NHL Player News

Bardakov's point drought reached 16 games in Monday's 7-2 loss to the Penguins.

Bardakov has played regularly during that stretch, but he's in a fourth-line role with limited ice time. The 25-year-old has produced nine points, 29 shots on net, 47 hits, 20 blocked shots, 12 PIM and a plus-5 rating over 52 outings as a rookie this season. Bardakov could lose his place in the lineup once the Avalanche get healthier, but he's likely got another week to prove himself before that happens.

Tolvanen is a game-time call for Tuesday's home contest against the Lightning because of an undisclosed injury, Kate Shefte of The Seattle Times reports.

Tolvanen did not return to Sunday's win over the Panthers after taking a hard hit in the final frame, per Mike Benton of the Kraken Audio Network. If Tolvanen doesn't suit up Tuesday, Jacob Melanson will draw back into the lineup after serving as a healthy scratch for the last two games.

Burns scored a goal on five shots in Monday's 7-2 loss to the Penguins.

Burns ended a six-game point drought with the tally. The 41-year-old blueliner hasn't logged more than 20 minutes in a game since the start of February, averaging just 17:07 per game in that span compared to 19:04 overall. He's at 10 goals, 29 points, 136 shots on net, 78 blocked shots and a plus-28 rating over 66 appearances, matching his point total from 82 regular-season outings with the Hurricanes last year. Burns may simply be having his minutes managed as the Avalanche prepare for what they hope will be a deep playoff run.

Nedeljkovic is expected to patrol the home crease against Edmonton on Tuesday after being the first goalie off the ice at the morning skate, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Nedeljkovic has won his last two outings while stopping 64 of the 68 shots he has faced. He has a 13-9-3 record this campaign with a 2.77 GAA and a .903 save percentage through 29 appearances. Edmonton is tied for second in the league with 3.40 goals per game this season, but the team will be without the services of Leon Draisaitl (lower body) for Tuesday's matchup.

Dewar logged two assists, two blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Monday's 7-2 win over the Avalanche.

Dewar picked up his first multi-point effort since Jan. 31 versus the Rangers. The 26-year-old forward continues to center the fourth line, providing defensive stability and a decent share of depth offense this year. He's got career highs across the board with 14 goals, 13 helpers, 100 shots on net, 130 hits and a plus-12 rating through 67 appearances.

Lizotte (upper body) will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

Lizotte sat out Monday's 7-2 win over Colorado and is now in danger of missing the rest of the regular season. The Penguins conclude their 82-game schedule in St. Louis on April 14, which is exactly four weeks from now. The 28-year-old has accounted for seven goals, 19 points and a plus-6 rating over 55 appearances this season.

Mantha scored a goal and added two PIM in Monday's 7-2 win over the Avalanche.

Mantha has five goals and two assists during his five-game point streak. The 31-year-old winger is rolling on a line with Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust for now, though Mantha could be the one to lose his spot with that trio once Sidney Crosby (lower body) comes off injured reserve. For the season, Mantha has been excellent with 26 goals, 52 points, 125 shots on net, 42 hits, 34 blocked shots, 31 PIM and a plus-15 rating over 67 appearances.

Soderblom scored a goal, added an assist and went plus-3 in Monday's 7-2 win over the Avalanche.

Soderblom had gone four games without a point to start his Pittsburgh tenure following a trade from Detroit. The 24-year-old has mostly been limited to a fourth-line role, and the return of Evgeni Malkin from a suspension cost Soderblom his power-play minutes Monday. Over 44 outings in total this season, he has five points, 52 shots on net, 69 hits and a minus-4 rating, so he's unlikely to emerge as a strong fantasy option down the stretch.

Acciari scored a goal on two shots, added an assist, blocked four shots and went plus-3 in Monday's 7-2 win over the Avalanche.

Acciari has scored three times over his last four games. The 34-year-old continues to fill a fourth-line role, though his defensive responsibilities give him a boost in ice time. For the season, the veteran forward has nine goals, 19 points, 71 shots on net, 55 hits, 44 blocked shots and a plus-11 rating over 53 appearances.

Karlsson scored a goal on four shots, added two assists and went plus-2 in Monday's 7-2 win over the Avalanche.

Karlsson picked up his fourth multi-point effort over the last five games. The 35-year-old has three goals and 10 assists over nine contests in March as he tries to lead the Penguins' push for a playoff spot. Karlsson is up to seven goals, 49 points, 140 shots on net, 53 blocked shots and a plus-13 rating across 62 appearances.