NHL Player News

Suzuki notched four assists, three shots on goal, two hits, 10 PIM and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Islanders.

Three of the four helpers came on the power play. The top-line trio of Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield led the charge in this contest, combining for five goals and 13 points. Suzuki has three goals and eight assists during a six-game point streak, and he's up to 85 points (39 on the power play), 152 shots on net, 54 hits, 54 blocked shots, 24 PIM and a plus-27 rating through 69 appearances. Suzuki is well on his way to reaching the 90-point mark for the first time, and the century mark isn't out of the question given his high level of consistent production.

Newhook scored a goal on three shots in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Islanders.

Newhook's goal tied the game at 2-2 in the second period. He's scored twice over his last four outings, giving him 10 goals and 20 points through 29 appearances this season. The 25-year-old has added 39 shots on net, 36 hits and a plus-8 rating. Newhook is filling a second-line role at even strength and seeing some power-play time. A fractured ankle cost Newhook over three months earlier in the season, but he's shown no rust since his return.

Guhle scored a goal on three shots, dished two assists, went plus-3, added 14 PIM, doled out two hits and blocked four shots in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Islanders.

Guhle was all over this game, and it was his goal that stood as the game-winner. He had earned just five assists over 23 outings since returning from a groin injury in early January. The 24-year-old defenseman is better known for his physical play, but he can chip in offense as well. He's at two goals, 10 points, 31 shots on net, 60 hits, 47 blocked shots, 31 PIM and an even plus-minus rating over 29 appearances this season.

Slafkovsky scored twice on four shots and added two assists in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Canadiens.

Slafkovsky's first goal and assist each came on the power play, and he added a pair of even-strength points in the third period to help the Canadiens build up their lead. The 21-year-old has gotten on the scoresheet in nine of 10 games in March, earning six goals and nine helpers this month. He's up to 27 goals, 61 points, 151 shots on net, 93 hits, 66 blocked shots, 44 PIM and a plus-5 rating over 69 outings. Slafkovsky's still got a few weeks to add onto his numbers in what's become his breakout year with a strong second half.

Caufield had a hat trick, including two power-play goals, and added two assists in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Islanders.

Caufield scored three times over the last 21 minutes of the game. He also set up both of Juraj Slafkovsky's goals, one of which came with a man advantage. Caufield has been superb since he was passed over for Team USA's Olympic roster, racking up 11 goals and six assists over 11 contests since the tournament. Saturday's effort gave Caufield a career year with 74 points (43 goals, 31 helpers) through 68 appearances, and he's earned 25 power-play points, 208 shots on net and a plus-21 rating as well.

Fowler stopped 19 of 22 shots in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Islanders.

Fowler wasn't at his best, but he got more than enough help thanks to a strong game from the Canadiens' top line. He has won two of three outings since returning to the Canadiens after a two-month stint in the AHL. Fowler is up to 6-5-2 with a 2.72 GAA and an .899 save percentage over 13 starts this season. Montreal's crease work has been split between Fowler and Jakub Dobes for the last two weeks after Sam Montembeault took a tough shootout loss March 6 versus the Ducks.

Lafreniere scored twice and added an assist in WHL Kamloops' 4-3 overtime win over Vancouver on Saturday.

Lafreniere had been limited to two goals over his last five games. He's up to 41 goals and 77 points across 67 appearances this season, up from 56 points in 68 regular-season outings a year ago. Lafreniere has continued to be a high-volume shooter throughout his junior career, which bodes well for his development and offense if he can get the better of goalies at higher levels in future years.

Werenski had three assists in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Kraken.

Werenski was coming off a three-assist performance in the 6-3 win over the Rangers on Thursday, and he delivered the same output in this win over Seattle. The 28-year-old blueliner has 12 assists across 10 games since returning from the Olympics and continues to be one of the most prolific offensive defensemen in the NHL. Werenski has 75 points (20 goals, 55 assists) in 61 games, and he ranks second in total points among defensemen, trailing only Evan Bouchard's total of 78.

Merzlikins stopped 15 of 17 shots in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Kraken.

Merzlikins was beaten late in the first period by Vince Dunn and midway through the second by Kaapo Kakko, but he cruised the rest of the way and didn't have a lot of work overall. The 31-year-old Merzlikins made his first appearance since March 12 and has won two of his last three starts. He remains the No. 2 option behind Jet Greaves, but Merzlikins has allowed only two in each of his last three appearances and could offer solid value down the stretch.

Schmidt scored three goals in WHL Seattle's 5-4 overtime win over Portland on Saturday.

Schmidt has five goals over the last three games. For the season, he's earned 49 goals and 49 assists over 71 appearances between Seattle and Vancouver. Schmidt's elevated game count has helped, but he is third in the WHL in scoring and has one more regular-season contest to add to his totals if he plays Sunday versus Spokane.