NHL Player News

Crouse scored a goal and doled out 11 hits in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime loss to the Golden Knights in Game 5.

Crouse is up to three goals and two assists over five games this postseason. He's making good use of his top-line role, as all of his points have come at even strength. The physical winger has added 11 shots on net, 35 hits, three blocked shots and two PIM. Crouse is a great target for hits in fantasy, and he won't hurt fantasy managers' offense.

Guenther scored a goal on six shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime loss to the Golden Knights in Game 5.

Guenther has gotten on the scoresheet in the last four games, earning three goals and two assists after going scoreless in the playoff opener. The 23-year-old winger has added 26 shots, 12 hits and an even plus-minus rating over five postseason contests. Guenther has shown the ability to up the physicality without sacrificing offense, and the Mammoth will be counting on him to step up again in Friday's must-win Game 6.

Vejmelka stopped 31 of 36 shots in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime loss to the Golden Knights in Game 5.

Vejmelka allowed just seven goals over the first three games of the series, but he's given up to 10 goals on 72 shots in a pair of defeats past regulation in Games 4 and 5. The 29-year-old's lack of playoff experience, along with a heavy regular-season workload, may be factors in his fade. The Mammoth can't afford another dud from Vejmelka if he starts in a must-win Game 6 at home Friday.

Eichel logged a pair of assists, five shots on goal and two PIM in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime win over the Mammoth in Game 5.

Eichel has displayed his playmaking throughout the postseason, earning a goal and seven assists over five games in this first-round series. The 29-year-old had a hand in the first and last goals of Pavel Dorofeyev's hat trick in Game 5. Eichel has added 18 shots on net, six hits, five blocked shots, four PIM and a plus-1 rating this postseason and will continue to play a big role on the top line.

Howden scored a shorthanded goal and added five hits in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime win over the Mammoth in Game 5.

Howden tallied 5:28 into the second overtime to seal this win, putting the Golden Knights ahead 3-2 in the series. A move into the top six has paid off for the 28-year-old, who has three goalies -- including two while shorthanded -- and an assist over his last two games. Over five playoff contests, he's added nine shots on net, 14 hits and a plus-2 rating. Howden will have increased value in DFS formats as long as he's drawing even-strength assignments alongside Jack Eichel.

Theodore scored a goal on four shots, dished an assist, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime win over the Mammoth in Game 5.

Theodore's pair of points came 1:40 apart in the second period. The defenseman set up the second of Pavel Dorofeyev's three goals to tie the game at 2-2. Shortly later, Theodore gave the Golden Knights their first lead with a goal of his own. He has two goals, one assist, 13 shots on net, 13 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over five playoff contests. He'll continue to fill a top-four role and should maintain a presence on the power play.

Dorofeyev scored three goals on five shots, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime win over the Mammoth in Game 5.

Dorofeyev's goals came late in each regulation period. The 25-year-old winger scored two of his three goals in the final minute of a frame, including an equalizer at 19:07 of the third to force overtime. With four goals over the last two games, Dorofeyev is heating up at the right time. He's added 17 shots on net, three hits and a plus-2 rating across five playoff outings so far while playing primarily in the middle six.

Hart stopped 34 of 38 shots in Wednesday's 5-4 double-overtime win over the Mammoth in Game 5.

Hart kept the Golden Knights in it throughout the game, as they had to come back from deficits in each period of regulation time. The Mammoth seemed to run a bit low on energy as overtime progressed, and Brett Howden's shorthanded tally won it for Vegas. Hart has now allowed four goals in each of the last three games, but he's won two of them to help the Golden Knights record a 3-2 series lead. Expect Hart to get the nod again in Game 6 on Friday in Utah.

Avon scored two goals in AHL Coachella Valley's 3-0 win over Ontario in Game 1 on Wednesday.

Avon put up 24 points over 45 regular-season appearances, his best output in three AHL campaigns. He's already at three goals and an assist over four playoff contests. The 22-year-old doesn't seem to be close to a potential NHL debut given his offensive output, and if it happens in the coming years, he projects as more of a defensive forward.

Kokko posted a 23-save shutout in AHL Coachella Valley's 3-0 win over Ontario in Game 1 on Wednesday.

Kokko went 19-10-2 with a 3.13 GAA and a .901 save percentage over 35 regular-season games. He's allowed 12 goals over four playoff outings, but he's come away with three wins after shutting out the Reign in the first round of the Pacific Division semifinals. Kokko will likely see steady usage for the rest of the Firebirds' postseason run.