NHL Player News

Luukkonen will be between the pipes on the road against the Rangers on Wednesday, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

Luukkonen has featured in four of the Sabres' last five contests, going 3-1-0 with a 2.22 GAA and .917 save percentage. While the 27-year-old netminder has already reached the 20-win threshold for the third straight year, he won't get anywhere close to playing 50 games as he did each of the prior two campaigns.

Markstrom turned aside 14 of 18 shots in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to Philadelphia, with the Flyers' final goal getting scored into an empty net.

It was a rough night for Markstrom and the Devils' defense, and a tough way to crash back to earth after the veteran netminder had shut out the Canadiens on Sunday. Markstrom has given up at least four goals in four of his last eight starts, going 4-4-0 over that stretch with a 3.15 GAA and .860 save percentage.

Hofer allowed three goals and made 34 saves in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Avalanche.

Hofer was coming off back-to-back wins, including a 3-2 victory over Colorado on Sunday, but he couldn't make it to three wins in a row. Despite the loss, Hofer continues to play at a high level. He has allowed three or fewer goals in seven of his last eight appearances, a stretch in which he's gone 5-2-1 with a 1.96 GAA and a .932 save percentage.

Foerster scored two goals in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Devils.

Both tallies came in the second period as the Flyers blew open a 2-1 game. Foerster has three goals in four games since returning from what was initially feared to be season-ending arm surgery in early December, and he seems to be clicking on the top line with Trevor Zegras as Philly tries to lock down a playoff spot.

Appleton (upper body) is not expected back to return to action versus the Flyers on Thursday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Appleton is set to miss his fourth straight game due to his lingering upper-body problem. The 30-year-old forward is running out of time to return to the lineup before the end of the regular season, and could be in danger of seeing his 2025-26 campaign end entirely if the Red Wings fail to secure a playoff spot. He has six goals, eight assists and 63 shots in 65 contests this campaign while averaging 13:31 of ice time.

Thomas scored a goal in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Avalanche.

Thomas got the Blues on the board at the 15:38 mark of the third period with a wrist shot. He has amassed 22 goals and 57 points through 59 appearances this season. Thomas has lit the lamp in four straight games and has 11 points (six goals, five helpers) during his six-game point streak.

Lyon left Wednesday's morning skate due to a lower-body issue, per Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic.

Head coach Lindy Ruff described Lyon's injury as a tweak, meaning it could be a short-term issue. Ruff also said that Lyon wasn't going to dress against the Rangers on Wednesday anyway, so his injury won't impact Buffalo's plans. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start, while Colten Ellis will be the understudy.

Zegras scored two goals, one the game-winner on the power play, and added an even-strength assist in Tuesday's 5-1 win over New Jersey.

The 25-year-old center gave the Flyers a 2-0 lead before the four-minute mark of the first period. He also had a hand in Tyson Foerster's second tally in the middle frame. It was Zegras' first multi-point performance since Jan. 21, but he's failed to get onto the scoresheet only once in the last 10 games. Through 78 outings in his first season with the Flyers, Zegras has produced a career-high 25 goals and tied his previous best with 65 points.

Wedgewood stopped 18 of 19 shots in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Blues.

Wedgewood was well on his way to a shutout until Robert Thomas got one back for the Blues at the 15:38 mark of the third period. Still, Wedgewood is ending the season on a sizzling note. Tuesday/s performances is the fifth time in his last six outings that he posted a save percentage of at least .930. He's gone 9-2-1 with a 1.54 GAA and a .938 save percentage in 12 appearances since the Olympic break while solidifying himself as a top-tier option between the pipes this season.

Vladar turned aside 23 shots in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Devils.

A Cody Glass tally midway through the first period spoiled his shutout bid, but Vladar delivered another strong effort. Vladar picked up his third straight win and 27th of the season, nearly doubling his prior career high. If the Flyers hang onto a playoff spot, the 28-year-old netminder will need to stay in top form. Over his last 10 starts, Vladar has gone 7-2-1 with a dazzling 1.98 GAA and .919 save percentage.