NHL Player News

Smith scored an empty-net goal, added six hits and went plus-2 in Friday's 5-1 win over the Mammoth in Game 6.

Smith produced two goals, two assists, six shots on net, 30 hits and 10 PIM across six games in the first round. The winger's tally Friday put the icing on the Golden Knights' 4-2 series win in the first round. The 30-year-old figures to remain firmly in a bottom-six role, providing a physical edge and potentially some depth scoring throughout the rest of the playoffs.

Sissons scored a goal, added five hits and went plus-2 in Friday's 5-1 win over the Mammoth in Game 6.

Sissons scored at 9:39 of the third period, answering Kailer Yamamoto's tally for the Mammoth. With four points over six contests in the first round, Sissons showed his experience and value in a bottom-six role. He added six shots on net, 18 hits, four blocked shots and a plus-3 rating while primarily playing on the fourth line.

Howden scored a goal on two shots in Friday's 5-1 win over the Mammoth in Game 6.

Howden was quiet to begin the postseason, but he's earned four goals and an assist over his last three contests. That corresponds to a move into the top six for the 28-year-old, who is likely to stay there as long as he remains productive on offense. Howden will look to keep his scoring going against the Ducks in the second round.

Marner scored twice on seven shots, added an assist and went plus-3 in Friday's 5-1 win over the Mammoth in Game 6.

Marner hadn't scored in the playoffs yet, but he came through with a chance to advance on the line. Marner's second-period tally stood as the game-winner, and he added a power-play marker in the third as the Golden Knights started to pull away with the lead. He finished the first round with two goals, five assists, 15 shots on net, five hits and a plus-5 rating over six appearances. In previous playoff runs with the Maple Leafs, Marner had 63 points across 70 contests over nine postseasons.

Hart stopped 22 of 23 shots in Friday's 5-1 win over the Mammoth in Game 6.

Hart's performance had been trending the wrong way, but he stepped up with his best outing of the series in this elimination game. With the effort, the Golden Knights are through to the second round, where they'll face the Ducks. Hart is 4-2 with a 2.72 GAA and an .892 save percentage over six games in the postseason, but it doesn't look like head coach John Tortorella has any intention of switching to Adin Hill until Hart shows more significant struggles.

Miner posted an 18-save shutout in AHL Colorado's 1-0 win over Henderson in Game 1 on Friday.

Miner has won all three of his playoff games for the Eagles this year, with two of them being shutouts. The netminder is expected to lead the way for the AHL club's playoff run, while another goalie is set to serve as the No. 3 during the Avalanche's postseason run at the NHL level.

Zadorov sustained a torn MCL in Game 3 of the Bruins' first-round series versus the Sabres, but the defenseman played through the injury, Conor Ryan of The Boston Globe reports.

Given the severity of the injury, Zadorov's offseason training program is likely to be impacted. His status for the start of 2026-27 will be determined at a later time. Zadorov is under contract with the Bruins, so he'll be good to go for a shutdown role once he's healthy again.

Villeneuve recorded three assists in AHL Toronto's 6-2 win over Laval in Game 2 on Friday.

Villeneuve has five points over five playoff outings. He took a slight step back with 30 points across 61 regular-season contests for the Marlies this season. Villeneuve also made three appearances late in the NHL campaign, logging two shots on net and five blocked shots. The 24-year-old defenseman is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason.

Cowan scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Toronto's 6-2 win over Laval in Game 2 on Friday.

Cowan is getting a chance to play some more this spring with the Marlies. He has five points over five playoff contests. With the Maple Leafs in the regular season, he picked up 11 goals, 29 points, 92 shots on net, 72 hits and 45 PIM over 66 appearances. Cowan is likely to be a full-time NHL option from the start of 2026-27.

Beckman posted a 21-save shutout in QMJHL Chicoutimi's 4-0 win over Rouyn-Noranda in Game 5 on Friday.

Beckman has been a bit more challenged in the QMJHL semifinals, going 3-2 with 11 goals allowed over five contests. This was his best performance of the series so far, and he came away with his third shutout of the postseason. He's added a sparkling 1.31 GAA and .939 save percentage over 13 playoff contests, putting the Sagueneens one win away from the QMJHL finals.