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NHL Hockey Player News

Vladar will start Game 3 against the Hurricanes.

Vladar was tremendous in Game Two against the Carolina Hurricanes, saving 39 of 42 shots (.929 SV%), but eventually allowed the game-deciding goal late in the first overtime period in a 3-2 loss. The 28-year-old Czech goalie has piggybacked off of a stellar 2025-26 season by posting an impressive 1.89 GAA and .928 SV% in eight games this postseason (4-4). That said, the Flyers will need Vladar at his best on Thursday, desperate to narrow their series deficit to 2-1, entering Game Three as +148 home underdogs.

Dan Vladar
Andersen will start Game 3 in Philadelphia.

Despite coming off of unquestionably the worst regular season of his career, Andersen continues to impress in the 2025-26 postseason. The veteran 36-year-old goalie was outstanding once again in Game two against the Philadelphia Flyers, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime win to give his team a 2-0 series lead. In six games this postseason (6-0), he has a near-perfect 1.02 GAA and .958 SV%. The Hurricanes hope to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, entering Game Three as -163 road favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Reilly is expected to be a healthy scratch for Game 3 vs. Philadelphia.

Alexander Nikishin (concussion) will return to Carolina's lineup for Game Three, sending Reilly to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. In two games this postseason, the 32-year-old Reilly is averaging 12:55 time-on-ice and has two assists.

Mike Reilly
Nikishin (concussion) is expected to draw back into Carolina’s lineup for Game 3.

Nikishin has not played since receiving a thunderous hit from Tyler Kleven of the Ottawa Senators nearly two weeks ago. That said, Nikishin should return to the lineup for Game Three against the Philadelphia Flyers. Mike Reilly will exit the lineup to accommodate Nikishin's return.

Alexander Nikishin
Andersen is in the starter’s crease ahead of Game 3 vs. Philadelphia.

Despite coming off of unquestionably the worst regular season of his career, Andersen continues to impress in the 2025-26 postseason. The veteran 36-year-old goalie was outstanding once again in Game two against the Philadelphia Flyers, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime win to give his team a 2-0 series lead. In six games this postseason (6-0), he has a near-perfect 1.02 GAA and .958 SV%. The Hurricanes hope to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, entering Game Three as -163 road favourites.

Frederik Andersen
Washington has signed Petr Sikora to a three-year, entry-level contract ($995,000 AAV).

Sikora was a sixth-round pick of the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Czech forward has spent the past three seasons playing in Czechia. He scored nine points (3G / 6A) this season in 24 games with Trinec Ocelari HC.

Petr Sikora
Tippett (undisclosed) will not play in Game 3 vs. Carolina.

The Flyers, trailing their series to the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0, are desperate for a win in Game Three, but will unfortunately be without Tippett for a third consecutive contest. The 27-year-old Tippett remains day-to-day, with his next chance to return being in Game Four on Saturday.

Owen Tippett
Vladar is expected to start Game 3 vs. the Hurricanes.

Vladar was tremendous in Game Two against the Carolina Hurricanes, saving 39 of 42 shots (.929 SV%), but eventually allowed the game-deciding goal late in the first overtime period in a 3-2 loss. The 28-year-old Czech goalie has piggybacked off of a stellar 2025-26 season by posting an impressive 1.89 GAA and .928 SV% in eight games this postseason (4-4). That said, the Flyers will need Vladar at his best on Thursday, desperate to narrow their series deficit to 2-1, entering Game Three as +148 home underdogs.

Dan Vladar
Hart will start Game 2 against the Ducks.

Hart was tremendous in Vegas' 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game One, saving 33 of 34 shots (.971 SV%). The 27-year-old Hart has had an up-and-down postseason, but he is riding a four-game winning streak, improving his numbers to 2.49 GAA and .905 SV% in seven games (5-2). The Golden Knights enter Game Two as -152 home favourites.

Carter Hart
Carrick (left arm) will not play in Game 1 against the Canadiens.

Carrick suffered a left arm injury in a fight with Anders Lee of the New York Islanders on March 31st and has not played since. The 34-year-old has 16 points (9G / 7A) and 65 penalty minutes in 73 games this season. He was originally expected to be be out for the entire second round of the playoffs, but appears to be targeting a sooner return after recent progress.

Sam Carrick
Lyon will start Game 1 against the Canadiens.

Lyon struggled towards the end of the regular season, but has been tremendous since taking over for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen late in Game Two against the Boston Bruins. The 33-year-old Lyon has been near perfect this postseason, posting a stellar 1.14 GAA and .955 SV% in five appearances (3-1). Lyon hopes to continue his recent success, as the Sabres enter Game One against the Montreal Canadiens as -126 home favourites.

Alex Lyon
Dobes will start Game 1 in Buffalo.

Dobes was the standout performer in a deciding Game 7 against the Lightning, as the Canadiens pulled off a 2-1 victory despite being outshot 29 to 9. Dobes' Game 7 heroics highlight what was a very impressive opening round series for the 24-year-old netminder. He posted a 4-1-2 record to go along with a 2.03 GAA and a .923 SV%. The Habs open up their second-round series against the Sabres as slight underdogs, as they enter action on Wednesday at +115 on the money line.

Jakub Dobes
Dostal will start Game 2 in Vegas.

After allowing three or more goals in five of six games (4-2) in the Ducks' opening-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, Dostal saved 19 of 21 shots (.905 SV%) in their second-round opener against the Vegas Golden Knights. That said, Dostal did not receive enough goal support, losing 3-1, as the Ducks find themselves in a 1-0 series deficit to the Golden Knights. The Ducks enter a pivotal Game Two as +133 road underdogs.

Lukas Dostal
Hart is in the starter’s crease at Vegas’ morning skate

Hart was tremendous in Vegas' 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks in Game One, saving 33 of 34 shots (.971 SV%). The 27-year-old Hart has had an up-and-down postseason, but he is riding a four-game winning streak, improving his numbers to 2.49 GAA and .905 SV% in seven games (5-2). The Golden Knights enter Game Two as -152 home favourites.

Carter Hart

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.

Check out all the latest NHL updates below and learn more about the hottest updates in the hockey world today.

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.

How often is NHL player news updated?

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.

What types of information does NHL player news cover?

Our NHL news covers every aspect of the hockey season. From injuries to trades to rumours and even suspensions, we’ve got you covered through it all with credible and fast-updates all-season long.

Are there specific sources for reliable NHL player updates?

All of our sources come from credible and reputable areas. When you’re at Daily Faceoff, you can trust that we are never going to spoon-feed you fake news. You can trust you’re only reading legitimate news that matters.

How does NHL player news impact betting lines?

Player news has a massive impact on the latest hockey betting lines. From daily game lines and prop bets, to Stanley Cup futures bets, every trade, roster change, and injury can shake up the odds set by oddsmakers.

By staying informed on the latest NHL updates, you can become a better NHL bettor as you’ll have a winning edge thanks to our in-depth news coverage.

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