NHL Player News

Eichel recorded three assists and six shots on goal in Monday's 5-4 overtime win over the Mammoth in Game 4 of their first-round series.

Eichel has scored just one goal in the series, but he has five assists over the last three games, so he's making an impact in other areas. He came through in the clutch as well, setting up Shea Theodore's overtime marker. Eichel has six points, a plus-1 rating, 10 shots, five hits and three blocked shots in his last three appearances, and he should play a key role for the Golden Knights in the remainder of the series.

Howden recorded two goals, including one shorthanded, and an assist in Monday's 5-4 overtime win over the Mammoth in Game 4 of their first-round series.

Howden had gone pointless while posting an even rating in the first three games of the series, but he came out of nowhere to deliver three points while also logging 21:54 TOI -- a playoff-high mark for the 28-year-old. Howden has a bottom-six role in the lineup, so he's not expected to deliver multi-point performances on a regular basis, but he should continue to see scoring opportunities due to his role in the second power-play unit. He had 22 points (12 goals, 10 assists) across 58 regular-season appearances this year.

Kozak (undisclosed) is available for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Bruins, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

Kozak left Sunday's Game 4 victory due to an unspecified injury, but he'll officially be able to suit up two days later. Across seven appearances this month, he's recorded three assists, 21 hits and six blocked shots while averaging 10:57 of ice time.

Schmaltz recorded a goal and an assist in Monday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Golden Knights in Game 4 of their first-round series.

The Mammoth scored four unanswered goals in this game despite ultimately losing in OT, and Schmaltz scored the first goal of that stretch while assisting on the final one. Schmaltz has racked up three points in four playoff games after posting 74 points (33 goals, 41 assists) in 82 regular-season contests in 2025-26. Schmaltz will need to produce consistently if the Mammoth want to advance past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but he should continue to have opportunities to do so thanks to his top-six role in the lineup.

Crosby notched two assists Monday in the Penguins' 3-2 win over the Flyers in Game 5 of their first-round series.

Both points came in the second period, as Crosby helped set up a tally by Connor Dewar, as well as the very fluky game-winner by Kris Letang that ricocheted home off the end boards. In between, Crosby briefly headed to the locker room to get his knee checked out after getting hit by a shot attempt from Ryan Shea, but he appears to have avoided anything serious. Crosby has gotten onto the scoresheet in three straight games, collecting a goal and five points during that span, and he'll likely need to come up big again in Game 6 on Wednesday if the Penguins are going to stave off elimination once more.

Trenin (upper body) is questionable for Game 5 versus the Stars on Tuesday, per Joe Smith of The Athletic.

Trenin participated in Monday's practice, but a clearer picture of his availability could materialize after Tuesday's morning skate. He didn't have a point in two postseason outings against Dallas before missing the past two games, but he has registered 16 hits and two blocked shots.

Kozak (undisclosed) is probable for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Bruins, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

Kozak exited Sunday's 6-1 victory in Game 4 due to an unspecified injury. Head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game that the team talked about Kozak returning, so it isn't very surprising that the 23-year-old will likely be able to suit up Tuesday as the Sabres attempt to close out the first-round series. Across his first two postseason appearances this year, he's recorded an assist, four hits and two blocked shots while averaging 9:47 of ice time.

Norris (undisclosed) could be an option for Game 5 versus the Bruins on Tuesday after head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters, "Norris is going to skate (Monday). He could be available."

Norris has missed the Sabres' last two playoff contests due to his undisclosed injury. While he failed to produce a point in his first two postseason contests, the 26-year-old center had 13 goals and 21 assists in 44 regular-season outings this year. If Norris can return for Game 5, it would likely be in a middle-six role.

Roy scored a goal in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Kings in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round.

Roy has cracked the scoresheet in each of the last three games, earning three points (two goals, one assist), three shots on goal, five hits and three blocked shots. Don't expect Roy to have a big role on offense in the rest of the playoffs, though, as he figures to remain in a bottom-six role until further notice.

MacKinnon had two goals, including one on the power play, and an assist in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Kings in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round.

MacKinnon had accrued just one assist and seven shots on goal in the first three games of the series combined, but he woke up in Game 4. His five shots on goal were a personal best in the current playoff run, and he got involved in three of the team's five goals in Sunday's win. MacKinnon should be critical for the Avalanche's success throughout the rest of the playoffs as the opponents get tougher.