A.J. Greer Returns to Panthers Lineup Monday
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers left wing A.J. Greer (lower body) has been cleared to play in Monday's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. Greer's return will push Jesper Boqvist out of the lineup. In the 2025 playoffs, Greer has formed an impactful fourth line with Jonah Gadjovich and Tomas Nosek. He has scored two goals and three points in 12 appearances while averaging 3.75 hits per game. The Panthers have lost only two postseason games this year with Greer in the lineup, making the 28-year-old somewhat of a talisman for the team despite his limited role.Daniil Tarasov Has Begun Extension Talks with Blue Jackets
Source: Daria Tuboltseva
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov is wrapping up a three-year, $3.15 million contract this season, but it seems he wants to remain in Ohio. The Russian netminder, who is a pending restricted free agent, told Daria Tuboltseva of RG that he has begun negotiations on an extension with the Blue Jackets. Tarasov, a third-round draft pick by Columbus in 2017, has made 61 starts with the team, going 19-34-6. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with a record of 7-10-2 and posted a 3.54 goals-against average with a .881 save percentage and one shutout. Tarasov has not had a fun time in the NHL, but he told Tuboltseva that he is not considering a return to the KHL. The Blue Jackets already have two goalies locked up for next season in Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves.Anthony Duclair Expected to Return to Islanders Next Season
Source: Andrew Gross
New York Islanders left wing Anthony Duclair (personal) will likely be back with the team next season. He missed the end of 2024-25 due to a personal leave. The 29-year-old left the team after Islanders head coach Patrick Roy publicly criticized him. Roy, who will remain in charge of the Islanders next season, called Duclair's play "god-awful" and said he was "lucky" to be in the lineup. The two clearly have issues to work out, but Duclair has a clean slate with new general manager Mathieu Darche. In an interview with Andrew Gross of Newsday, Darche mentioned that he had spoken with Duclair, adding that he hopes to have him ready for training camp. Duclair was a 30-goal scorer with the Florida Panthers just three years ago, but finished the 2024-25 campaign with only 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 44 games. He should be regarded as a very risky choice during fantasy drafts in the fall.Ryan Nugent-Hopkins a Game-Time Call Monday
Source: NHL.com
Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (undisclosed) is considered a game-time decision for Monday's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers. The 32-year-old was unavailable for Sunday's practice due to an undisclosed health issue. However, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch sounded optimistic about Nugent-Hopkins's chances of playing. "We think (he'll be available)," Knoblauch told reporters. "We'll play it by ear." Nugent-Hopkins has gone scoreless in the first two games against Florida, but he has played a big part in Edmonton's success in the postseason. With 18 games played, Nugent-Hopkins has contributed five goals and 13 assists. Jeff Skinner skated in Nugent-Hopkins' spot during practice and is set to rejoin the lineup for Game 3 if he cannot play.Evan Bouchard Enjoys Three-Point Period In Game 2 Against Panthers
Source: ESPN
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard went off for three points in the opening period of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers on Friday night, finishing a 5-4 double-overtime loss with a goal and two assists. Additionally, he had a game-high eight shots on goal and blocked four attempts from the opposition. Bouchard became the first blue-liner and only the fourth player overall in NHL history with multiple three-point periods in the Stanley Cup Finals. It's been an impressive start to the series from Bouchard, who already boasts four points (one goal, three assists) through the first two games and has recorded 15 shots on goal. For the entire postseason campaign, he has produced 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 18 appearances, with 52 shots and 26 blocks.Connor McDavid Joins Rare Company with Three-Assist Effort
Source: ESPN
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid produced three assists, including a highlight-reel pass during Friday's 5-4 double overtime defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. McDavid helped Evan Bouchard on the scoreboard and then set up Leon Draisaitl with an incredible move on the power play to give Edmonton a 3-2 lead going into the first period. After the Oilers offense went cold for a prolonged stretch, McDavid added another assist to his tally when Corey Perry sent the game into overtime with only 18 seconds remaining in regulation. McDavid became the sixth player in NHL history to post three or more assists in a Stanley Cup Finals matchup multiple times, joining Wayne Gretzky (4x), Gordie Howe (3x), Phil Esposito (2x), Bernie Geoffrion (2x), and Doug Harvey (2x). The Oilers captain continues to amaze each night, having collected 31 points (six goals, 25 assists) in 18 postseason games this year.Sam Bennett Makes NHL History with Another Goal Friday
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett started the scoring with a power-play goal in Friday's 5-4 double-overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers. He found the back of the net for the 12th time in a road contest this postseason, establishing a new Stanley Cup Playoffs record. Overall, Bennett has netted 13 goals in the playoffs, so he truly seems to thrive in the intense and intimidating road atmosphere. The 28-year-old, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, leads the Panthers with 19 points (13 goals, six assists) in 19 postseason contests, doing everything he can to secure a juicy contract for next season.Seth Jones Fills Stat Sheet in Game 2 Against Oilers
