NHL Player News

James scored a goal Wednesday in a 3-2 loss to the Canadiens in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round.

It was James' first career NHL playoff goal. He tied the game 1-1 early in the second period on a 2-on-1 rush. He wired a snap shot under Jakub Dobes' glove from the right circle. James is skating in a third-line role in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, adding five shots on net, seven hits and three blocked shots through five outings. He delivered seven goals, eight assists, 56 shots, 58 hits and 139 faceoff wins (50.4 percent) in 43 regular-season games.

Dach scored a goal in Wednesday's 3-2 win against Tampa Bay in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round.

He also had three hits and two blocks. He has two goals on four shots and one assist in his last three outings. Injuries during the 2025-26 regular season limited him to 37 appearances, in which he contributed eight goals and 15 points. However, he is making an impact during Montreal's first-round playoff series against the Lightning.

Hayton (upper body) is in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 5 versus the Golden Knights, per the NHL media site.

After initially being ruled out for the contest, Hayton was a surprising late addition to the lineup. The 25-year-old is slated to be on the third line for the Mammoth, while Liam O'Brien will be scratched. This will be Hayton's first game since March 24 versus the Oilers, when he logged just one 17-second shift.

Paul (illness) won't play Wednesday in Game 5 versus the Canadiens.

Paul was a surprise absence from warmups, and this explains why. Conor Geekie is set to play as the fourth-line center Wednesday, though Zemgus Girgensons could also do some work down the middle in Paul's absence. Paul's next chance to play is Friday in Game 6.

Hayton (upper body) isn't expected to play Wednesday in Vegas, but he's now day-to-day, per Cole Bagley of KSL Sports.

Hayton was previously regarded as week-to-week, and he hasn't been in the lineup since March 24. The 25-year-old finished the regular season with 10 goals and 25 points in 67 appearances. He'll probably serve in a middle-six capacity once he's ready to return.

Lindholm scored a goal on three shots, added four hits and blocked two shots in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime win over the Sabres in Game 5.

The Bruins made dramatic changes to their lines, which included Lindholm getting shuffled down to the third line. The moves paid off in a tight game, with Lindholm scoring an unassisted goal in the second period to tie the game at 1-1. It's his second tally over five games this postseason, and he's added eight shots on net, 15 hits, three blocked shots and a minus-2 rating. Regardless of where he lines up, Lindholm will be relied upon for key minutes.

Norris (undisclosed) will be available for Game 6 on Friday, per Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

Norris has missed Buffalo's past three games due to the injury. He had 13 goals and 34 points in 44 regular-season appearances with the Sabres in 2025-26. Noah Ostlund is set to exit the lineup due to a lower-body injury, which coincides with Norris' expected return.

Ostlund (lower body) is expected to miss some time after being hurt in Game 5 against the Bruins on Tuesday, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Ostlund was just in his third game back from a 12-game absence due to an upper-body injury and now suddenly finds himself shelved once again. At this point, it seems the 22-year-old center might be a long shot to play in the second round, assuming the Sabres advance, though a specific timeline remains unclear.

Nugent-Hopkins notched two assists, three hits and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Ducks in Game 5.

Nugent-Hopkins came away with his first multi-point effort since March 10 in Colorado. The 33-year-old has two goals, three helpers, five shots on net, six hits, four blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over five playoff outings. Whether as a center or a wing, Nugent-Hopkins will continue to see significant minutes in all situations for the Oilers.

McDavid logged two assists, including one on the power play, and added four shots on goal in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Ducks in Game 5.

McDavid was labeled a game-time decision due to an ankle injury, but there was little doubt he'd play in this contest with the Oilers' season on the line. He did his part, assisting on a pair of Leon Draisaitl tallies to help force Game 6, which is Thursday in Anaheim. McDavid is up to one goal, five helpers, 17 shots on net, five hits, two blocked shots and a minus-5 rating over five playoff outings.