NHL Player News

Ostlund (lower body) isn't expected to be available to play in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News on Sunday.

Ostlund sustained the injury in the first period of Game 5 against Boston on Tuesday. He had one goal, one assist, four shots on net and one blocked shot in three appearances during Buffalo's first-round series win over the Bruins. It remains unclear when he will be available to return to the lineup.

Carrick (arm) isn't expected to be an option in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports Sunday.

Carrick is still dealing with a week-to-week injury and hasn't played since March 31 against the Islanders. 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. It remains unclear when he will be available to return to the lineup.

Stankoven scored two goals on five shots and went plus-3 in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Flyers in Game 1 of the second round.

Stankoven opened the scoring just 1:31 into the game and added another tally in the second period. The 23-year-old's point streak is up to 13 games in total, and he's racked up 13 goals and five assists in that span, which dates back to March 31. Stankoven has earned six goals and a helper over five playoff contests, and his line with Jackson Blake and Taylor Hall continues to lead the charge for the Hurricanes' offense.

Thompson logged two assists, five shots on goal, two hits and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 4-1 win over the Bruins in Game 6.

Thompson had the secondary helper on both of the Sabres' first-period goals, which ended up being the difference in this series-clinching win. The 28-year-old contributed two goals, five assists, 26 shots on net, 10 hits, six blocked shots, 18 PIM and a plus-7 rating over six outings in his first playoff series. Thompson will look to remain effective and productive in a top-line role as the Sabres turn their sights to the second round against either the Canadiens or the Lightning.

Norris scored an empty-net goal on two shots, added five hits and went plus-2 in Friday's 4-1 win over the Bruins in Game 6.

Norris had missed the previous three games due to an undisclosed injury. With the empty-netter, the 26-year-old center has earned his first career playoff point, coming in his third postseason game. The center should continue to see middle-six minutes and power-play time if he can remain healthy. He was limited to 34 points, 69 shots on net, 24 hits, 27 blocked shots and 28 PIM over 44 regular-season outings.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) is questionable for Game 1 against Colorado on Sunday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear if Eriksson Ek will travel with his teammates ahead of Minnesota's Round 2 series opener against the Avalanche. He fell awkwardly into the boards in Game 6 against Dallas on Thursday, but he managed to return to the contest. However, he didn't participate in Saturday's practice.

Goncalves scored the overtime winner Friday in the Lightning's 1-0 victory over the Canadiens in Game 6 of their first-round series.

The 25-year-old winger scored the greasiest of goals midway through the first extra period, camping out in front of Jakub Dobes and banging home his own rebound after Dominic James shoveled the puck into the crease. It was Goncalves' first goal and second point of the postseason, and the bottom-six grinder's heroics kept the Lightning's campaign alive and forced a Game 7 on Sunday.

Sissons scored a goal, added five hits and went plus-2 in Friday's 5-1 win over the Mammoth in Game 6.

Sissons scored at 9:39 of the third period, answering Kailer Yamamoto's tally for the Mammoth. With four points over six contests in the first round, Sissons showed his experience and value in a bottom-six role. He added six shots on net, 18 hits, four blocked shots and a plus-3 rating while primarily playing on the fourth line.

Howden scored a goal on two shots in Friday's 5-1 win over the Mammoth in Game 6.

Howden was quiet to begin the postseason, but he's earned four goals and an assist over his last three contests. That corresponds to a move into the top six for the 28-year-old, who is likely to stay there as long as he remains productive on offense. Howden will look to keep his scoring going against the Ducks in the second round.

McBain (lower body) is expected to be in the lineup in Friday's Game 6 versus the Golden Knights, per the NHL media site.

McBain was out of the lineup for the last four games, though the team had not indicated it was for an injury until Friday. The 26-year-old is expected to fill a fourth-line role. Barrett Hayton (upper body) will exit the lineup after returning from an injury of his own in Game 5.