Cizikas is not on the ice for warmups; will miss Game 3 vs. the Lightning.
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NHL Hockey Player News
Goalie Start
Vasilevskiy led the Lightning onto the ice for warmups ahead of Game 3.
Vasilevskiy stopped 27 of 28 shots in the Lightning’s 2-1 win over the Islanders in Game 2. Vasilevskiy is red-hot at the moment, having won six in a row while stopping 168 of the 178 shots (.944 SV%) that he’s faced. Even without Brayden Point and Alex Killorn, the Lightning are still favourites in tonight’s game, making Vasilevskiy and solid DFS play.
Goalie Start
Varlamov led the Islanders onto the ice for warmups ahead of Game 3.
Varlamov gave up two goals on 21 shots in the Islanders 2-1 loss in Game 2. The Isles did a much better job limiting the Lightning than they did in the blowout loss in Game 1 but they let Nikita Kucherov get loose in the final 10 second and ended up losing. Varlamov is 0-3 in his last three starts while giving up 11 goals on 84 shots (.869 SV%).
Point is not on the ice for warmups; will miss Game 3 vs. the Islanders.
The Kings have signed Sean Walker to a four-year contract extension worth $10.6 million ($2.65 million AAV).
Suspension
Killorn has been suspended for Game 3 for his hit on Brock Nelson in Game 2.
Killorn was assessed a five-minute major and was ejected from Game 2 and will miss Game 3 as well. With Killorn suspended and Brayden Point likely out, the Lighting lineup will look a lot different in Game 3. Look for two of Carter Verhaeghe, Mathieu Joseph or Mitchell Stephens to draw into the lineup if Point joins Killorn in the stands.
The Golden Knights and Robin Lehner have agreed on a five-year, $25 million ($5.0M AAV) contract extension, to be signed after the playoffs.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Golden Knights and Lehner agreed to this extension before the NHL's Return to Play and it will become official following their playoff run. This sheds a little light on why the Golden Knights have been riding Lehner throughout the postseason and have been reluctant to go to Marc-Andre Fleury at times. This could also spell the end of Fleury's time in Vegas. Since being acquired from Chicago, Lehner has gone 12-5-0 with a .924 SV% in 17 games with Vegas.
Goalie Start
Khudobin led the Stars onto the ice for warmups for Game 3.
Goalie Start
Lehner led the Golden Knights onto the ice for warmups for Game 3.
The Oilers have signed Adam Cracknell to a one-year, two-way contract.
The Blues have signed Jacob de le Rose to a one-year contract extension worth $700k.
Nelson is expected to play in Game 3.
Nelson was forced to leave Game 2 but did return. Despite being banged up, head coach Barry Trotz expects to have his No.2 centre in Game 3 on Friday. Nelson has had a terrific postseason, posting 15 points (7G / 8A) in 17 games.
Point is questionable to play in Game 3.
Point was forced to leave Game 2 and did not return. The Lighting had a day off on Thursday, so head coach Jon Cooper did not have an update on Point's status. Cooper acknowledged that he might not be available so consider Point a game-time decision for Game 3 on Friday.
Line Change
Ladd will make his playoffs debut in Game 2 vs. the Lightning.
Goalie Start
Vasilevskiy led the Lightning onto the ice for warmups.
Line Change
Brassard will come out of the Islanders lineup for Game 2.
Goalie Start
Varlamov led the Islanders onto the ice for warmups.
The Lightning have signed Alex Green to a two-year, entry-level contract.
Line Change
Cousins will come out of the Golden Knights lineup for Game 2.
Goalie Start
Khudobin led the Stars onto the ice for warmups.
NHL Player News: Your Ultimate Source for Hockey Player News
At Daily Faceoff you can stay in the know regarding all 32 teams and their top players this season. From trades, to injuries, and everything in between, you can find all the latest NHL player news today here. Staying up to date with player news NHL can also give you a competitive edge in your fantasy hockey leagues, as well as your NHL bets.
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Who are the top NHL players to watch this season?
There’s never been more talent scattered across the NHL than there is this season. With living legends like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin still setting records left-and-right, alongside today’s current superstars such as Connor McDavid and Nathan Mackinnon, the level of talent in the NHL is at an all-time high. Along with these established stars, there’s plenty of budding stars emerging every season such as Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and Matvei Michkov.
What are the latest updates on NHL player suspensions or disciplinary actions?
Already this season we’ve seen the hammer brought down by the NHL Department of Player Safety. Notable suspensions and fines include Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs who was given a five-game suspension for an illegal check to the head against the Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot who was dealt a three-game suspension, also for an illegal hit to the head.
In the 2023-24 season, there were a total of 14 suspensions and 17 fines issued throughout the NHL. The longest suspension served was dealt to former-Detroit Red Wing David Perron at six-games after a cross-checking penalty dealt ironically against his current team in the 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Senators. Additionally, Perron was fined $148,437.48 for his actions.
How are NHL player performances impacting fantasy hockey?
NHL player performances make a direct impact on the outcome of any fantasy hockey matchup. Staying up to date with the latest news and performances of your team’s players can be the difference between winning and losing.
Some notable fantasy hockey performers that flew under the radar in most drafts this year include Martin Necas (123 ADP) of the Carolina Hurricanes and Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks. While sleeper picks are always a great get, nothing is worse than a bust taken early on. Some of the most disappointing players of the fantasy hockey season includes Zach Hyman (28 ADP) of the Edmonton Oilers and Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars (33 ADP).
Whether you’re checking out how your current rostered players are performing or scouting for hidden gems on the waiver wire, the latest player news can help you make your next winning move this season.
Which NHL players are having breakout or comeback seasons?
Every season there are several players who have breakout years, establishing themselves as some of the best up-and-coming stars in the league. In the 2024-25 season early breakout candidates have emerged such as Dylan Strome of the Washington Capitals (on-pace for his first 100-point season) and Ivan Barbashev of the Vegas Golden Knights (on-pace for career-high in points).
Additionally, nothing beats a comeback story, and that can be said about surging veterans such as Anze Koipitar of the Los Angeles Kings, and Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars.
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Our player news is updated regularly throughout the season, bringing you fresh player updates every day throughout the calendar year. Providing our users with a one-stop destination for everything you need to know from across the NHL, our player news is the go-to spot for all the biggest stories in the hockey universe.
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