three blocks, and a plus-two rating in 11:52 of ice time.

Yesterday

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