NHL Player News

Bennett scored a goal on three shots, added two hits, blocked two shots and logged four PIM in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Kings.

Bennett, like many Panthers forwards, has enjoyed a productive December so far with five goals and five assists over nine outings. The 29-year-old center is up to 11 goals, 22 points, 75 shots, 67 hits, 28 PIM and a plus-3 rating through 33 appearances this year. He should continue to fill a second-line role and play on the first power-play unit.

Verhaeghe scored a goal on four shots and added two hits in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Kings.

Verhaeghe has seven goals and four assists over eight outings this month. The 30-year-old forward is up to 11 goals, 27 points, 82 shots on net, 33 hits and a plus-3 rating over 32 appearances this season. Verhaeghe's surge has allowed him to remain in a stable top-six role with a spot on the first power-play unit.

Lundell scored a power-play goal on three shots and added two PIM in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Kings.

Lundell has scored in three straight games and has five goals and two helpers over his last seven outings. The center's tally Wednesday was his first power-play point since Nov. 22 versus the Oilers. He's up to 11 goals, 27 points, 74 shots on net, 38 hits and 26 blocked shots over 33 appearances, primarily in a top-line role.

Dellandrea (upper body) will be in the lineup Thursday versus Dallas, Curtis Pashelka of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Dellandrea was considered questionable after blocking a shot Tuesday against the Flames, but he will remain in the lineup. Dellandrea only has two assists in his last 13 games, giving him two goals, eight helpers and 97 hits across 34 appearances this season.

Krebs (illness) is feeling better Thursday and is expected to suit up against the Flyers, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

Krebs missed Wednesday's practice session due to an illness, but he should be able to suit up a day later. Over seven appearances in December, he's recorded two assists, 18 hits, six PIM and three blocked shots while averaging 14:42 of ice time.

Horvat (lower body) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Canucks, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

Although Horvat will miss a third consecutive game due to his lower-body injury Friday, head coach Patrick Roy hasn't yet ruled the 30-year-old out for Saturday's matchup in Buffalo. Even if Horvat is unable to play against the Sabres, it doesn't appear as though the Islanders expect him to miss much more time.

Gaunce won't play in Thursday's game against the Wild due to personal reasons, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

Gaunce and his wife are expecting the birth of their child soon, so he'll be out of the lineup for at least one game. Zach Aston-Reese will suit up for the Blue Jackets against Minnesota, while Gaunce's next opportunity to play will be Saturday in Anaheim.

Jarvis scored a goal on four shots and added two hits in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Predators.

Jarvis has been limited to three goals over his last five games, though that's still decent production. The 23-year-old forward is up to 19 goals, 27 points, 106 shots on net, 42 hits and a plus-1 rating across 33 appearances. With Sebastian Aho getting a three-point effort Wednesday, the engine of the Hurricanes' offense should be fired up again, and Jarvis should be in a good position as Aho's linemate to get back to dominant performances.

Rodrigues sustained a lower-body injury in the third period of Wednesday's game versus the Kings, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

Rodrigues had to leave the game, and no further update beyond the nature of his injury was provided. Head coach Paul Maurice didn't believe the injury would be significant, but Rodrigues will be evaluated Thursday. His status for Friday versus the Hurricanes is up in the air.

Marchessault sustained a lower-body injury in Wednesday's game versus the Hurricanes.

Marchessault was ruled out for the remainder of the game prior to the third period. The exact nature and severity of his injury are unknown at this time. He'll be considered day-to-day leading up to Saturday's game versus the Maple Leafs, pending further information from the team.