Fantasy Hockey

Brown logged an assist in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

The helper was Brown's first point in four playoff contests, and he's added two hits and a plus-1 rating. The 30-year-old has been limited to fourth-line minutes, which has given him few chances to contribute. Brown could be at risk of losing his spot in the lineup once Adam Henrique (ankle) is able to return.

Draisaitl logged an assist, two shots on goal and a minus-2 rating in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

Draisaitl extended his point streak to 10 games, though this was just the second time in that span he's been held to a single point. The 28-year-old has often looked like the Oilers' best player in the postseason, racking up eight goals, 13 helpers, 41 shots on net and an even plus-minus rating. He's earned 11 of his points with the man advantage and should continue to see significant ice time in all situations.

Janmark scored a goal on two shots and added two PIM in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks.

Janmark snapped a seven-game point drought with his first-period tally. The 31-year-old forward remains in a fourth-line role, so it's not unusual to see him go long stretches without offense since the Oilers lean heavily on their top players. Through 10 playoff outings, Janmark has a goal, two assists, seven shots on net, 10 hits and a plus-2 rating.

Lindholm notched an assist, three shots on goal and three hits in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5.

Lindholm has points in three straight contests and six points over five second-round appearances versus the Oilers. His assist Thursday was timely, as it set up J.T. Miller for the game-winning goal with 33 seconds left in the third period. Lindholm has produced nine points, 22 shots on net, 30 hits and a plus-3 rating over 11 playoff outings. He has spent much of the postseason on the third line, but he was moved up to the second line in an effort to support the slumping Elias Pettersson, who shifted to the wing.

Pettersson recorded an assist, three shots on goal and two PIM in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5.

Pettersson was held off the scoresheet in the previous two games, and he nearly came up empty Thursday as well. The 25-year-old was able to contribute the secondary helper on J.T. Miller's game-winning goal in the final minute of the contest. Pettersson has underwhelmed this postseason with a goal, four assists, 18 shots on net, 22 hits and a minus-1 rating over 11 appearances. He shifted to the wing Thursday, and Elias Lindholm moved up to center the second line.

Miller scored a goal on four shots and added three hits in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5.

After being on the ice when the Oilers stole Game 4 on Tuesday in the final minute, Miller redeemed himself with the game-winner Thursday. The 31-year-old has two goals and four assists over five contests in the second round, putting him at 12 points, 25 shots on net, 36 hits and a plus-7 rating through 11 playoff outings. Miller remains one of the Canucks' most important players heading into Game 6, where they'll have a chance to book a trip to the Western Conference Finals.

Kane scored a goal on two shots and added two PIM in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

Kane opened the scoring at 4:34 of the first period. The winger has a point in three straight games, with this goal being his first tally of the second round. Over 10 playoff contests, he has six points, 24 shots on net, 34 hits, 21 PIM and a minus-3 rating, but his play has been trending in the right direction lately.

Di Giuseppe scored a goal on three shots, added four hits and went plus-2 in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5.

Di Giuseppe had missed the last two contests while with his growing family as he welcomed a son into the world. The 30-year-old was clearly inspired, as he scored off a turnover in the second period for his first career playoff goal. The forward has two points, five shots on net, 30 hits and a plus-2 rating over nine playoff appearances, though he's been limited to bottom-six minutes.

Mikheyev is dealing with an undisclosed injury and won't play Thursday in Game 5 versus the Oilers, Dan Murphy of Sportsnet reports.

Mikheyev is considered day-to-day, but the injury is a new consideration. It was believed the 29-year-old winger was going to be a healthy scratch Thursday after posting just one assist over his last 22 games and no points in 10 playoff outings. It's unclear if he'll be available for Game 6 on Saturday.

Wheeler (leg) was activated from long-term injured reserve Thursday, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports.

It's not a clear-cut guarantee Wheeler will be in the lineup for Thursday's Game 6, but the 37-year-old is now eligible to return from a three-month absence. Wheeler was cleared for contact Monday, and it appears he's gotten in enough practice time to be an option for the Rangers as they look to close out the Hurricanes in the second round.

Chaffee agreed to terms on a two-year, $1.6 million contract with Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Chaffee's deal is a one-way contract, which should increase his chances of playing in more than 30 NHL games this upcoming season. During the 2023-24 campaign, the 26-year-old winger notched four goals on 27 shots, three assists and 88 hits while averaging 11:07 of ice time. Even with his new deal in hand, Chaffee is unlikely to challenge for more than a bottom-six role next season.

Di Giuseppe (personal) was back with the team for Thursday's game-day skate prior to Game 5 versus Edmonton, Brendan Batchelor of Sportsnet 650 reports.