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones had a busy night in Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers, finishing a 5-4 double-overtime win with two points (one goal, one assist), two shots, two blocks, two hits, two penalty minutes, and a plus-three rating in 34:35 of action. He spent over five minutes on the power play during the marathon matchup, although both of Jones' points were picked up during even-strength play. The 30-year-old has contributed four goals and five assists in 19 playoff appearances for the Panthers, while amassing 27 blocks and 42 hits. Recently, Jones has improved his offensive productivity, having notched three points in three games after managing only two points over nine outings.Anton Lundell Notches Two Assists in Friday's Win
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell recorded two assists in Friday's series-tying 5-4 double-overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers. He set up linemate Brad Marchand twice, once during a short-handed situation in the second period and again in the second overtime, leading to the game-winning goal. Lundell finished with four shots on goal and delivered one hit, while logging a plus-three rating. It was another successful night for Florida's third line, which has provided excellent depth scoring throughout the playoffs. In 19 outings, Lundell has accumulated 14 points (five goals, nine assists), with a team-leading plus-15 rating.Brad Marchand Leads Panthers to Victory in Game 2 Against Oilers
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand scored twice in Friday's Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers to help the team tie the Stanley Cup Finals with a 5-4 double-overtime win. The veteran winger netted Florida's final two goals: one during a short-handed situation in the second period and the other with 8:05 played in the second overtime. In the game, Marchand led his team with seven shots on goal and dished out a pair of hits. The 37-year-old has notched three goals in the first two games against Edmonton, giving him 10 career Finals goals, the most among active players. Despite filling third-line minutes, Marchand remains one of Florida's top scorers in the postseason, with 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) over 19 games.Logan O'Connor to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Source: ESPN
Colorado Avalanche forward Logan O'Connor is expected to be out for 5-6 months after undergoing hip surgery on Friday. The 28-year-old missed only two games in 2024-25, but Colorado will have to cope without him for quite some time next season, with O'Connor potentially out until December. O'Connor, who also had hip surgery last year, impressed during the playoffs with six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games. During the regular season, he had his fourth consecutive 20-point campaign. In 80 appearances, O'Connor tallied 10 goals and 11 assists. Next season will mark the start of a six-year, $15 million contract for O'Connor, who has tallied 103 points (45 goals, 58 assists) in 343 career games with the Avalanche.Tyler Seguin Nursing a Shoulder Injury
Source: Lia Assimakopoulos
Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin played through a shoulder injury during the postseason, general manager Jim Nill revealed on Friday. Seguin's regular-season campaign was also disrupted by injury, as he made only 20 appearances due to hip surgery. He notched nine goals and 21 points, showing that he can still be productive as a 33-year-old. However, Seguin's form declined during the postseason, with just eight points (four goals and four assists) in 18 games. The veteran forward does not require surgery to address his shoulder issue and is expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2025-26 season.Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Source: NHL.com
The Dallas Stars fired head coach Pete DeBoer on Friday. His departure follows Dallas' 4-1 loss in the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. DeBoer joined the Stars in 2022, guiding the team to the Western Finals in each season. He posted a 149-68-29 regular-season record with the team and had the highest points percentage in the NHL (.665). So far, nine teams have changed coaches after the regular season ended. DeBoer, who had one year left on his contract, should have no trouble securing another head coaching gig soon if he wants. With a career record of 662-447-152, DeBoer ranks fourth in wins among active coaches and has led his teams to at least the Conference Finals eight times over the last 14 seasons.Stuart Skinner Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Source: Tony Brar
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner will hope to extend a five-game winning streak in Friday's Finals matchup against the Florida Panthers. He started the Finals with a 29-save effort in Game 1, helping the team to a 4-3 overtime victory. This was only the third time in his past eight appearances that Skinner allowed more than two goals. After a horrible start to the postseason, he has completely turned things around, going 7-4 in 11 starts. Skinner owns a 2.50 goals-against average with a .904 save percentage and has posted three shutouts. Another victory on Friday night would tie Skinner for the fifth-longest postseason winning streak in Oilers history.Sergei Bobrovsky Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
Source: Jameson Olive
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will make his 19th start of the postseason in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. The former Vezina Trophy winner kicked off the Final with a solid performance, stopping 42 shots, though he suffered a 4-3 overtime defeat in Game 1. Bobrovsky has lost two of his last three starts, which has dropped his playoff record to 12-6. He has posted a 2.17 goals-against average with a .912 save percentage. The Panthers have only lost back-to-back games once this postseason, so Bobrovsky appears well-positioned to return to winning ways on Friday.