NHL Player News

Guentzel set up all of Tampa Bay's goals in a 4-3 overtime loss to Montreal in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Sunday.

Two of his three assists came on the power play, but Guentzel was in the box for the winning goal in overtime after he took a high-sticking minor with 21 seconds left in regulation. Guentzel is looking to earn his second Stanley Cup ring. His first came in 2016-17 with Pittsburgh. Guentzel took a three-game, five-point scoring streak (four assists; seven shots) into Game 1.

Suzuki picked up two power-play assists Sunday in a 4-3 overtime victory over Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round.

Suzuki struggled to find space and time 5-on-5 under the oppressive weight of Anthony Cirelli's shutdown checking, even if the former dominated him at the dot (15-for-21; 71.4 percent). But Suzuki found a way to deliver on the power play. He's considered the frontrunner for the 2026 Selke Trophy, so he'll be matched against the Bolts' top line -- like Cirelli was attached to him -- when the Habs get the last change at home in Games 3 and 4.

McBain (lower body) is suiting up for Game 1 in Vegas on Sunday, per the NHL media site.

McBain missed the last seven games of the regular season due to his injury. It was reported Tuesday that he was still week-to-week, so he either made tremendous progress in his recovery, or head coach Andre Tourigny was playing the gamesmanship card. Liam O'Brien will be a healthy scratch as a result of McBain's return.

Robidas scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Chicago's 5-1 win over Milwaukee on Sunday.

Robidas ended the regular season on a five-game point streak (one goal, seven assists). He had gone 11 contests without a goal before scoring Sunday. Robidas totaled 23 goals, 60 points, 191 shots and a plus-20 rating over 58 regular-season appearances. He will continue with the Wolves during their playoff run.

Studnicka scored twice in AHL Charlotte's 4-1 win over Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Studnicka ends the AHL regular season with 12 goals and 30 points over 41 appearances. The 27-year-old forward will look to continue playing well during the playoffs for the Checkers. He was held without a point in 19 NHL games this season.

James (lower body) was activated from long-term injured reserve Sunday, per the NHL media site.

James is back ahead of schedule for the Lightning as the 23-year-old was given a timeline of 8-10 weeks in early March after undergoing surgery. He had 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 43 games played during the regular season. If he suits up in Game 1 against the Canadiens on Sunday, it would be the rookie's first game since Feb. 28.

Geekie has been recalled from AHL Syracuse by the Lightning, the team announced Sunday.

Geekie was sent back down to the AHL before the Lightning's last regular-season game to continue to help Syracuse's stretch run and quest for a division title. However, ahead of the Lightning's first-round playoff series with the Canadiens, Geekie has been summoned from the minors once again, likely to serve as one of the extra forwards. The 21-year-old has one goal and two assists in 14 NHL contests this season.

Eriksson Ek scored two power-play goals and added an even-strength assist during the Wild's 6-1 win over the Stars in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Saturday.

The 29-year-old center opened the scoring for Minnesota early in the first period to get the rout started. Eriksson Ek had heated up to close out the regular season, producing a goal and six points in five April contests, and he's carried that momentum into the playoffs. He'll look to keep rolling in Game 2 on Monday.

Bystedt logged three assists in AHL San Jose's 4-3 overtime win over Bakersfield on Saturday.

Bystedt has broken out this season with 22 goals and 38 helpers over 65 appearances. He's picked up four goals and nine assists over his last 13 contests to remain consistent on offense. Bystedt should be in the mix for his NHL debut in 2026-27.

Hebig scored three goals and added an assist in AHL Tucson's 5-4 win over Henderson on Saturday.

This was Hebig's second multi-point effort in the last five games. The forward has 25 goals and a career-high 54 points over 68 appearances for the Roadrunners this season. It's been a great year for the eight-year AHL veteran, who continues to provide experience for Tucson.