NHL Player News

Kastelic scored twice Tuesday in a 4-0 win over the Devils.

Kastelic heads into the playoffs on a two-game, four-point scoring streak that includes three goals. This run was preceded by a 16-game point drought; his last goal came 23 games before this outburst. Kastelic is a fourth-line stalwart who managed to set career marks in goals (12), assists (22), PIM (140), PPP (one), SHP (one), game-winning goals (four), blocks (64) and shots (100).

Mittelstadt (undisclosed) is expected to be ready for Game 1 versus the Sabres, Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub reports Tuesday.

Mittelstadt was absent for the regular-season finale, but that looks to be the extent of his absence. He should be back in a top-six role as the Bruins battle the Atlantic Division's top team in the first round.

Zacha (personal) will be ready for the Bruins' playoff opener against the Sabres after leaving Tuesday's game versus the Devils early, Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub reports.

Zacha left Tuesday's game after one period, but postgame updates from the Bruins' coaching staff indicated that his exit was for a positive reason. The 29-year-old will have at least three days to attend to his personal matter. He should be good to go in a second-line role.

Turcotte (undisclosed) won't play Tuesday versus the Canucks, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period reports.

The Kings are using the same lineup as they did Monday when they won 5-3 over the Kraken to clinch a playoff spot. Turcotte will miss a seventh straight game, but he's reportedly close to being available, which suggests he could be an option at some point in the first round of the playoffs.

Nelson (undisclosed) is reportedly out for maintenance reasons Tuesday versus the Flames, Conor McGahey of Altitude TV reports.

Nelson's absence will thin out the Avalanche's center depth even more, but it doesn't appear to be a significant concern for the postseason. The 34-year-old's absence will push Parker Kelly to center. Nelson's status for Thursday at home versus the Flames has yet to be revealed.

Zacha exited Tuesday's game versus the Devils to attend to a personal matter.

Zacha will be away from the team for a bit to attend to this matter. The 29-year-old's availability for the start of the playoffs will be revealed at a later time once he rejoins his teammates.

Eriksson Ek (rest) won't play Tuesday versus the Ducks, Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News reports.

Eriksson Ek will be out of the lineup for the third straight game to end the regular season. The 29-year-old center was limited by injuries at times, posting 51 points over 70 regular-season contests. He's likely to be ready for Game 1 versus Dallas to open the playoffs.

Zacha (rest) will play against the Devils on Tuesday, Scott McLaughlin of WEEI reports.

Zacha will return to the second line in Tuesday's regular-season finale after he sat out Sunday's 3-2 win over Columbus. He has generated 30 goals, 64 points, 131 shots on net and 64 hits across 77 appearances this campaign.

Dvorak (undisclosed) is not expected to play Tuesday versus the Canadiens, Charlie O'Connor of PHLY Sports reports.

Dvorak was not announced as out when the Flyers provided their lineup update earlier in the day, so the decision may have been made later. It is likely he is resting, but it's possible he is managing a minor injury. He has 12 points over his last 13 games and should be considered probable for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Mittelstadt (undisclosed) won't be in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Devils, Scott McLaughlin of WEEI reports.

Mittelstadt is presumably resting ahead of the playoffs, but the Bruins have not provided a reason for his absence. Aside from Mittelstadt, the Bruins are rolling with a fairly regular lineup in their regular-season finale.