NHL Player News

Howden scored a goal on four shots in a 4-2 win over the Avalanche in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday.

Howden's tally early in the third period came just after Vegas killed off a penalty. It also stood as the game-winning goal. The 28-year-old forward has emerged as a reliable top-six option this postseason, though it's his work on the penalty kill that has stood out. He's up to nine goals, including three while shorthanded, and two assists through 13 playoff contests. Howden has also chipped in 24 shots on net, 35 hits and a plus-7 rating.

Bolduc scored a power-play goal on two shots and added three hits in Monday's 3-2 overtime win over the Sabres in Game 7.

Bolduc was a little quieter in the second round, earning three points over seven contests against the Sabres. He's at seven points, 14 shots, 38 hits, 20 PIM and a plus-2 rating over 14 outings this postseason. The 23-year-old has made himself a regular in the bottom six as well as a power-play option on the second unit. He has some appeal as a depth forward in DFS if the Canadiens can solve the Hurricanes' defense in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Danault scored a goal on two shots and added two PIM in Monday's 3-2 overtime win over the Sabres in Game 7.

Danault gave the Canadiens a positive start with a tally 4:30 into the contest. This was the center's first goal of the postseason. He's up to six points, 13 shots on net, 25 hits, nine blocked shots and a plus-4 rating over 14 playoff outings, with five of those points coming in the second round. Danault will continue to play a key defensive role as the Canadiens turn their attention to the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Hurricanes.

Newhook scored the overtime winner Monday during the Canadiens' 3-2 victory over the Sabres in Game 7 of their second-round series.

After scoring the series-winner to finish off the Lightning in the first round, Newhook was the hero for the Habs once again. The 25-year-old took a pass from Alexandre Carrier midway through the first extra period, skated into the Sabres' end, and snapped a shot from the top of the faceoff circle through traffic past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Over Montreal's last 10 playoff games, Newhook has racked up seven goals and nine points, and he'll look to stay hot when the Eastern Conference Finals begin in Carolina on Thursday.

Evans scored a shorthanded goal, dished an assist and added 12 PIM in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Sabres in Game 6.

Evans made his presence felt in the first period, though he wasn't able to put in a full-game performance in this lopsided loss. He's earned two goals and five assists during his five-game point streak. For the postseason, he's at eight points, 17 shots on net, 28 hits, 12 blocked shots, 20 PIM and a plus-8 rating over 13 appearances in a middle-six role.

Helenius scored a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Helenius has tallied in each of the last two games, making himself a quick regular in the Sabres' bottom six. The 20-year-old's goal Saturday put the Sabres ahead 5-3 in a game they once trailed 3-1. Helenius has added seven shots on net, three blocked shots, two hits and a plus-2 rating over three playoff outings. Given his role, the offense isn't likely to last, but it's a good sign he's showing he can handle a high-pressure situation.

Thompson scored an empty-net goal on six shots, added three assists, logged three hits and went plus-3 in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Thompson earned two of his three helpers with the man advantage. He's logged three multi-point efforts over his last four contests. Overall, the 28-year-old is up to five goals, 10 assists, 41 shots on net, 20 hits, 22 PIM and a plus-1 rating across 12 playoff outings while seeing consistent top-six minutes.

Avon scored twice in AHL Coachella Valley's 4-0 win over Colorado in Game 2 on Friday.

Avon helped the Firebirds even the series, opening the scoring at 1:20 of the third period before adding an insurance marker later in the frame. He's now at seven goals, one assist and a minus-2 rating over 10 playoff contests, shooting 29.2 percent in the postseason compared to 14.3 percent in the regular season.

Helenius scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Canadiens in Game 5.

Helenius was recalled among the Sabres' Black Aces on April 29. The Sabres gave him a chance to play in Game 4 of the second round and kept him in the lineup for Game 5, when he delivered his first career playoff goal. He's added five shots on net and two hits over two appearances this postseason. Helenius had 63 points in 63 regular-season outings with AHL Rochester, and he should be in a good position to compete for a roster spot out of training camp in 2026-27.

Evans scored a goal in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Sabres in Game 5.

Evans is on a four-game point streak (one goal, four assists). This was his first tally of the postseason, and it stood as the game-winner to give the Canadiens a 3-2 series lead. Evans has six points, 16 shots on net, 27 hits, 11 blocked shots, eight PIM and a plus-7 rating through 12 playoff contests while filling a middle-six role.