NHL Player News

Makar scored a power-play goal on four shots, dished two assists and blocked two shots in Sunday's 7-6 loss to the Jets in Game 1.

Makar and the Avalanche's top players were generally solid, but it wasn't enough to overcome a poor performance in goal from Alexandar Georgiev. Over the last nine games of the regular season, Makar had 12 points, and he continues to play excellently in all zones. The 25-year-old posted a career-best 90 points with 231 shots on net and 148 blocked shots over 77 outings in 2023-24.

Dillon notched two assists, three hits, two blocked shots and a plus-3 rating in Sunday's 7-6 win over the Avalanche in Game 1.

Dillon did his job well defensively and still had enough in the tank to help out on goals by Josh Morrissey and Adam Lowry. This was Dillon's first multi-point effort since Nov. 18. The veteran defenseman had 20 points, 241 hits, 111 blocked shots and 92 PIM over 77 regular-season appearances, offering some toughness in a top-four role.

Morrissey scored a goal on two shots, dished a power-play assist, added two PIM and blocked five shots in Sunday's 7-6 win over the Avalanche in Game 1.

Morrissey rested for the Jets' regular-season finale, but he was as strong as ever before that with two goals and nine helpers over his last eight outings. The momentum carried over into the playoffs as he earned his third straight multi-point effort. Morrissey is likely to see massive minutes on the top pairing and first power-play unit, and his offense will make him a solid choice for fantasy playoff competitions.

Fehervary scored his first career playoff goal in Sunday's 4-1 Game 1 loss to the Rangers.

Fehervary has quietly become a significant part of the Caps' blue line, playing more than 27 minutes in two of the team's final three regular-season games. However, he's simply not a significant offensive factor. He scored just three goals and 16 points in 66 games this season, and Sunday's goal was his first-ever playoff point through nine contests across three seasons.

Girard (concussion) will not play in Game 1 against Winnipeg on Sunday, Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Girard was considered a game-time call but ultimately wasn't healthy enough to get back in the lineup. He's now missed three straight games but could return in time for Game 2 on Tuesday. Girard finished the regular season with three goals and 18 points in 59 contests.

Iorio (upper body) is questionable to return to Sunday's Game 1 matchup against the Rangers.

Iorio was injured in the second period after being hit hard into the boards by Alexis Lafreniere. The 21-year-old Iorio appeared to be favoring his shoulder as he made his way off the ice.

Evans was reassigned to AHL Coachella Valley on Sunday.

Evans totaled one goal and nine points through 36 games as a rookie this season. The 22-year-old blueliner should have a good chance at making Seattle's roster to begin the 2024-25 campaign.

Jensen (upper body) won't suit up Sunday for the Caps' playoff opener against the Rangers, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reports.

Jensen missed Washington's final two regular-season games after suffering an upper-body injury. The 33-year-old blueliner had one goal and 14 points with a minus-9 rating in 78 games this year. With both Jensen and Rasmus Sandin (upper body) out, Alexander Alexeyev, Dylan McIlrath and Vincent Iorio will round out Washington's defensive corps.

Sandin (upper body) won't play Sunday in Game 1 versus the Rangers, per Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post.

Sandin also missed the final five games of the regular season. He picked up three goals, 23 points, 79 shots on net, 106 blocked shots and 75 hits in 68 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign. With Nick Jensen (upper body) unavailable as well, Vincent Iorio and Dylan McIlrath will suit up in Sunday's contest.

Girard (concussion) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's Game 1 against Winnipeg, Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now reports.

Girard missed Colorado's final two regular-season games after suffering a concussion in a loss to the Jets on April 13. The 25-year-old's return would certainly help bolster the Avs' blue line -- Girard had three goals, 18 points, 76 hits and 99 blocked shots across 59 games this year.