NHL Player News

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.

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.