NHL Player News

Palat's point drought reached 13 games in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Panthers on Saturday.

Palat had four points over his first nine games with the Islanders after getting traded from the Devils. He's gone cold since then, and a drop into the bottom six, as well as a loss of power-play time, explains the decline in production. The veteran winger doesn't have to score to be effective -- he's defensively sound and plays a physical game. Palat is at five goals, 14 points, 79 shots on net, 120 hits, 63 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating over 73 appearances this season.

Cizikas scored a goal on four shots, added two hits and went plus-2 in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Panthers.

Cizikas had the fifth goal of the second period for the Islanders. The tally ended his six-game point drought. Cizikas continues to operate as the fourth-line center, and he's earned 17 points over 73 contests this season, matching his point total from 82 regular-season outings a year ago. Cizikas also has 66 shots on net, 140 hits, 52 blocked shots, 18 PIM and a minus-3 rating.

Heineman scored a goal on three shots and blocked two shots in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Panthers.

Heineman has enjoyed a rebound in scoring this month with six goals and an assist over 14 contests in March. He's up to 21 goals, 30 points, 167 shots on net, 231 hits, 49 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating over 74 appearances. Heineman still has some work to do to round out his production, but considering he's shooting 12.6 percent this season and has a good shot, this level of production should be his baseline going forward.

Holmstrom scored a power-play goal on three shots in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Panthers.

Holmstrom's go-ahead goal at 14:52 of the second period stood as the game-winner. He has five goals and an assist over his last eight games while filling a middle-six role. This was the winger's first power-play contribution since Jan. 28 versus the Rangers. Holmstrom is up to 19 goals, 39 points, 92 shots on net, 42 blocked shots and a plus-12 rating over 72 appearances, a slight drop in productivity compared to his 45-point effort in 75 regular-season outings a year ago.

Martone has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Flyers, the team announced Sunday.

Martone's contract begins this season, suggesting that he will likely jump right into the Flyers' playoff push. The 19-year-old just wrapped up his first and only NCAA season with Michigan State and was magnificent, registering 50 points (25 goals, 25 assists) in 35 games. His NHL debut will likely come either Tuesday against the Capitals or Thursday vs. the Red Wings.

DeSmith will guard the road goal against Philadelphia on Sunday, according to Mike Heika of the Stars' official site.

DeSmith will get the second half of the Stars' back-to-back after Jake Oettinger played in Saturday's 6-3 win over Pittsburgh. The 34-year-old DeSmith has a 14-7-5 record this season with one shutout, a 2.40 GAA and a .908 save percentage across 27 appearances. Philadelphia is tied for 23rd in the 2025-26 campaign with 2.85 goals per game.

Bastian (hand) won't play Sunday against the Flyers, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Bastian left Saturday's game against the Penguins early after blocking a shot with his hand. He's being evaluated, and it will cost him at least one game out of the lineup. The 28-year-old has seven points (six goals, one assist) in 36 games at the NHL level on the season. His next chance at a return will be Tuesday when the Stars visit the Bruins.

Dobes will defend the road net against the Hurricanes on Sunday, per Canadiens reporter Priyanta Emrith.

Dobes will get the second half of Montreal's back-to-back after Jacob Fowler played in Saturday's 4-1 win over Nashville. The 24-year-old Dobes has won his last two outings, including a 41-save performance in a 5-2 victory over the Hurricanes on Tuesday. He has a 24-8-4 record this campaign with a 2.83 GAA and an .898 save percentage through 36 appearances. Carolina sits fourth in the league with 3.50 goals per game this season.

Bennett (personal) will miss Sunday's game against the Rangers, Rob Darragh of the Panthers' official site reports.

Bennett will miss a second consecutive game and his third of the season overall, as he wasn't in line rushes ahead of Sunday's battle with the Rangers. The 29-year-old has 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists) in 70 games on the season. His next chance at a return will be Tuesday when the Panthers return home to take on the Senators.

Reinhart (foot) won't play against the Rangers on Sunday, Rob Darragh of the Panthers' official site reports.

Reinhart will miss his eighth straight game, and a timeline for his return to the lineup remains unclear. He has generated 29 goals, 61 points, 166 shots on net and 59 hits across 64 appearances this season.