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NHL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Sunday, April 19

Matt Boldy Strikes Twice and Adds Assist in Game 1 Win Over Dallas

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Boldy delivered a standout performance in the Minnesota Wild's 6-1 blowout win over the Dallas Stars to open their first-round playoff series. The young forward found the back of the net twice at even strength and added a power-play assist to finish with three points on the night. His offensive outburst provided significant depth scoring for the Wild, helping them secure a 1-0 series lead and putting the Stars' defense on notice ahead of the next matchup in the series.

Joel Eriksson Ek Records Three Points in Game 1 Victory

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Joel Eriksson Ek delivered a standout performance in the Minnesota Wild's 6-1 Game 1 victory over the Dallas Stars. The center recorded three points, including two power-play goals and one even-strength assist. This offensive outburst highlights his critical role in the Wild's top-six rotation as they open their first-round playoff series. Eriksson Ek remains a key focal point for Minnesota's special teams and overall scoring depth moving forward in the postseason.

Kris Letang Struggles in Penguins' 3-2 Game 1 Playoff Loss

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Kris Letang and his defensive partner Sam Girard faced significant challenges during the Penguins' 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1 of their 2026 playoff series. The defensive pair struggled to maintain cohesion throughout the contest, contributing to a disjointed performance that saw the team trail for the majority of the first 55 minutes. Letang will look to rebound as the Penguins attempt to adjust their defensive strategy for the remainder of the series.

Varlamov Dominates Rehab Stint; Nears Return Following Knee Surgeries

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Semyon Varlamov is nearing a return to the New York Islanders lineup after a successful rehabilitation assignment with the Bridgeport Islanders. Following multiple knee surgeries, the veteran goaltender looked sharp in two AHL starts, securing two wins and demonstrating readiness for NHL action. Varlamov's dominant performance in the minors marks a significant milestone in his recovery process as he aims to rejoin the Islanders for the final stretch of the season.

Anthony Mantha Emerges as Key Trade Target for NHL Scouts

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Anthony Mantha is drawing significant attention from NHL scouts during the opening round of the playoffs. Following a career-best campaign where he tallied 33 goals and 64 points, Mantha has become one of the most closely watched players in the league. As the Pittsburgh Penguins continue their postseason run, rival teams are monitoring his performance closely, signaling potential high interest in his services as he approaches the next phase of his career.

Saturday, April 18

David Pastrnak Featured in NHL Player Prop Analysis

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David Pastrnak is highlighted as a primary focus in the latest NHL player prop and betting analysis for the upcoming Sunday slate. The breakdown evaluates his potential impact and performance expectations heading into the day's action.

Nathan MacKinnon Cleared for Game 1 Return Against Kings

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Nathan MacKinnon is officially cleared to return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup for Sunday's Game 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. After being sidelined with an undisclosed issue, the 2026 Conn Smythe Trophy favorite is set to lead the offense alongside Artturi Lehkonen. Additionally, MacKinnon has been identified as a key player to watch in betting markets for the upcoming slate of games.

Rookie Nets Late Game-Winner to Secure Flyers' Game 1 Victory

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Porter Martone lived up to his billing as a playoff difference-maker, scoring the decisive goal in the Philadelphia Flyers' 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 19-year-old rookie forward beat Stuart Skinner with a wrist shot with just 2:37 remaining in regulation to provide the necessary insurance at PPG Paints Arena. Martone’s performance validated pre-series expectations, helping the Flyers pull off a stunner in their return to the postseason competition.

Penguins Fall 3-2 to Flyers in Series Opener at PPG Paints Arena

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Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins dropped a 3-2 decision to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on Saturday night. Despite the home-ice advantage at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins were unable to hold off a third-period surge from their rivals. The loss puts Crosby's squad in an early 1-0 series deficit as they prepare for Game 2. The game was marked by a late insurance goal from rookie Porter Martone that sealed the result.

Scores Spectacular Go-Ahead Goal in Flyers' Game 1 Win Over Penguins

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Travis Sanheim played a pivotal role in the Philadelphia Flyers' 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opening game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. Sanheim scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period by splitting a pair of Penguins defenders at the top of the zone and gliding down the slot to fire the puck past Stuart Skinner. His highlight-reel effort helped announce the Flyers' return to the playoffs with a stunning road win.

