NHL Player News

Kempe scored a power-play goal on two shots and went minus-3 in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Avalanche in Game 3.

Kempe has had trouble this postseason, as this was his first goal in three playoff games. He's added five shots on net, three hits, four PIM and a minus-3 rating. The Kings are facing elimination as soon as Sunday's Game 4, so they'll need more out of their top players. In previous playoff runs, Kempe collected 15 goals and 29 points across 28 appearances. Barring a miracle, this will be the fifth straight year with a first-round exit for the Kings.

Forsberg allowed three goals on 22 shots in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Avalanche in Game 3. The fourth goal was an empty-netter.

Forsberg has allowed seven goals on 90 shots over three playoff contests, but he is 0-3, leaving the Kings on the brink of elimination. The 33-year-old was always going to have a tough time taking on the top team in the league, but he's put in a good effort to keep games competitive in the first round. Game 4 is set for Sunday in Los Angeles.

Nelson scored an empty-net goal on two shots and added two hits in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kings in Game 3.

Nelson entered this contest on an 11-game goal drought, and he hadn't earned a point over his last four contests. He was able to snap the slump with an empty-netter, and he's added six shots on net, six hits, six blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating over three playoff games. Prior to this year, Nelson accumulated 27 goals and 27 assists over 85 postseason appearances across nine playoff runs.

Landeskog scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kings in Game 3.

Landeskog has scored in consecutive contests, with his tally Thursday opening the scoring. The 33-year-old winger has played in a middle-six role so far, adding seven shots on net, 13 hits, six PIM and a plus-2 rating over three playoff outings. Landeskog playing well gives the Avalanche the ability to distribute the scoring talent over three lines, making the team deep and dangerous for opponents.

Makar scored a goal on four shots, blocked six shots and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kings in Game 3.

Makar was held off the scoresheet in the first two games of the postseason. He wasn't lacking in opportunities -- he's up to 11 shots on net, 11 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating through three contests against the Kings in this first-round series. If the Avalanche make a deep run, Makar will likely be heavily involved in the offense. He's made the playoffs in every year of his career, and over the last seven postseason runs, he's better than a point-per-game player with 22 goals and 63 helpers over 79 outings prior to this year.

Lehkonen scored a shorthanded goal on three shots, dished an assist, added four hits and went plus-2 in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kings in Game 3.

Lehkonen got a fortunate bounce for his goal at 7:39 of the third period, which ended up being the game-winner. The 30-year-old has scored twice on six shots while adding eight hits, four blocked shots and a plus-3 rating over three contests this postseason. Lehkonen remains a key part of the Avalanche's top six with the ability to make an impact in all zones.

Wedgewood stopped 24 of 26 shots in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Kings in Game 3.

Wedgewood allowed multiple goals for the first time over eight outings in April, but he still played well enough to win. He's now won seven straight games, including all three playoff contests in the first round to put the Avalanche a win away from advancing to the second round. At this point, Wedgewood looks locked into the starting role, so expect to see him between the pipes for Sunday's Game 4 in Los Angeles.

Ullmark made 25 saves in a 2-1 loss to Carolina in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Thursday.

Ullmark continues to do his part, but he needs his teammates to score. The Senators went 0-for-5 on the power play, putting up just four shots. They couldn't beat Frederik Andersen on a 5-on-3 opportunity for 1:28 in the second period. Ullmark remains winless this postseason, but he has looked every part the star he was in Boston. His 2.02 GAA and .933 save percentage showcase his talent. Game 4 is Saturday, and Ullmark will need to be stellar if the Senators are to extend this past four games, as the Hurricanes are up 3-0.

Batherson scored a goal in a 2-1 loss to Carolina in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Thursday.

Nick Cousins found him down low, and Batherson went forehand-backhand over the pads of Frederik Andersen to tie the game 1-1 late in the second period. Batherson has a goal in each of his last two games, and with five more hits Thursday, he has laid out 14 in three contests this postseason. He and the Senators have a big hole to dig out of heading into Game 4, as they are down 3-0 ahead of Saturday's matchup.

Andersen made 21 saves in a 2-1 win over Ottawa in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Thursday.

Andersen was tested, but Ottawa wasn't particularly effective in crucial situations. The Senators went 0-for-5 on the power play, putting up just four shots, which included a 5-on-3 opportunity for 1:28 in the second period. Andersen is 3-0 with a sparkling 0.84 GAA and .964 save percentage in three starts this postseason. The Hurricanes can move to the next round with a victory in Game 4 on Saturday.