Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Carter Hart has been confirmed as the starting goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights in their upcoming Game 6 matchup against the Anaheim Ducks this Thursday. This update, reported by Derek Lee of The Hockey News, places Hart in the crease as the Golden Knights look to secure a result on the road. Hart's performance will be a focal point as the series continues.
Lukas Dostal is slated to start in goal for the Anaheim Ducks during Thursday's Game 6 contest against the Vegas Golden Knights. The assignment was confirmed by Derek Lee of The Hockey News. Dostal will be tasked with defending the home ice as the Ducks look to manage the Golden Knights' offensive pressure in this critical game.
Alex Newhook has emerged as a focal point for the Montreal Canadiens heading into Game 5 against the Buffalo Sabres. Having caught fire offensively in recent matchups, Newhook is being highlighted as a primary player to watch for betting props and performance impact. His current form makes him a critical asset for the Canadiens as they look to capitalize on his momentum in this pivotal playoff contest.
Connor McDavid is set to play for his sixth head coach since entering the NHL in 2015 following the Edmonton Oilers' decision to fire Kris Knoblauch. The dismissal occurred Thursday after a first-round playoff exit, despite Knoblauch previously guiding the team to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances. McDavid, the team's captain, has seen the Oilers make the playoffs three times since Knoblauch took over as a midseason replacement in November 2023.
Mark Stone remains sidelined for Game 6 of the NHL playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. The Vegas Golden Knights forward continues to deal with a lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup. This update, reported by Jesse Granger of The Athletic, confirms Stone will not participate in the upcoming contest. Further analysis regarding his status and recovery timeline can be found via RotoWire.
Brett Kulak played a pivotal role in the Colorado Avalanche's postseason success, scoring the decisive goal in a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 5. This overtime tally helped the Avalanche erase a three-goal deficit and secure their spot in the Western Conference final for the eighth time since relocating to Denver. Kulak, who had not scored since January, was instrumental in advancing the team to the third round of the playoffs.
Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks is featured in the prop betting analysis for Game 6 of the NHL playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights on May 14. As the Ducks face a pivotal game, Gauthier's role and potential impact on the ice are being scrutinized by observers. The analysis highlights his inclusion in the betting action for the contest, reflecting his importance to the Anaheim roster as they compete in this playoff series.
Jack Eichel is highlighted as a key player in the betting markets for Game 6 of the NHL playoffs between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks. As the series reaches this critical juncture on May 14, Eichel's performance remains a focal point for analysts and bettors alike. The matchup against Anaheim continues to draw significant attention, with Eichel expected to play a central role in the Golden Knights' offensive strategy for the game.
The New Jersey Devils are currently evaluating the future of restricted free agent Xavier Parent. As a regular for the Utica Comets, Parent's development and potential role within the organization are under review as the team assesses its roster options for the upcoming season.
The New Jersey Devils are currently evaluating the future of restricted free agent Topias Vilen. As a regular for the Utica Comets, Vilen's development and potential role within the organization are under review as the team assesses its roster options for the upcoming season.
San Jose Sharks prospect Macklin Celebrini is heading to the IIHF World Championship to compete for Team Canada. His participation in the international tournament highlights the busy summer schedule for the Sharks' young stars, while his teammate Will Smith engages in other off-ice activities.
San Jose Sharks forward Will Smith is set to participate in the third annual 'Stanley Pup' event. While his teammate Macklin Celebrini represents Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship, Smith is taking part in this unconventional summer activity as the Sharks' young core remains active during the offseason.
Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers are seeking a new head coach after firing Kris Knoblauch on Thursday. The move follows a first-round playoff exit, which came after Knoblauch led the team to two straight Stanley Cup Final trips. Draisaitl, a fellow MVP skating alongside Connor McDavid, will now work under his sixth coach since 2015. Knoblauch had coached the team to three playoff appearances since replacing Jay Woodcroft during the 2023-24 season.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ben Kindel finished ninth in the voting for the Calder Trophy. Kindel's recognition follows an impressive age-18 season that exceeded expectations; he was not originally projected to reach the NHL level until his standout performance during training camp forced his way into the roster. His inclusion in the Calder voting highlights his rapid development and significant impact during his draft+1 campaign.
Former Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild have been officially eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team's postseason run concluded following a series loss to the Colorado Avalanche, ending their pursuit of the Western Conference Final. Hughes, who transitioned to the Wild, will not advance further in this year's tournament as the Avalanche move on to the next round of the playoffs.
Nick Foligno played a pivotal role in Minnesota's explosive start to Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche, scoring two goals in the first period to help the Wild establish a 3-0 lead. Despite his offensive production, which included three shots and three hits, the Wild ultimately fell 4-3 in overtime. Foligno's efforts were not enough to prevent the team's elimination from the playoffs as the Avalanche completed a comeback to win the series.
Nathan MacKinnon was instrumental in the Colorado Avalanche's 4-3 overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild in Game 5. MacKinnon scored a goal on nine shots, helping to erase a three-goal deficit late in regulation to force the overtime period. His offensive pressure was a key factor in the team's rally, which ultimately led to the Avalanche securing their spot in the Western Conference Final.
Brett Kulak played the hero for the Colorado Avalanche, scoring the decisive goal 3:52 into overtime to complete a stunning 4-3 comeback victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 5. After trailing 3-0, the Avalanche rallied to secure their spot in the Western Conference final. Kulak's clutch performance, assisted by Martin Nečas, capped a wild game that saw Colorado overcome a significant deficit to keep their postseason run alive and eliminate the Wild.
Marcus Johansson provided an immediate spark for the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche, scoring just 34 seconds into the contest. His goal set the tone for a dominant first period where Minnesota built a 3-0 lead against starter Mackenzie Blackwood. Johansson's early contribution was instrumental in the Wild's effort to overcome the Avalanche in this critical postseason matchup.
Scott Wedgewood entered Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild to start the second period, replacing Mackenzie Blackwood after the starter allowed three goals in the opening frame. Wedgewood, who has been a strong presence for the Avalanche with six wins in seven Stanley Cup playoff starts, was called upon to stabilize the crease as Colorado trailed 3-0. He remains a key component of the team's goaltending depth during this high-stakes second-round series.
