NHL Player News

Thompson stopped 23 of 29 shots on net in Thursday's 7-3 loss to New Jersey.

Thompson allowed three goals in the first period before allowing two consecutive tallies to New Jersey's Jack Hughes later in regulation. With the loss, Thompson now holds a 27-21-6 record, a 2.53 GAA and a .909 save percentage across 54 outings this season. Thursday's loss snapped his three-game win streak and marked just his second defeat in regulation over his last nine appearances. He's appeared in every game for the Capitals in that span, and his subpar results have started to snowball, allowing four or more goals in each of his last three outings. His next chance to bounce back is in the Caps' first half of a back-to-back during Saturday's home clash with the Sabres.

Cuylle scored a goal in a 3-2 loss to the Canadiens on Thursday. He fired six shots and delivered six hits.

It was Cuylle's first goal in 14 games (one assist; 24 shots). Overall, he has 17 goals, 17 assists, 146 shots and 271 hits in 76 games this season. Cuylle isn't likely to offer much by way of offense for the rest of the season, but he does have 29 hits in his last eight games. His six Thursday moved him past Jack McBain into third in the NHL in hits. Cuylle could be a category booster if you need help until year end.

Hopkins scored twice in OHL Guelph's 11-3 loss to Windsor in Game 4 on Thursday.

These goals were Hopkins' only points over four playoff outings this year. He had 50 points in 56 regular-season contests as well. The Maple Leafs prospect has done an alright job so far, but another year of development in the OHL would probably do him some good.

Salomonsson is in the concussion protocol after getting hurt on a hit in Thursday's game against the Stars, Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press reports.

Salomonsson was injured on a reverse hit by Jason Robertson. Given the nature of the injury, Salomonsson will have to wait to return to the lineup until he is no longer suffering from concussion symptoms. That puts his availability in doubt for Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets, which opens the door for Ville Heinola or Jacob Bryson to step into the lineup.

Aitcheson logged three assists in OHL Barrie's 9-6 win over Niagara in Game 4 on Thursday.

Aitcheson has earned four points over two playoff outings after being sidelined to begin the postseason. The defenseman was stellar in the regular season with 28 goals and 70 points over 56 appearances. The Islanders prospect signed his entry-level contract March 17, which paves the way for him to potentially join AHL Bridgeport to start 2026-27 -- he turns 20 in September. However, if he's not ready for the professional ranks, he could return to the OHL.

Newhook scored a goal in a 3-2 win over the Rangers on Thursday.

It was Newhook's 12th goal of the season. The number seems unremarkable overall, but look closer. Newhook has 23 points in 35 games, which is a 54-point pace. He may not be a great help the rest of the way, but he could be a sneaky sleeper next season. Put Newhook's name on your watch list for next fall.

Hemming scored twice and added two assists in OHL Barrie's 9-6 win over Niagara in Game 4 on Thursday.

Hemming doubled his playoff output with this four-point effort. He's at three goals and five helpers over four games, helping the Colts to establish a 3-1 series lead. The Stars prospect recorded 26 goals and 37 helpers over 46 regular-season outings this year after a brief stint with AHL Texas to begin the campaign.

Fowler made 21 saves in a 3-2 win over the Rangers on Thursday.

Fowler carried a shutout until the 9:23 mark of the third period when Adam Fox put the puck past him when he was down on the ice. He has won three consecutive games with just six goals against in that span (.914 save percentage). Fowler is the Habs' star of the future, and he's starting to flex those muscles now.

Caufield scored twice Thursday in a 3-2 win over the Rangers.

The goals are numbers 48 and 49 for Caufield, who is now within one snipe of league leader, Nathan MacKinnon. His second goal of the night gave the Habs the lead with 5:05 left in the third. Caufield has been tickling twine at an outrageous pace -- he has 28 goals in his past 27 games. The Rocket Richard Trophy is within reach.

Helenius (undisclosed) is expected to return to the lineup Thursday versus the Predators, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Helenius missed one game due to the injury. He's gone 12 games without a goal and has just two assists in that span, though he generates most of his value through physicality. Helenius is slated to skate on the Kings' fourth line.