NHL Player News

Andersen is expected to get the starting nod on the road against the Canadiens in Game 4 on Wednesday.

Andersen has suffered just one loss in the postseason, coming at the hands of the Canadiens in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He has a 10-1 record, a 1.56 GAA and a .923 save percentage in his last 11 outings. Despite sharing the workload and appearing in just 35 contests during the regular season, he has cemented himself as Carolina's No. 1 in the playoffs.

Landeskog scored a goal on two shots, added two PIM and doled out three hits in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Landeskog scored in three of four games in this series, accounting for nearly half of the Avalanche's seven goals. The captain's efforts weren't enough as his team went down in a sweep. He put up a total of six goals, five assists, 37 shots on net, 40 hits, 14 PIM and a plus-4 rating over 13 outings this postseason.

Blackwood stopped 24 of 26 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Blackwood put in a good performance, but the Avalanche's offense didn't give enough support in the season-ending loss. Blackwood ended up allowing eight goals on 73 shots over four playoff outings while most often playing second fiddle to Scott Wedgewood. Both goalies are under contract for next year, which may lead to a tandem approach in the Colorado crease once again if they play at a level similar to the one they displayed in 2025-26.

Smith scored a goal on two shots, added two PIM and logged three hits in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Avalanche in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Smith's goal at 14:15 of the third period was an important one. It put the Golden Knights ahead 2-0, and it ended up being needed insurance when Gabriel Landeskog scored a few minutes later. The tally ended a nine-game point drought for Smith, who has managed to stay in the lineup despite a recent string of penalties. The 30-year-old winger has three goals, two assists, 10 shots on net, 66 hits, 22 PIM and a plus-4 rating over 16 playoff contests in a fourth-line role.

Stone scored a goal on two shots and added three hits in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Avalanche in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Stone opened the scoring at 4:42 of the first period after receiving an excellent pass from Brayden McNabb. The 34-year-old Stone has three points over his last two games, with his return helping the Golden Knights complete their sweep over the Avalanche. Stone will likely benefit from the rest ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals -- he is managing a lower-body issue that has seen him limited to the third line. He's earned five goals, five assists, 23 shots on net, 19 hits and a minus-1 rating over 11 playoff outings.

Hart stopped 20 of 21 shots in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Avalanche in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

Hart and a tight defensive performance from the Golden Knights was enough to get the sweep over the Presidents' Trophy winners. Hart has now won six straight games, and he's allowed just 10 goals in that span. Overall, he's at a 12-4 record with a 2.22 GAA and a .922 save percentage over 16 playoff outings. He'll have some time to rest ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals, which will see Vegas oppose either Carolina or Montreal.

Nichushkin (lower body) will not play Tuesday in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Golden Knights, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

Nichushkin didn't take the ice for warmups, indicating he'll be out in a must-win game for the Avalanche. If they're able to extend the series, Nichushkin will be questionable to play at home in Game 5 on Thursday.

Loof signed a two-year contract with Ilves of Finland's Liiga on Tuesday.

Loof had two goals and six points in 47 regular-season games for AHL Springfield in 2025-26. He is eligible for restricted free agency this summer, and the Blues can retain his NHL rights by giving him a qualifying offer. The 24-year-old Loof has spent the past three campaigns in the minors and hasn't seen any NHL action yet.

Nichushkin (lower body) is questionable for Game 4 in Vegas on Tuesday, per Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.

If Nichushkin is unable to suit up for Game 4, Joel Kiviranta will likely come into the lineup, but the Avalanche could also elect to roll with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. While Nichushkin is set to be a game-time call Tuesday, Nathan MacKinnon (lower body) is set to be in the lineup for a must-win game. The 31-year-old Nichushkin has been cold lately, accounting for just one goal and a minus-1 rating across Colorado's last six games.

MacKinnon (lower body) will play against Vegas on Tuesday in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports.

MacKinnon had one assist, five shots on net, two hits and one blocked shot in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Vegas in Game 3. He sustained the injury in the second period of Sunday's defeat, but he managed to stay in the game. Even though he probably isn't fully healthy, he could still make an impact. Colorado needs to win in Game 4 to stay alive in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.