NHL Player News

Wallstedt stopped 34 of 42 shots in Sunday's 9-6 loss to the Avalanche in Game 1. The ninth goal was an empty-netter.

Defense was optional in this contest, and that didn't do Wallstedt any favors. He allowed three goals in a span of 2:01 in the middle of the first period, but it was two more tallies over 2:22 in the third that did him in. Wallstedt was entrusted with the crease to begin the first round against the Stars, but he likely can't afford to have another performance like this one, especially with a veteran in Filip Gustavsson waiting in the wings. Wallstedt is 4-3 with a 2.81 GAA and a .903 save percentage over seven playoff outings even after this awful performance. Game 2 is Tuesday in Colorado, and the Wild have yet to reveal their plans for goaltending in that contest.

Colton notched an assist, two hits and a minus-2 rating in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Colton entered the postseason on a 12-game point drought and then got scratched for the first two contests of the first round versus the Kings. He failed to get on the scoresheet in two outings after replacing Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed) in the lineup, but Colton was able to end the slump Sunday with a helper. The 29-year-old forward managed just 24 points across 73 regular-season appearances, though he added 159 hits and a plus-9 rating from a bottom-six role. In five previous playoff runs, he accumulated 11 goals and 23 points over 64 contests.

Nichushkin registered two assists and two shots on goal in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Nichushkin didn't get on the scoresheet during the first round versus the Kings. He's stuck in a 10-game goal drought and has earned just four assists in that span. The 31-year-old winger put up 49 points across 72 regular-season appearances in a middle-six role this year. Prior to this run, he participated in 79 playoff games, earning a total of 39 points.

Necas notched three assists, three shots on goal, two hits and a plus-3 rating in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Necas was held to just two helpers over four games in the Avalanche's first-round sweep of the Kings. He's already off to a better start in the second round, and he should continue to be productive in a top-line role. The winger picked up 38 goals, 100 points, 206 shots on net, 85 hits and a plus-47 rating over 78 regular-season outings. Necas has played in six previous postseasons, accumulating 12 goals and 35 points over 66 games in those playoff runs.

Blankenburg scored a goal on two shots and went minus-2 in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Blankenburg has played the last two games due to the absence of Josh Manson (upper body). This is Blankenburg's first year in the postseason, though he won't play all the time if the Avalanche's defense gets back to full health. He earned 24 points, 62 shots on net, 59 blocked shots and 55 hits over 61 regular-season appearances between Colorado and Nashville. Expect the 27-year-old blueliner to primarily work on the third pairing when in the lineup.

Drury scored a goal in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Even the Avalanche's fourth line got in on the fun in this one. Drury hadn't scored a goal since his three-point game March 30 versus the Flames, earning just two assists and 16 shots on net over 13 outings in April. He has two points, six shots on net, six hits, two blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating over five playoff appearances. Drury is in the playoffs for the fourth time in his career -- over his previous three postseason runs, he earned 10 points in 31 appearances.

Kadri scored a goal on eight shots, added two hits and went minus-3 in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

This was Kadri's first goal of the postseason, and it stood as the game-winner after giving the Avalanche a 7-5 lead in the third period. The 35-year-old still had a bit of a shaky game from the third line, as he was the only forward trio to finish in the red for plus-minus in a game that was largely contested at even strength. Kadri now has a goal, two assists, 12 shots on net, three hits and a plus-1 rating over five playoff outings this year.

Malinski scored a goal on two shots, added an assist, logged three hits and went plus-3 in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Malinski opened the scoring at 11:12 of the first period and helped out on a Devon Toews tally in the second. The 27-year-old Malinski picked up some extra ice time as Cale Makar battled an injury issue during the contest. Through five playoff outings this year, Malinski has three points, 11 shots on net, 11 blocked shots, five hits and a plus-7 rating. He is seeing postseason action for the second time in his career after logging one assist over five games in last year's playoffs.

Lehkonen scored a power-play goal on three shots, dished an assist, logged three hits, added two PIM and went plus-4 in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Lehkonen put the Avalanche ahead 3-0 on a rebound goal in the first period, and he set up Nathan MacKinnon's empty-netter in the third. This was Lehkonen's second multi-point effort over five playoff contests. He's earned three goals, three assists, 12 shots on net, 14 hits, five blocked shots and a plus-9 rating this postseason. Lehkonen has ample scoring potential as long as he stays on the first line.

MacKinnon scored an empty-net goal on four shots, added two assists (one on the power play) and went plus-3 in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

MacKinnon started the playoffs quiet but has earned back-to-back three-point games. He's at three goals, four helpers, two power-play points, 16 shots on net and a plus-7 rating over five playoff contests. The 30-year-old superstar will be at the forefront of the Avalanche's offense and should be capable of impressive scoring totals even as the competition gets tougher.