NHL Player News

Wallstedt made 27 saves during the Wild's 6-1 win over the Stars in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Saturday.

A Jason Robertson power-play tally late in the second period spoiled Wallstedt's shutout bid, but the rookie netminder otherwise had an answer for everything Dallas fired his way. Wallstedt hasn't allowed more than two goals in seven straight starts dating back to March 19, and with Filip Gustavsson having struggled down the stretch during the regular season, Wallstedt is getting the chance to lock down the top job in the Wild crease for the team's postseason run.

Bystedt logged three assists in AHL San Jose's 4-3 overtime win over Bakersfield on Saturday.

Bystedt has broken out this season with 22 goals and 38 helpers over 65 appearances. He's picked up four goals and nine assists over his last 13 contests to remain consistent on offense. Bystedt should be in the mix for his NHL debut in 2026-27.

Perunovich recorded three assists in AHL Tucson's 5-4 win over Henderson on Saturday.

Perunovich has displayed quality scoring with nine goals and 40 helpers over 64 outings this season. That includes two goals and 11 assists over his last 11 contests. The 27-year-old's scoring ability hasn't translated to the NHL, and at this point, it's not clear when he might get another chance at hockey's highest level.

Hebig scored three goals and added an assist in AHL Tucson's 5-4 win over Henderson on Saturday.

This was Hebig's second multi-point effort in the last five games. The forward has 25 goals and a career-high 54 points over 68 appearances for the Roadrunners this season. It's been a great year for the eight-year AHL veteran, who continues to provide experience for Tucson.

Rust scored a power-play goal on three shots in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Flyers in Game 1.

Rust got the Penguins within a goal at 18:59 of the third period, but they couldn't tie the game. The 33-year-old winger finished the regular season at 29 goals and 65 points in 72 outings, matching his career-best point total from the year before. Rust will see top-line minutes and power-play time throughout the playoffs. In previous postseasons, he's earned a total of 21 goals and 35 points across 79 appearances, including a pair of Stanley Cup championships.

Malkin scored a goal, dished a power-play assist and added two hits in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Flyers in Game 1.

Malkin was rested a couple of times down the stretch, but he earned eight points over five outings in April to close out the regular season. The 39-year-old brings a wealth of experience as a part of three Stanley Cup-winning teams. In his postseason career, he has earned 68 goals and 114 assists over 178 appearances. The veteran forward proved he can still be productive during the 2025-26 regular season, compiling 61 points in 56 contests.

Skinner stopped 17 of 20 shots in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Flyers in Game 1.

Skinner was strong early on, but the Flyers scored a pair of goals in the third period. The 27-year-old Skinner went 4-5-4 with a 3.24 GAA and an .884 save percentage over 14 outings after the Olympic break. That's not a great run of form for the goalie, but he has the edge over Arturs Silovs for playing time. Skinner's experience could be the difference. Over three previous playoff runs, he has a combined 26-22 record with a 2.88 GAA, an .893 save percentage and four shutouts in 50 appearances. That includes taking the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the past two postseasons.

Drysdale scored a goal, added two PIM and blocked two shots in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Penguins in Game 1.

Drysdale ended the regular season on an 11-game goal drought, but he didn't have to wait long to find the twine in the playoffs. The defenseman matched his career high of 32 points in 78 regular-season outings this year. Saturday marked his playoff debut, and he'll be counted on for top-four minutes and power-play time as the Flyers look to make an unexpected run.

Sanheim scored a goal, added four PIM and logged three hits in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Penguins in Game 1.

Sanheim put the Flyers ahead 2-1 at the midway mark of the third period. The 30-year-old defenseman had 37 points in 81 regular-season contests, the second-highest scoring campaign of his NHL career. Sanheim added 95 shots on net, 152 blocked shots, 46 hits and a plus-12 rating. Before this postseason, he produced eight points over 20 outings across two prior playoff runs. He'll see top-four minutes for the Flyers and could feature in all situations, depending on how power-play minutes get distributed.

Martone scored a goal, added three hits and went plus-2 in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Penguins in Game 1.

Martone has gotten on the scoresheet in seven straight games and eight of his 10 outings overall at the NHL level. The 19-year-old jumped right in after signing out of Michigan State University. He's seeing critical top-six minutes and a power-play role, so Martone should be a popular pick for DFS contests and playoff pools, particularly as a steady source of shots and hits.