NHL Player News

Bennett scored two power-play goals Thursday in a 3-2 win over Toronto.

Bennett's first goal was a jam play on a rebound from the top of the crease. He got his second late in the third from the low slot on a feed from Sam Bennett from behind the net. Bennett is riding a four-game, five-point scoring streak (three goals, two assists). He's just five points from matching his career mark of 49 set in 2021-22 and on pace to deliver 55 this season.

Tavares scored a goal in a 3-2 loss to Florida on Thursday.

Tavares opened the scoring early in the first period when he one-timed a pass at the bottom of the right face-off circle past Sergei Bobrovsky. JT had his scoring streak snapped Monday against Utah, but the fact remains the pivot has been hot since the start of February. Tavares has put up at least one point in 11 of his last 14 games, and 14 points (seven goals, seven assists; 29 shots) in that span. He's had a strong season overall (27 goals, 29 assists, 154 shots; 58 games) after putting up 65 points in 80 regular-season games last year. He's a UFA this offseason, so it's a great time for him to put this type of performance.

Domi scored a goal Thursday in a 3-2 loss to the Panthers.

Domi's production has been way down this season, which has been a disappointment for fantasy managers who took a chance on him this season. He has two goals and four assists in his last nine games, though, so he has clearly picked up the pace a bit over the last few weeks. But Domi has just 12 shots in that span, and he's still deployed on the third line. His game is best suited for a top-six deployment, and that won't happen in Toronto.

Novak (lower body) won't play Thursday versus St. Louis.

It will be Novak's second straight game on the shelf. He has 13 goals and 22 points in 54 appearances between Nashville and Pittsburgh this season. When healthy, Novak will likely serve in a middle-six capacity.

Janmark (illness) will not play Thursday versus the Devils, Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic reports.

Janmark was deemed questionable as of Wednesday and will ultimately have to miss a game while under the weather. Kasperi Kapanen will replace Janmark in the lineup. It's unclear if Janmark will be able to suit up versus the Islanders on Friday.

Zary has been suspended for two games by the Department of Player Safety on Thursday.

Zary will miss games against the Avalanche and Maple Leafs on Friday and Monday, respectively, while serving his suspension for elbowing Vancouver Elias Pettersson in Wednesday's contest. With Zary unavailable, Adam Klapka could slide into a fourth-line role, though the Flames may have to call up a player from the minors if Mikael Backlund (upper body) can't play either.

Veleno (illness) is slated to be in the lineup Thursday versus San Jose, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports.

Veleno missed practice Wednesday with his illness, but has not missed any game action. Veleno was dealt from Detroit at the deadline with Petr Mrazek going to Detroit. Veleno had five goals and five assists in 56 games with the Red Wings this season and has yet to hit the scoresheet in two games with Chicago since the trade.

Gregor (not injury related) will enter the lineup versus Chicago on Thursday, per Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News.

Gregor apparently has had his immigration paperwork completed and is now eligible to play in the United States after his trade from Ottawa at the deadline. Gregor had four goals and two assists in 40 games with Ottawa this season. He will replace Carl Grundstrom on the fourth line, alongside Patrick Giles and Barclay Goodrow.

Howden (personal) will be in the lineup versus Columbus on Thursday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

Howden missed just one game while attending to a personal matter but will be back in action Thursday. The 26-year-old forward is currently in the midst of an offensive upswing, having recorded one goal and seven helpers in his last eight contests. It's been a career year for Howden, having set new personal bests in goals (17) and points (30).

Zary will have a hearing with the Department of Player Safety on Thursday for elbowing.

At this point, Zary should be expected to miss at least one game due to suspension, though it could certainly be longer. With the winger set to at least be unavailable versus the Avalanche on Friday, Adam Klapka will likely jump into the lineup against Colorado in what would be just his 14th NHL game of the season.