NHL Player News

Dobes made 36 saves in a 4-1 win over Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

The score betrays what actually happened Tuesday. The Habs scored twice into an empty net. The ice had been tilted toward the Habs' net all night, and Dobes was outstanding. He had to be -- he was dueling with the NHL's best netminder in Andrei Vasilevskiy. Dobes has now won four straight starts with just five goals allowed (.965 save percentage). He's helped the Habs climb to within two points of the Bolts for second in the Atlantic division.

Jiricek scored twice and added three assists in OHL Brantford's 6-5 overtime win over Sudbury in Game 3 on Tuesday.

Jiricek had been limited to one assist over the first two games of the playoffs before this eruption. The Blues prospect broke out with 59 points in 55 regular-season outings this season. He's poised to continue his strong scoring contributions as the Bulldogs battle during the postseason. They're one win away from advancing to the second round of the OHL playoffs.

Slafkovsky had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

Slafkovsky wired a one-timer from the right circle past Andrei Vasilevskiy on a 5-on-3 power play in the opening frame. It was Slafkovsky's 29th goal of the season. The 22-year-old continues to pad his career totals this season (29 goals, 37 assists; 66 points) and showcase his development as a power forward. He has 29 goals, 36 assists, 159 shots, 98 hits and 74 blocks in 74 contests this season.

Huang notched three assists in QMJHL Chicoutimi's 6-1 win over Halifax in Game 3 on Tuesday.

Huang is up to four helpers over three playoff games. That matches his point total from 11 postseason contests a year ago. Huang erupted for 70 points in 62 regular-season appearances, as well as a plus-58 rating as a leader on the blueline for the Sagueneens this year.

Lundestrom (undisclosed) will be evaluated Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's game versus the Hurricanes, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Lundestrom can be considered day-to-day heading into Thursday's rematch versus the Hurricanes. If he can't play, Luca Del Bel Belluz would likely enter the lineup in his place.

Caufield had a goal and an assist Tuesday in a 4-1 win over the Lightning.

Caufield has 10 goals (six assists) in his last 10 games and 47 snipes on the season (80 points). No Canadien has hit the 50-goal mark in 36 years. Stephane Richer last did it in 1989-90. Caufield is also just two goals behind Nathan MacKinnon (49) for the NHL lead. Is a Rocket Richard trophy in his sights? Sure, but the climb is steep.

Carrick (arm) will be evaluated after sustaining the injury in the third period of Tuesday's game versus the Islanders, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports.

Lenzi adds that Carrick's teammates didn't seem all that positive regarding the center's injury. Until Carrick's injury evaluation is complete, there won't be a timeline for his return. Tyson Kozak or Josh Dunne would be the logical options to enter the lineup if Carrick is forced to miss time.

Sebrango (undisclosed) may have gotten nicked up at the end of Tuesday's game versus the Senators, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Sebrango's injury is not confirmed yet, but the Panthers also lost Aaron Ekblad (hand) and Dmitry Kulikov (face) in this contest. The 24-year-old Sebrango will be day-to-day ahead of Thursday's game versus the Bruins.

Vasilevskiy made 19 saves in a 4-1 loss to Montreal on Thursday.

The game was a lot closer than the score suggests. Vasilevskiy allowed just two goals. He was outdueled by Jakub Dobes, who faced 37 pucks in the Montreal net. It was Vasilevskiy's first regulation loss since March 14 (seven starts). His Vezina-caliber season continues. He leads in the NHL in wins (35), is second in GAA (2.33) and is tied with Logan Thompson for second in save percentage (.913).

Kulikov (face) will require a CT scan after taking a puck to the face Tuesday versus the Senators, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Until the test results are in, Kulikov's status will be up in the air. The 35-year-old defenseman was held off the scoresheet in all 15 appearances in March after missing 57 contests after getting hurt in October. The Panthers are likely to need a defenseman or two from AHL Charlotte since Aaron Ekblad (hand) and Donovan Sebrango (undisclosed) are also ailing.