NHL Player News

Matheson scored a goal on three shots, added two PIM and went plus-4 in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Capitals.

Matheson had gone 12 games without a goal, though he had seven assists, 21 shots on net and 20 blocked shots in that span. The 32-year-old defenseman has carved out a decent two-way role for himself as a key part of the Canadiens' top four. He has six goals, 29 points, 82 shots, 115 blocks, 26 PIM and a plus-16 rating through 56 appearances.

Evans scored a shorthanded empty-net goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Capitals.

Evans ended a four-game skid with the late tally. The 29-year-old defensive forward continues to do his job effectively in a third-line role. Evans is now at eight goals, 14 points, 50 shots on net, 49 hits, 35 blocked shots and a minus-10 rating over 45 appearances. Between injuries and regression, Evans won't come anywhere near his 36-point effort from 82 regular-season games a year ago, but scoring is almost always secondary for him.

Connors has been recalled from AHL Ontario by the Kings, the team announced Sunday.

Connors has yet to make his NHL debut, serving as depth in a call-up earlier this season right before the Olympic break. The 22-year-old has 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in 49 games played with AHL Ontario. Barring another injury, he will likely just serve as insurance once again while the Kings attempt to get a bit healthier.

Toews notched an assist, four PIM and a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Blackhawks.

This was Toews' first point in five games since he returned from an upper-body injury. The 32-year-old defenseman missed nearly all of January due to the issue, though he had three points in six games for Canada at the Olympics. In the NHL, he's recorded just 14 points with 77 shots on net, 61 blocked shots, 24 PIM and a plus-27 rating over 45 appearances this season.

Kessel made just his fourth appearance in the last 18 games in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Devils.

Colton Parayko (back) was out Saturday, opening the door for Kessel to fill in. When the Blues are at full health, Kessel appears to be out of favor, with Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux most often filling out the defense. For the season, Kessel has three points, 13 shots on net, 12 hits, 15 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 23 appearances.

Buchnevich scored a goal on two shots in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Devils.

Buchnevich tallied with 1:18 left in the third period to break up Jacob Markstrom's shutout bid. With five goals and six helpers over his last nine contests, Buchnevich has maintained his momentum through the Olympic break. The 30-year-old forward is at 13 goals, 36 points, 110 shots on net and a minus-14 rating over 59 appearances. It's a down year for him, but he's turned things around to position himself for a strong finish.

Pesce logged an assist and two blocked shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Blues.

Pesce snapped an 18-game point drought with the helper. He went minus-13 with 18 shots on net and 28 blocked shots in that span. For the season, the 31-year-old defenseman is up to seven points, 43 shots on net, 77 blocks and a minus-12 rating over 36 appearances. Pesce's never been a particularly big scorer, but this could end up as the lowest-scoring campaign in his career.

Booth was loaned to AHL Ontario on Sunday.

Booth was a healthy scratch in Saturday's 2-0 win over Calgary. He has produced one goal and 10 points in 42 minor-league appearances this season. Booth will probably be in the lineup for Sunday's matchup against AHL Bakersfield.

Hughes registered an assist and two shots on goal in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Blues.

Hughes missed 10 games due to a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old defenseman is up to 27 points (eight on the power play), 106 shots on net, 40 blocked shots, 24 PIM and a minus-7 rating over 50 appearances. It's not clear if the shoulder injury was related to previous injuries that impacted him early in each of the last two campaigns, though it's a concern that he continues to deal with issues in that area. As long as he can stay healthy, Hughes should be good for top-four minutes and power-play time.

Nedeljkovic is starting Sunday's game against the Jets, Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reports.

Nedeljkovic will make his first start since Jan. 31 with the Sharks on the second leg of a back-to-back. The 30-year-old is 10-9-2 with a 2.91 GAA and an .899 save percentage entering play Sunday. He faces a Jets team that scores 2.86 goals per game, 24th in the league.