NHL Player News

Klingberg notched an assist and three blocked shots in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Kings in Game 2.

Klingberg was activated off long-term injured reserve prior to Game 2 and drew in to play a bottom-four role. He set up a Leon Draisaitl tally in the second period. Klingberg has a history as a scoring defenseman, but injuries have limited him to just 25 games across the last two regular seasons. He had four points, 19 shots on net and 13 blocked shots in 11 outings in 2024-25, and if his defense falters, he may not be an everyday part of the Oilers' lineup.

Gavrikov notched an assist and two shots on goal in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Oilers in Game 2.

Gavrikov set up a Quinton Byfield tally in the second period. With a goal and four assists over his five games, including a helper in each of the two playoff contests in that span, Gavrikov is playing a strong all-around game. The 29-year-old has added two shots on net, two hits, four blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating so far in the playoffs. He had 30 points, 140 blocks and a plus-26 rating in 82 regular-season appearances.

Clarke scored a power-play goal on two shots in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Oilers in Game 2.

Clarke ended his 21-game goal drought when he scored at 8:44 of the first period. The defenseman has seen his ice time drop to begin the postseason, as it appears head coach Jim Hiller is leaning heavily on his veteran blueliners to begin the playoffs. That could make it tough for Clarke to be involved on offense, though he should be fine as long as he retains a power-play role. He posted 33 points (nine on the power play), 131 shots on net, 121 blocked shots and a plus-13 rating over 78 regular-season contests.

Malinski notched an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Stars in Game 3.

This was Malinski's playoff debut after he sat out the first two games of the series in Dallas. He was still limited to 12:23 of ice time, but he was able to help out on a Valeri Nichushkin tally in the first period. Malinski had 15 points over 76 regular-season contests, but he earned three of those points over his last five outings of the campaign, so he may be able to build a little momentum if he stays in the lineup over Erik Johnson and Keaton Middleton.

Girard notched an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Stars in Game 3.

Girard set up a Valeri Nichushkin tally in the first period. The helper was Girard's second assist over three playoff contests, and he's added a plus-1 rating, three shots on net, four hits and two blocked shots. The 26-year-old blueliner continues to fill a bottom-four role with power-play time. He may continue to chip in depth offense but is unlikely to be a leader in that area for the Avalanche.

Harley logged a power-play assist and two blocked shots in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime win over the Avalanche in Game 3.

Harley set up Jamie Benn's game-tying goal at 9:18 of the third period. The 23-year-old Harley has a goal, two power-play assists, eight blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over three playoff contests. He's been one of the Stars' most consistent players and should continue to do that while being the team's leader on the blue line in the first round.

Stecher (undisclosed) won't play Wednesday in Game 2 versus the Kings, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reports.

Stecher will be out of action for the fourth game in a row. With John Klingberg back from long-term injured reserve, there may not be a place for Stecher in the lineup even when he's healthy, though he could push Ty Emberson for playing time.

Alexeyev (teeth) is expected to be in the lineup versus the Canadiens on Wednesday in Game 2, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.

Alexeyev suffered some dental damage in Game 1, but he's clear to play with a face shield. The 25-year-old continues to hold onto a third-pairing role since Martin Fehervary (knee) won't be available in the postseason. Alexeyev could be pressured by Dylan McIlrath for playing time later in the playoffs.

Heiskanen (knee) will miss Game 3 versus Colorado on Wednesday, per Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now.

Heiskanen had five goals and 25 points across 50 regular-season appearances with Dallas in 2024-25. He hasn't played since Jan. 28, but he is getting close to returning, so perhaps Heiskanen will be an option for Game 4 on Saturday. When the 25-year-old is ready to return, he should serve in a top-four capacity and on the first power-play unit.

Hamilton registered an assist in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes in Game 2.

This was Hamilton's third game back after a long-term, lower-body injury that cost him 18 contests. The 31-year-old has operated in a top-four role during the postseason, adding three shots on net, four hits and a blocked shot over the first two playoff games. He's also on the first power-play unit again, as Luke Hughes (upper body) was unable to play Tuesday. Hamilton is a solid DFS option even as the Devils look a little outmatched in this first-round series.