NHL Player News

Hischier scored a goal on three shots, went plus-2, added two hits and blocked three shots in Friday's 3-2 double-overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 3.

Hischier has scored two of the Devils' five goals over three playoff contests. He's added nine shots on net, six hits, six blocked shots and a minus-1 rating from his usual spot on the top line. Hischier will need to remain steady on offense to help the Devils compete in a series where they're the clear underdogs, with this win being a step in the right direction.

Protas (foot) won't suit up Friday in Game 3 versus the Canadiens, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

Protas will miss his ninth straight game due to the injury, but the fact that he was a game-time decision Friday is encouraging. He'll turn toward trying to be available Sunday in Game 4 instead. Once healthy, Protas should resume being a force on offense at even strength, though likely in a middle-six role since Anthony Beauvillier is thriving on the top line early in the playoffs.

Barkov (undisclosed) hasn't been ruled out for Game 3 against the Lightning on Saturday but also hasn't been given the all-clear, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

Barkov's absence would create a significant hole in the Panthers' lineup, especially considering he is riding a five-game point streak in which he has generated one goal and six helpers, including a pair of power-play points. If Barkov does miss out Saturday, Sam Bennett would be the most logical choice to step into the first-line role.

Protas (foot) was deemed a possibility to play versus the Canadiens in Game 3 on Friday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Protas has been shelved for the Caps' last eight contests after suffering a laceration on the top of his foot. Even if the 24-year-old natural center is given the all-clear, he is far from a lock to suit up in Game 3 and could serve as a healthy scratch during the postseason.

Bennett scored an empty-net goal on four shots, added two hits and blocked two shots in Thursday's 2-0 win over the Lightning in Game 2.

Bennett beat the buzzer, scoring at 19:56 of the third period to put the finishing touches on the Panthers' win. They're up 2-0 in the series, and Bennett has contributed three points, nine hits and a plus-3 rating in those two contests. He's centering the second line and looks no worse for wear after missing four games late in the season due to an upper-body injury.

Anderson-Dolan notched an assist, six hits, two blocked shots and two PIM in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Blues in Game 3.

Anderson-Dolan has more points in three playoff outings (two) than he had in the regular season, where he was limited to one assist in seven appearances. The 25-year-old continues to fill in on the fourth line while the Jets are dealing with a couple of injuries. He'll likely lose his place in the lineup once one of Gabriel Vilardi (upper body) or Nikolaj Ehlers (foot) can return to action.

Barron posted an assist and four hits in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Blues in Game 3.

Barron helped out on a David Gustafsson tally in the third period. With two helpers and seven hits over three playoff outings, Barron is providing a little depth offense while continuing his play as a physical force on the fourth line. The 26-year-old had 15 points over 74 regular-season contests, his lowest output in three years, so don't expect him to be a regular on offense in the postseason.

Appleton notched a power-play assist and four hits in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Blues in Game 3.

Appleton has earned two helpers over three playoffs contests, which is better than what he produced over the last eight games of the regular season (one assist). The 29-year-old remains in a third-line role and is unlikely to see more minutes unless there are injuries in the top six. Appleton is also factoring in on the second power-play unit while Nikolaj Ehlers (foot) and Gabriel Vilardi (upper body) are unavailable.

Gustafsson scored a goal in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Blues in Game 3.

Gustafsson ended an eight-game point drought with the third-period tally. It briefly brought the Jets within two goals, but the Blues continued their barrage of goals less than a minute later. Gustafsson had just six points in 36 regular-season outings, and his place in the lineup isn't secure once the Jets are closer to full health at forward.

Faksa notched an assist and four hits in Thursday's 7-2 win over the Jets.

Faksa had picked up just one point, a goal, over his prior 11 outings. He helped out on an Alexei Toropchenko tally in the third period as the Blues ran away with this win. Faksa's first year with the Blues saw him put up 15 points, 68 shots on net, 115 hits, 50 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating over 70 regular-season appearances, so he's not likely to be a regular name on the scoresheet in the playoffs.