NHL Player News

Danault scored a shorthanded empty-net goal on three shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Jets.

Danault's three goals this season have all come within the last eight games. The 32-year-old looks comfortable in a bottom-six role for the Canadiens. He's earned nine points in 21 outings since he was dealt away from the Kings, and the center has a total of 14 goals, 73 shots on net, 40 hits, 29 blocked shots and 20 PIM over 51 appearances this season.

Kapanen scored a goal on four shots and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Jets.

Kapanen has two goals and two assists over his last four games. The 22-year-old has impressed as a rookie with 18 goals, 31 points, 102 shots on net, 56 blocked shots, 21 hits and a plus-5 rating in 57 appearances. He'll be in Italy for the Olympics as a member of Team Finland.

Kastelic scored a goal and added four hits in Wednesday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Panthers.

Kastelic has a point in each of his last two outings after going seven contests without one. The 26-year-old hasn't found much consistent offense in a bottom-six role this season, though it's still been a career year for him. He's at nine goals, eight helpers, 73 shots on net, 158 hits, 108 PIM and 46 blocked shots over 57 games.

Mittelstadt scored a power-play goal on two shots in Wednesday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Panthers.

Mittelstadt has four points over his last three games. The 27-year-old's tally tied the game in the third period and forced overtime. Mittelstadt is up to 12 goals, 28 points, 54 shots on net and a plus-1 rating over 47 outings in a top-six role. He offers some scoring upside but has limited contributions elsewhere.

Luostarinen scored a goal, added six PIM and logged three hits in Wednesday's 5-4 shootout win over the Bruins.

Luostarinen opened the scoring 4:22 into the game. This was his second goal in the last three contests. The 27-year-old forward is up to seven goals, 24 points, 75 shots on net, 98 hits, 38 blocked shots, 22 PIM and a plus-2 rating over 48 appearances. He's matched his point total from 80 regular-season outings last year, and he's on pace to reach the 30-point mark for just the second time in his career.

Monahan scored an empty-net goal on four shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Blackhawks.

Monahan has four goals and an assist over his last eight games, giving him a little momentum that he'll try to pick up after the Olympic break. The center is at 10 goals, 27 points, 87 shots on net and a plus-2 rating through 52 appearances this season. He should continue to see top-six minutes and power-play time after the break.

Fisker Molgaard was reassigned to AHL Coachella Valley on Thursday.

Fisker Molgaard was recalled Wednesday and had no stats in 6:42 of action against the Kings. He has one assist in three NHL games this season. Fisker Molgaard had seven goals and 22 points in 36 AHL appearances before his recall.

Rakell (lower body) has been ruled out of Thursday's clash in Buffalo, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reports.

Rakell was injured during the morning skate. Rakell has 10 goals and 24 points across 35 games this season. Look for Rutger McGroarty to enter the lineup with Rakell on the shelf.

Acciari is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's matchup against the Sabres due to an illness, Penguins play-by-play announcer Josh Getzoff reports.

Acciari hasn't missed a game since early December, but he's a question mark for the Penguins' final game before the Olympic break due to his illness. Even if he's sidelined against Buffalo, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to action when Pittsburgh resumes play against the Devils on Feb. 26.

Ritchie (lower body) will return to the lineup Thursday in New Jersey, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.

It was thought that the Islanders would sit Ritchie one more game in order to give him the extra time off during the Olympic break, but Ritchie is expected to see second-line time between Emil Heineman and Jonathan Drouin, as well as first-unit power-play time. Ritchie had seven goals and 15 points in 40 games prior to missing six games with his injury.