NHL Player News

Manson (undisclosed) was a full participant in Sunday's practice, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

After sitting out Saturday's on-ice session and being listed as day-to-day, Manson should be available for Game 1 against Vegas on Wednesday. Through the first two rounds of the 2026 playoffs, he has contributed two assists, eight shots on net and 13 hits in five appearances.

Xhekaj scored a goal, added 12 PIM and doled out three hits in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Xhekaj tied the game at 1-1 with his first career playoff goal. He's up to two points, eight shots on net, 44 hits, six blocked shots, 28 PIM and a plus-4 rating over 12 playoff contests this year. Xhekaj's not a firm lock for the lineup, but he's been active for all but one game this postseason despite a fairly limited role on the third pairing.

Demidov scored a power-play goal on five shots in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Demidov has found a groove lately with two goals and three assists over his last four games. The 20-year-old rookie is up to seven points (five on the power play), 29 shots on net, 14 hits and a plus-1 rating over 13 playoff contests. Demidov continues to play on the second line with a significant power-play role. Getting him to extend his point streak would go a long way to helping the Canadiens in Game 7 on Monday.

Evans scored a shorthanded goal, dished an assist and added 12 PIM in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Evans made his presence felt in the first period, though he wasn't able to put in a full-game performance in this lopsided loss. He's earned two goals and five assists during his five-game point streak. For the postseason, he's at eight points, 17 shots on net, 28 hits, 12 blocked shots, 20 PIM and a plus-8 rating over 13 appearances in a middle-six role.

Fowler allowed a goal on two shots in relief of Jakub Dobes in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Fowler hadn't appeared in a game since he backstopped a 4-1 win over the Islanders on April 12. The 21-year-old rookie played the last half of the third period, aside from a stretch where the Canadiens opted for an extra attacker before Tage Thompson's empty-net goal. Fowler could have been with AHL Laval during its playoff run, but he has stayed in the NHL instead as Dobes' backup. It's been Dobes' crease this postseason, as Fowler still has some work to do to be an NHL regular. Fowler should earn some starts for Montreal in 2026-27 after going 9-6-2 with a 2.43 GAA and a .908 save percentage in 17 regular-season outings this year.

Dobes allowed six goals on 33 shots in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Dobes gave up a goal 32 seconds into the game, but the Canadiens quickly responded to earn a 3-1 lead. The 24-year-old netminder didn't get any additional help, but he needed it -- the Sabres scored seven straight to close out the contest. Dobes was pulled after Jack Quinn's tally midway through the third period, allowing Jacob Fowler to make his playoff debut. Dobes is down to 7-6 with a 2.59 GAA and a .906 save percentage over 13 outings this postseason. Despite this shaky performance, he's likely to get the nod in Game 7 in Buffalo on Monday, as he's yet to lose consecutive games during this playoff run.

Metsa scored a goal in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Metsa made his playoff debut Saturday, replacing Luke Schenn in the lineup. Metsa had six points, 24 shots on net, 31 blocked shots and a plus-16 rating over 43 regular-season appearances in his first taste of NHL action this year. It's a statement that the 27-year-old was trusted over both of the Sabres' big defensive trade acquisitions in an elimination game, Logan Stanley being the other, and it suggests Metsa will remain in the lineup for Monday's Game 7.

Helenius scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Helenius has tallied in each of the last two games, making himself a quick regular in the Sabres' bottom six. The 20-year-old's goal Saturday put the Sabres ahead 5-3 in a game they once trailed 3-1. Helenius has added seven shots on net, three blocked shots, two hits and a plus-2 rating over three playoff outings. Given his role, the offense isn't likely to last, but it's a good sign he's showing he can handle a high-pressure situation.

Zucker scored a power-play goal on two shots and added an assist in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Zucker earned his first multi-point effort since April 8 versus the Rangers. The winger has had a quiet postseason, though that could be changing, as he's earned three of his four points over the last two contests. He's added 18 shots on net, 17 hits and a minus-3 rating through 12 playoff outings.

Benson scored a goal on six shots, dished an assist, added 10 PIM, blocked two shots and went plus-3 in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Benson has earned three goals and three assists over six games in the second round. He's also been right in the mix when things get nasty in the playoffs -- he's earned five misconduct penalties this postseason. The 21-year-old winger is up to five goals, four assists, 24 shots on net, 16 hits, 62 PIM and a plus-7 rating over 12 playoff contests while often playing in a top-six role.