NHL Player News

Stankoven scored a goal in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over the Flyers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round.

It was his league-leading seventh goal of the postseason. The Hurricanes swept the Flyers to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. So far, Carolina has a perfect 8-0 record while being led offensively by the second line of Stankoven, Jackson Blake and Taylor Hall. Stankoven has eight points, 31 shots on net and 14 hits through eight appearances in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Abols (ankle) isn't close to being an option for a return to the lineup. according to Jonathan Bailey of The Hockey News on Saturday.

Abols sported a non-contact jersey during Saturday's morning skate, Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. The 30-year-old Abols remains on injured reserve and hasn't played since Jan. 17 against the Rangers.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) won't play against Colorado on Saturday in Game 3, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Eriksson Ek is dealing with a day-to-day injury, but he didn't participate in Saturday's morning skate and will miss his third straight game. It remains unclear when he will be available to return to the lineup. He has generated three goals, five points, 24 shots on net, three blocked shots and 15 hits across six appearances this postseason.

Suzuki scored an empty-net goal on four shots in Friday's 5-1 win over the Sabres in Game 2.

Suzuki's goal streak is up to three games, and he's added 10 shots on net and six hits in that span. The top-line center is up to eight points, 17 shots, 20 hits, 10 blocked shots and a minus-4 rating across nine playoff outings. Suzuki will continue to be a key part of the Canadiens' offense as the series shifts to Montreal for Games 3 and 4 on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively.

Carrick (arm) will be an option for Game 3 against Montreal on Sunday, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

Carrick could replace Tyson Kozak, who skipped Saturday's practice for maintenance, in Sunday's lineup versus the Canadiens. The 34-year-old Carrick hasn't played since March 31 against the Islanders because of a left arm injury. He had nine goals, 16 points, 75 shots on net and 106 hits across 73 appearances between the Sabres and Rangers during the 2025-26 regular season.

Newhook scored two goals Friday in the Canadiens' 5-1 win over the Sabres in Game 2 of their second-round series.

The 25-year-old struck early in the first and second periods as Montreal built a 3-0 lead it wouldn't relinquish. Newhook has three goals in nine appearances so far this postseason, and all three have come in the last three contests. He'll look to stay hot in Game 3 on Sunday, back on home ice.

Karlsson logged an assist, two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 6-2 win over the Ducks in Game 3.

Karlsson has played in all three games in the second round against the Ducks. He saw 19:20 of ice time Friday, which is especially notable considering the game was a blowout that would have been a good time to afford him some rest. The center missed 74 consecutive games due to a lower-body injury, but Friday's performance suggests he's as healthy as he can be for the rest of the postseason. Karlsson is likely to continue playing in a middle-six role.

Howden scored an empty-net goal, dished an assist, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Friday's 6-2 win over the Ducks in Game 3.

Howden helped out on the second goal of Mitch Marner's hat trick midway through the second period before adding an empty-netter of his own in the third. After a quiet start to the postseason, Howden has thrived with top-six responsibilities lately. He's up to six goals, two helpers, 16 shots on net, 25 hits, four PIM and a plus-3 rating over nine playoff contests.

Eriksson EK (lower body) hasn't been ruled out for Saturday's Game 3 clash with Colorado, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

Eriksson Ek has been out of action for both games of the Wild's second-round series due to his lower-body issue. In six games against the Stars in the first round, the 29-year-old center notched three goals and two assists, including a pair of power-play markers. If Eriksson Ek is given the green light to play in Game 3, he should reclaim a spot in the top six in addition to seeing power-play minutes.

Carrick (arm) will not be in the lineup versus the Canadiens for Game 2 on Friday, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

According to head coach Lindy Ruff, if the Sabres absolutely needed Carrick for a Game 7, the 34-year-old center could be an option. With the team up 1-0 in the series, it seems it will give the Ontario native an extra few days off. Given the update, fantasy managers could probably plan to see Carrick in the lineup for Game 3 on Sunday. Whenever he returns to action, it figures to be in a bottom-six role.