NHL Player News

Kindel (upper body) won't play Sunday against the Capitals, the Penguins announced.

Kindel will miss a second consecutive game. He's officially day-to-day, so his postseason availability doesn't appear to be in jeopardy. The 18-year-old has had an impressive rookie season, posting 34 points (17 goals, 17 assists) in 76 games. His next shot at a return will be Tuesday against the Blues in the regular-season finale.

Mantha (lower body) won't play against Washington on Sunday.

Mantha is day-to-day and will miss at least one game. He has compiled 32 goals, 62 points, 149 shots on net and 52 hits across 80 appearances this season.

Mercer scored an empty-net goal and took three shots on goal in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Red Wings.

Mercer found the back of the net late in the game when the Red Wings were pushing forward to find a late equalizer. The 24-year-old center hasn't been very consistent despite skating on the first line, but he's ending the regular season on a strong note with four goals over his last six games.

Guenther tallied a power-play goal and placed four shots on net in Saturday's 4-1 loss to Carolina.

Guenther lit the lamp on a power play less than three minutes into the third period to bring the Mammoth within one goal. With Saturday's goal, Guenther became just the 12th player in the NHL to score 40 or more goals this season. Overall, the 23-year-old Guenther has taken a big step forward this season with 72 points, 240 shots on net, 63 hits and 28 blocked shots across 77 games. He's been scorching lately with six goals and 13 points during his seven-game point streak, making him an elite fantasy player to roster for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs.

Gostisbehere supplied two assists, placed three shots on net and served two PIM in Saturday's 4-1 win over Utah.

Gostisbehere notched a secondary helper on Andrei Svechnikov's power-play goal in the opening period before later picking up a primary assist on Sebastian Aho's tally in the third. The pair of helpers brought Gostisbehere up to 37 assists, 50 points, 117 shots on net, 27 hits and 63 blocked shots through 54 games this season. The 32-year-old blueliner is having his best season in terms of points per game, as he's been an efficient contributor on offense when healthy. Saturday's assists helped him secure his third campaign with 50 points or more in the last five seasons. He is a strong fantasy option in all formats for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs.

Martinook distributed two assists in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Mammoth.

Martinook picked up a secondary helper in the first period before sliding the primary assist on Sean Walker's empty-net goal late in the third. With the pair of apples, Martinook now has 17 assists, 29 points, 107 shots on net, 111 hits and 48 blocked shots through 75 games this season. Despite having a down year offensively, the 33-year-old winger is heating up with four assists and six points over his last seven games. He also provides fantasy managers with consistent category-coverage stats, making him a solid streaming option in deep leagues for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs.

Hughes has been loaned back to AHL Texas by the Stars, the team announced Sunday.

Hughes scored his first NHL goal against the Wild on Thursday, part of a two-game run in the NHL as the Stars battle injuries up front. The 29-year-old has been dominant in the AHL this season, registering 66 points (16 goals, 50 assists) in 63 games. He'll return to the AHL to continue to help playoff-bound Texas.

Walker tallied an empty-net goal, put two shots on net, picked up two blocked shots and dished out four hits in Saturday's 4-1 win over Utah.

Walker found the back of Utah's empty net in the final minute of Saturday's contest to seal the 4-1 win for Carolina. The tally brought him up to 30 points across 80 games this season, which is a new career high. Additionally, Saturday's twine finder helped the 31-year-old blueliner extend his point streak to five games. He's also maintained strong category coverage during that span with 10 shots on net, 12 hits and four blocked shots, making him an excellent waiver-wire pickup in category-based leagues for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs.

Ahcan has been recalled from AHL Colorado by the Avalanche, the team announced Sunday.

With the Avalanche already clinching the Presidents' Trophy, and Cale Makar (upper body) and Josh Manson (upper body) battling injuries, reinforcements are coming from the minors. The 28-year-old Ahcan has been impressive in the AHL this season, posting 50 points (11 goals, 39 assists) in 60 games. He's likely to draw into the lineup against the Oilers on Monday.

Aho netted a goal, fired five shots on net, recorded two blocked shots and served four PIM in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Mammoth.

Aho tacked on an even-strength goal late in the third period to put the Hurricanes up 3-1. Since March 4, he's helped pace Carolina's offense with 21 points over his last 19 games. Overall, the 28-year-old center is up to 27 goals, 80 points, 196 shots on net, 63 hits and 23 blocked shots through 79 games this season. His goal Saturday helped him secure the fourth campaign of his 10-year NHL career with 80 points or more. He'll look to maintain his momentum heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.