NHL Player News

Toews recorded a pair of assists, two shots on goal, two blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Friday's 5-4 win over the Oilers.

Toews was still overshadowed by defense partner Cale Makar's two-goal, one-assist effort, but it was a good showing for the Avalanche's top players. The 30-year-old Toews helped out on goals by Makar and Artturi Lehkonen in the first period. Toews is up to 27 points, 101 shots on net, 71 blocked shots and a plus-19 rating through 53 appearances this season. He continues to offer steady defensive play and solid offense in a large role.

Makar scored two goals on six shots, added an assist, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Friday's 5-4 win over the Oilers.

Makar's second goal was a shorthanded tally, and his assist came on the power play. The 26-year-old defenseman is one of the hottest players in the league over the last three weeks, racking up nine goals and four assists over his last 11 outings. He's now at 22 goals, 63 points (26 on the power play, two shorthanded), 175 shots on net, 91 blocked shots and a plus-18 rating through 57 appearances.

Blankenburg recorded an assist and four shots on goal in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Blackhawks.

Blankenburg also went minus-1, which was just his second minus performance over the last 11 contests. The 26-year-old has been stable defensively for an otherwise shaky team, though he hasn't chipped in a lot of offense. Blankenburg is at seven points, 51 shots on net, 32 hits, 32 blocked shots and a plus-9 rating over 31 appearances this season.

Allan was out of the lineup for the sixth time in nine games in Friday's 6-2 win over the Predators.

Allan played regularly in December and early January, but his role has been reduced lately. Louis Crevier (concussion) is out of the lineup, but Ethan Del Mastro has often played ahead of Allan recently. For the season, Allan has eight points, 15 shots on net, 59 hits, 41 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating over 41 appearances. The 21-year-old could be assigned to AHL Rockford eventually to avoid having him sit around without playing for too long.

Vlasic notched two assists, three blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Friday's 6-2 win over the Predators.

Vlasic snapped a 14-game point drought when he set up Frank Nazar's opening goal in the first period. The 23-year-old Vlasic doubled down by setting up Ryan Donato's tally in the final frame. This was Vlasic's first multi-point effort since Dec. 15. The defenseman has already earned a career year, but he's still got some work to do in the consistency department. He's at 19 points, 76 shots on net, 105 blocked shots and a minus-8 rating over 54 contests.

Jones scored a goal on three shots, added an assist, doled out two hits and blocked four shots in Friday's 6-2 win over the Predators.

Jones' pair of points came on the power play -- he and Connor Bedard assisted on each other's tallies. With two goals and four helpers over six outings since he missed a game due to an illness, Jones is in a groove. The 30-year-old defenseman is up to six goals, 26 points, 72 shots on net, 75 blocked shots, 54 hits and a minus-12 rating through 37 appearances. He's earned 14 of his points with the man advantage.

Anderson (finger) won't play Friday versus the Stars, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Anderson is set for his third straight absence due to the injury. He hasn't been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Ducks, but at this point, it's doubtful the Kings rush him back with a two-week break on the horizon. Brandt Clarke will remain in the lineup in Anderson's absence.

Lyubushkin (undisclosed) is expected to heal from his injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off break, indicating he won't play Saturday versus the Sharks, Stars radio analyst Bruce LeVine reports.

Lyubushkin was already ruled out for Friday's game against the Kings. The 30-year-old will have about two weeks to heal up before the season resumes. Brendan Smith will get a chance to play during Lyubushkin's absence.

Wilsby (upper body) won't be in the lineup Friday versus the Blackhawks.

Wilsby saw 22:36 of ice time in the Predators' previous game, so it's not clear when he suffered the injury. Justin Barron will draw into the lineup to cover Wilsby's absence. Wilsby is considered day-to-day and may have a chance to play Saturday versus the Sabres.

Friedman was brought in via trade by the Predators from the Canucks on Friday for future considerations.

Friedman will link up with AHL Milwaukee, as this move doesn't include a promotion to the NHL level for the veteran defenseman. With Nashville, the veteran blueliner could have an easier shot at securing NHL minutes, though he is far from a lock to jump ahead of Adam Wilsby or Justin Barron.