NHL Player News

Nemec scored the game-winning goal in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers.

Nemec was scratched for the previous two games, but he replaced Dennis Cholowski in the lineup Thursday. The 21-year-old Nemec came up clutch with the game-winning tally at 8:25 of the third period. While he saw just 9:58 of ice time, the blueliner has a chance to carve out a regular role for himself over the last month of the regular season. Nemec has been limited to two points with 12 shots on net, 19 blocked shots and a minus-4 rating over 17 appearances this season. He should play a fair amount since Jonas Siegenthaler (lower body) and Dougie Hamilton (lower body) are both done for the regular season.

Pesce recorded a goal, an assist and three shots on goal in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers.

Pesce is not known for his contributions to the box score, and in fact, this was just his third multi-point effort of the campaign. He's had just three points over his last 10 games, so Pesce can't be trusted to produce in most fantasy formats on a consistent basis. Through 58 games, the blueliner has racked up only 14 points (three goals, 11 assists).

Wotherspoon logged an assist and three hits in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Senators.

Wotherspoon has a clear path to playing time for the remainder of the regular season. Hampus Lindholm (kneecap) and Charlie McAvoy (shoulder) are unlikely to return, while Jordan Oesterle was waived and claimed by the Predators and Brandon Carlo was dealt to the Maple Leafs. With three helpers over his last eight games, Wotherspoon has started to make a small impact on offense. He's at just five points, 32 shots on net, 55 hits, 51 blocked shots and a minus-3 rating across 40 appearances. Even with a regular role in the lineup, he's on the third pairing and offers little to no appeal to fantasy managers.

Matinpalo notched an assist and two shots on goal in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Bruins.

Matinpalo has played in 12 of 14 games since the start of February, but this was his first point of the season. The 26-year-old blueliner is holding down a third-pairing spot while Travis Hamonic (lower body) is out. Matinpalo's spot in the lineup is not secure -- Dennis Gilbert could be put in his place to add a bit more thump in a rivalry game. For the season, Matinpalo has 33 shots on net, 13 hits, 17 blocked shots, 12 PIM and an even plus-minus rating over 26 appearances. He offers too little in every area to be a good option for fantasy managers.

Chabot registered an assist, three shots on goal, three hits and two blocked shots in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Bruins.

Chabot helped out on the second of Drake Batherson's tallies in the contest. With a goal and four assists over his last eight outings, Chabot is playing well lately in his usual top-four role. For the season, the 28-year-old blueliner has managed five goals, 32 points, 150 shots on net, 106 blocked shots, 44 hits and a plus-15 rating through 64 appearances. A strong finish to the campaign will give him a chance at the 40-point mark for the third time in his career.

Kleven scored a goal on three shots in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Bruins.

Kleven is mostly a shutdown defenseman, but he has a goal in each of his last two games, as well as six shots on net and eight hits. The 23-year-old has held down a third-pairing role throughout the campaign. The offense is unlikely to last given his skill set. He's at four goals, two assists, 61 shots on net, 81 hits, 81 blocked shots and a minus-4 rating over 62 appearances.

Pietrangelo scored an empty-net goal on two shots, blocked five shots and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Blue Jackets.

Pietrangelo ended a 32-game goal drought with a long-range empty-netter to seal the win. In that span, he managed a mere 10 assists, 54 shots on net, 76 blocked shots and a minus-6 rating. The 35-year-old defenseman is not the reliable source of offense he was in his younger years, but he still plays a big role for the Golden Knights. He's at four goals, 27 points, 113 shots on net, 127 blocks and a plus-6 rating over 62 outings this season, so he still does enough to be a depth option in fantasy.

Bichsel (illness) won't be in the lineup for Friday's clash with Winnipeg, Mike Heika of the Stars' official site reports.

Bichsel will be replaced in the lineup by Brendan Smith, who will be suiting up for the first time since March 2 against the Blues. For his part, the 20-year-old Bichsel has managed two goals on 21 shots, three assists and 90 hits while averaging 14:57 of ice time over 22 appearances this year.

Gudbranson (shoulder) is expected to return at some point soon, perhaps against the Devils or Panthers on Monday or Thursday, respectively, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Gudbranson was originally expected to be out of action until April, so it seems the blueliner is ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery. Once given the all-clear, the veteran defenseman will likely replace Jack Johnson in the lineup, which will likely see him and Jordan Harris firmly relegated to the press box as healthy scratches.

Christiansen (upper body) will not be available versus the Rangers on Saturday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

Christiansen was injured Thursday versus Vegas, playing only 5:27. He has one goal, seven assists, 47 hits and 64 blocked shots across 65 contests this season. Look for Jack Johnson, who has been a healthy scratch in nine consecutive games, to rejoin the lineup in place of Christiansen.