NHL Player News

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.

Toews scored a goal, dished three assists and went plus-4 in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Toews' performance in this contest surpassed his scoring total from all four games in the first round versus the Kings (one goal, two assists). The 32-year-old defenseman doesn't always make his presence felt on offense, but he should be good for steady top-four minutes while shutting down other teams' best forwards. Toews has two goals, five helpers, five shots on net, six blocked shots and a plus-7 rating over five playoff outings this year.

Makar scored twice on three shots, added an assist, blocked two shots, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Makar missed a large portion of the first period due to an injury concern, which head coach Jared Bednar had no update on after the game, per Ryan Boulding of NHL.com. The fact that Makar was not only able to return to the contest but also contribute is a positive sign, even if he's not at 100 percent. He was the only one of the 14 different goal scorers to pot multiple tallies Sunday. Makar has four goals, one assist, 15 shots on net, 13 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating over five playoff contests.

Wedgewood allowed six goals on 36 shots in Sunday's 9-6 win over the Wild in Game 1.

Wedgewood allowed more goals in this game against the Wild than he did in the entire first-round sweep of the Kings (five goals on 101 shots). While the step up in competition is obvious, Wedgewood has had few true duds all season. The 33-year-old has won all five of his postseason outings, and unless he continues to struggle against the Wild, he will have the edge over Mackenzie Blackwood for starts. Game 2 is set for Tuesday in Colorado.

Cootes scored a goal and added two assists in WHL Prince Albert's 7-6 win over Medicine Hat in Game 6 on Sunday.

Cootes' effort in the high-scoring game helped the Raiders close out the WHL's Eastern Conference Finals with a 4-2 series win. He was limited to a goal and six helpers in the series, earning all of that offense in three contests while going scoreless in the other three. He's at six goals, 12 assists and a plus-3 rating across 15 playoff contests. Cootes will look to keep the offense rolling against Everett in the WHL Finals, with a trip to the Memorial Cup on the line.

Wallstedt will guard the road crease in Sunday's Game 1 against the Avalanche, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

Wallstedt is coming off a strong finish to the first round against the Stars, as he won the last three games while posting a 1.81 GAA and a .933 save percentage during that stretch. The 23-year-old rising star has a 4-2-0 record, a 2.05 GAA and a .924 save percentage overall this postseason. He'll be matched up against a Colorado team that scored 13 goals in a four-game sweep of Los Angeles in the first round. Wallstedt put together a mixed bag of results against the Avalanche during the regular season, with a 1-1-1 record across four appearances.

Hughes scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Texas' 5-4 overtime win over Chicago in Game 4 on Sunday.

Hughes helped Texas keep its playoff run alive with this performance. He's earned six points over four playoff contests this season after producing a career-best 68 points in 65 regular-season outings. Hughes also saw action in three NHL games, picking up his first point, a goal, in an April 9 game against the Wild.

Postava recorded a 30-save shutout in AHL Grand Rapids' 2-0 win over Manitoba in Game 2 on Sunday.

Postava and the Griffins were on the wrong end of a shutout in Game 1 on Saturday. He's stopped 52 of 53 shots across two playoff outings so far, and it's notable Postava is getting these starts instead of top prospect Sebastian Cossa. Postava impressed with a 17-6-0 record, four shutouts, a 1.71 GAA and a .937 save percentage over 25 regular-season outings.

Dobson (thumb) is expected to play in Game 7 against Tampa Bay on Sunday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Dobson will make his 2026 playoff debut after getting injured against Columbus on April 11. In the 2025-26 regular season, he provided 12 goals, 47 points, 158 shots on net, 188 blocked shots and 62 hits in 80 games. Dobson will replace Arber Xhekaj in Sunday's lineup versus the Lightning.

Dobes will patrol the road crease in Sunday's Game 7 against the Lightning, per Eric Engels of Sportsnet.

Dobes allowed just one goal on 33 shots during Friday's overtime loss in Game 6. He has fared well in this first-round series, with a 3-3-0 record, a 2.19 GAA and a .916 save percentage. Dobes has alternated wins and losses all series, proving his ability to bounce back hasn't been shaken. The 24-year-old goalie will look to win his first career Game 7 in hopes of helping Montreal reach the second round.