Di Giuseppe is goalless in 13 straight contests in which he recorded one lone helper, four shots and six blocks while dishing out 36 hits. Given his offensive limitations, Di Giuseppe is far from a lock to suit up in Game 5 and could continue watching from the press box in favor of Linus Karlsson, Vasily Podkolzin or Nils Hoglander -- all of whom will no doubt be pushing for minutes.

Desharnais registered an assist, three hits and four blocked shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

The helper was Desharnais' first point since a two-assist game versus the Ducks on March 30. The 27-year-old defenseman has added 27 hits, 26 blocks, three shots on net and a minus-4 rating over 10 playoff appearances. He continues to play in a bottom-four role as a physical presence, so his lack of production typically won't have an impact on fantasy competitions.

Kulak produced an assist, three blocked shots and two PIM in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

Kulak is up to three points over 10 playoff contests after helping out on a Mattias Janmark tally in the first period. The 30-year-old Kulak has provided steady defense from a third-pairing role, adding 17 blocked shots, 13 hits and a plus-1 rating. He's a staple in the lineup, but he rarely contributes much in the way of fantasy-relevant production.

Soucy scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5.

Soucy got the Canucks on the board in the first period. The 29-year-old defenseman was suspended for Game 4 after a cross-check against Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3. Soucy has four points, nine hits and five blocked shots over four appearances in the second round, and he's up to five points, 29 hits, 10 blocks and a plus-3 rating through 10 playoff outings in a bottom-four role.

Hakanpaa is not traveling with the Stars or practicing, so it's unlikely he'll play in the remainder of the second round, Lia Assimakopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reported Thursday.

Hakanpaa has been unavailable since March 16 and is effectively out on an indefinite basis until he practices. With Hakanpaa continuing to be sidelined, Nils Lundkvist is holding down a third-pairing role with minimal ice time.

Pesce (lower body) will not be in the lineup against the Rangers in Game 6 on Thursday, Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal reports.

Pesce got onto the ice for the first time Wednesday, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him still being held out for Game 6. Still, the 29-year-old blueliner is making progress and might be in contention to play should the series go to Game 7 on Saturday. Considering Pesce has managed a mere two points in his last 19 outings, his potential return is unlikely to impact the majority of fantasy players.

Lindell posted an assist, four blocked shots, two hits and a minus-2 rating in Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Avalanche in Game 5.

Lindell set up a Logan Stankoven tally in the third period. The helper was Lindell's second point of the postseason, both of which have come in the last four games. The veteran defenseman has added 17 shots on net, 17 hits, 30 blocks and an even plus-minus rating over 12 playoff contests while filling a top-four role.

Pickard allowed three goals on 35 shots in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks in Game 5.

Pickard allowed a goal in each period, including J.T. Miller's game-winner in the final minute of the third. While it wasn't a bad start, Pickard is now 1-1 with five goals allowed on 56 shots over his two playoff starts. The 32-year-old netminder has offered a bit more stability for the Oilers, but it's unclear if he'll again get the nod in Saturday's must-win Game 6. If not, head coach Kris Knoblauch could turn back to Stuart Skinner with the season on the line.

Silovs allowed two goals on 23 shots in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5.

Silovs allowed both goals in the first period, but the Canucks were able to bail him out with a goal in each frame. This was the first time he limited the Oilers to fewer than three goals during the second round. He's alternated wins and losses over the last five games while surrendering 16 goals. Silovs should be expected to start Saturday in Edmonton for Game 6 with a chance to clinch the series.

Shesterkin is set to guard the road goal against Carolina in Game 6 on Thursday, according to Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer.

Shesterkin will attempt to rebound after allowing seven goals on 58 shots (.879 save percentage) while losing his past two starts. Despite his recent setback, he's still 7-2 with a 2.33 GAA and a .924 save percentage in nine playoff appearances this year. A victory against the Hurricanes would advance the Rangers into an Eastern Conference Finals series against either Florida or Boston.

Andersen will guard the home goal versus the Rangers in Thursday's Game 6, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

Andersen has won his last two outings, allowing four goals on 46 shots in those contests. He is 6-3 with a 2.46 GAA and a .902 save percentage over nine playoff outings, and he has yet to lose on home ice this postseason. A win Thursday for Andersen and the Hurricanes would force a Game 7 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Garand was called up from AHL Hartford on Thursday.

Garand had a 3.03 GAA and an .898 save percentage in 39 regular-season contests with Hartford. He also posted a 2.32 GAA and a .931 save percentage in seven AHL playoff outings. Garand is unlikely to play for the Rangers during the 2024 playoffs.

Pickard will get the starting nod in Game 5 on the road against Vancouver on Thursday, Derek Van Diest of NHL.com reports.

Pickard stopped 19 of 21 shots faced in Game 4, posting a .905 save percentage and a 2.00 GAA. While the 32-year-old backstop is making his second straight start, any stumbles by Pickard could see Stuart Skinner reclaim his spot as the No. 1 netminder for Edmonton.