Takes Tough Loss in Game 1 After Allowing Late Third-Period Goals

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Stuart Skinner patrolled the home crease for the Pittsburgh Penguins in their Game 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers but ultimately suffered a 3-2 defeat. After being confirmed as the starter by Michelle Crechiolo, Skinner surrendered a go-ahead goal to Travis Sanheim midway through the third period and a late insurance wrist shot to Porter Martone with just 2:37 remaining. Despite the loss, Skinner remains the primary option in net as the Penguins look to even the series.

Targeted by Late Hit in Penguins' Game 1 Loss to Flyers

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Elmer Soderblom was involved in a physical sequence during the first period of the Pittsburgh Penguins' 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Soderblom was hit by Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen well after the whistle had blown, resulting in a penalty for Philadelphia. The young forward continues to be a factor in the Penguins' lineup as they navigate a physical series against their cross-state rivals. The Penguins now trail the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series 1-0.

Scratched from Game 1 Lineup as Penguins Get Healthy

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Justin Brazeau was the odd man out for the Pittsburgh Penguins in their playoff opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. Brazeau was forced out of the lineup to accommodate the returns of Connor Dewar and Blake Lizotte from injury. The Penguins opted for the veteran reinforcements in a game they eventually lost 3-2. Brazeau will remain a depth option for the Penguins as they look to make adjustments heading into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Takes Early Penalty in Flyers' Game 1 Victory Over Penguins

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Rasmus Ristolainen made an early impact in the Philadelphia Flyers' 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, though not entirely positive. Ristolainen was sent to the penalty box in the first period after hitting Elmer Soderblom well after a whistle had stopped play. Despite the early mistake, the Flyers managed to overcome the Penguins in a tightly contested matchup. Ristolainen's physical presence remains a key factor for the Flyers' defense as they lead the series 1-0.

Reinstated to Penguins Lineup for Playoff Opener Against Flyers

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Connor Dewar returned to action for the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night, suiting up for Game 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Dewar had been sidelined with an injury but was cleared to play alongside teammate Blake Lizotte, bolstering the Penguins' roster for the start of the postseason. Although the Penguins suffered a 3-2 loss in the series opener, Dewar's availability is a positive development for the team's bottom-six forward group moving forward in the series.

Returns to Penguins Lineup for Game 1 Following Injury Absence

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Blake Lizotte made his return to the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Philadelphia Flyers. After recovering from an injury, Lizotte's activation forced Justin Brazeau out of the lineup. While the Penguins ultimately fell 3-2 in a sloppy performance at home, Lizotte's return provides the team with improved depth as they navigate the postseason. He was one of two key players to return from injury for the series opener.

Struggles in Game 1 Loss as Dallas Stars Fall 6-1 to Wild

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Jake Oettinger and the Dallas Stars faced a difficult start to the postseason, dropping Game 1 to the Minnesota Wild 6-1. Despite being named the primary netminder for the series opener, Oettinger and the Stars quickly fell behind 4-0 at the American Airlines Center. This loss marks the ninth time in the last 11 playoff series that Dallas has trailed 1-0. Oettinger remains the focal point of the team's goaltending strategy as they look to rebound.

Gustavsson Bypassed for Game 1 Start as Wild Opt for Rookie

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Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson did not receive the start for the team's postseason opener against the Dallas Stars, as the coaching staff instead turned to rookie Jesper Wallstedt. While Gustavsson possesses significant playoff experience—highlighted by a franchise-record 51-save performance in a double-overtime Game 1 victory against Dallas three years ago—he watched from the bench as Wallstedt led the team to a 6-1 win. Gustavsson remains a veteran option as the series continues.

Wallstedt Shines with 27 Saves in Dominant NHL Playoff Debut

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Minnesota Wild rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made a stunning NHL postseason debut on Saturday, stopping 27 of 28 shots to lead his team to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1. Despite being surprised by the starting nod, the 23-year-old delivered a poised performance to secure the series lead. The Wild chose Wallstedt for the opener over the more experienced Filip Gustavsson, a high-stakes decision that paid immediate dividends as Minnesota took control of the series.

Open to Extension After Record-Breaking Season with Sharks

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San Jose Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini expressed openness to signing a long-term contract extension this summer following a historic second NHL season. Celebrini, who set a franchise record for single-season points, has one year remaining on his entry-level contract worth $2.925 million. During locker clean-out day, the cornerstone forward stated he is open to every possibility regarding his future as the organization looks to build around his elite production and leadership on the ice.