NHL Player News

Skinner will patrol the home crease against Philadelphia on Saturday in Game 1, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports.

Skinner went 2-0-1 in three games against the Flyers during the 2025-26 regular season, stopping 64 of 71 shots. Still, he was inconsistent down the stretch, posting a 4-4-1 record with a 3.50 GAA and an .876 save percentage in his last 10 outings.

Samuelsson (rest) participated in Saturday's practice ahead of Buffalo's playoff opener against Boston on Sunday, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

Samuelsson returned to the top pairing after skipping Wednesday's matchup against Dallas to get some additional rest. He had a career year offensively during the 2025-26 regular season, collecting 13 goals and 41 points in 78 appearances. He also added 109 shots on net, 154 blocked shots and 132 hits.

Zucker (rest) will be back in action for Game 1 on Sunday versus Boston, according to Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

Like many Sabre starters, Zucker was given the night off Wednesday in their regular-season finale. Zucker finished the season with 24 goals and 21 assists in 62 games, including 10 goals and 16 points on the power play.

Dahlin (rest) participated in Saturday's practice ahead of his playoff debut against Boston on Sunday in Game 1, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

Dahlin concluded the 2025-26 regular season with 19 goals, 74 points, 194 shots on net, 79 blocked shots and 67 hits across 77 games. He will likely log heavy minutes during the playoffs and possesses the scoring talent to be a difference-maker on the scoresheet.

McLeod (rest) was at practice Saturday and will return to action for Game 1 versus Boston on Sunday, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.

McLeod missed his first game of the campaign against Dallas on Wednesday. He ended the 2025-26 regular season with 14 goals and 54 points in 81 regular-season appearances. Heading into the playoffs, he will center the second line. McLeod also should see time on the power play and penalty kill.

Thompson (rest) will return to the lineup for Game 1 versus Boston on Sunday, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports.

Thompson was given the night off against Dallas on Wednesday, as the Sabres had already clinched first place in the Atlantic Division. Thompson had 40 goals and 41 assists in 81 games during the 2025-26 regular season, the third time he has hit the 40-goal mark in the last four campaigns.

Bogosian (lower body) is expected to return to the lineup against Dallas on Saturday in Game 1, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Bogosian sat out the final six games of the regular season due to an injury. However, he should return to the lineup in Minnesota's playoff opener. During the 2025-26 regular season, he provided two goals, six points, 30 shots on net, 37 blocked shots and 47 hits in 41 appearances.

Vladar will defend the road cage against Pittsburgh in Game 1 on Saturday, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

Vladar was a major reason why the Flyers are in the playoffs. He posted a 29-14-7 record with a 2.42 GAA and a .906 save percentage across 52 regular-season contests in 2025-26. However, he did struggle against the Penguins, going 1-1-0 while allowing eight goals on only 50 shots.

Jarventie scored twice in AHL Bakersfield's 5-2 win over San Jose on Friday.

Jarventie has managed 23 goals and 47 points over 60 outings this season. The winger has six goals and four assists over his last six games for the Condors. Jarventie could be a call-up option during the Oilers' playoff run given his recent scoring success.

Poulin scored two goals in AHL Bakersfield's 5-2 win over San Jose on Friday.

Poulin's offense has reached another level this season with 21 goals and 49 points over 70 appearances between Bakersfield and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Both of those marks are career highs for him. Poulin hasn't made his Oilers debut yet since he was dealt from the Penguins as part of the Tristan Jarry trade.