NHL Player News

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.

Nichushkin scored two goals on six shots in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Blues.

Nichushkin made an impact after missing Sunday's loss to St. Louis due to an upper-body injury. It was the first time he scored two goals in a single game since a hat trick against the Blues on Dec. 31, and it was just his fourth outing with two or more goals this season. Nichushkin has earned 17 goals and 47 points across 67 contests this season.

Blake notched two assists, one on the power play, in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over the Bruins.

Both helpers came in the second period as the 22-year-old winger extended his point streak to four games. Blake has been thriving on Carolina's second line, collecting three goals and 11 points over the last 11 games -- a surge that has carried him to a career-high 51 points (22 goals, 29 assists) in 78 contests on the season.

Svechinikov produced a goal on five shots while adding an assist and six hits in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over the Bruins.

It was a big night for the 26-year-old winger, who potted his 30th goal of the season midway through the first period. Svechnikov also had a hand in Jaccob Slavin's OT winner. It's the second time in Svechnikov's career he's reached the 30-goal plateau, and he's also tied his career high with 69 points -- giving him four more games to establish new personal bests in both categories.

Hall scored an even-strength goal and added a power-play assist in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over Boston.

All his offense came in the second period, as Hall extended his point streak to four games. The veteran winger has four multi-point performances in the last 11 contests, producing three goals and 10 points over that stretch.