NHL Player News

Jiricek scored twice in OHL Brantford's 5-3 loss to Barrie in Game 2 on Friday.

Jiricek is up to seven goals and 18 points across 10 playoff contests. This was his sixth multi-point effort of the postseason, including each of his last three outings. Jiricek should continue to provide some scoring pop from the blue line as Brantford battles for a spot in the final round of the OHL's postseason.

Dickinson (undisclosed) will not play Friday in Game 3 versus the Ducks, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Dickinson has been labeled a game-time decision ahead of each contest of the postseason, but he'll be out of action for the second time in three games. The 30-year-old's nagging injury is likely to be a factor at least through the rest of the first round, if not longer. The Oilers will roll with the same personnel, but with different line combinations, in Dickinson's absence Friday.

Dostal will protect the home goal in Game 3 on Friday versus the Oilers, Patrick Present of The Hockey News reports.

Dostal stopped 33 of 37 shots in the Ducks' Game 2 win to tie the series at 1-1. The 25-year-old netminder is locked in as the Ducks' starter, and it would seemingly take an injury or an extremely poor sequence of games for Ville Husso to get a look in the playoffs.

Ingram will guard the road goal versus the Ducks in Game 3 on Friday, Patrick Present of The Hockey News reports.

Ingram allowed five goals on 27 shots in a Game 2 loss, but he'll get another turn between the pipes. He may be on a short leash for this one, as Tristan Jarry has some playoff experience even though he ended the regular season in poor form. Ingram has still been the better of the Oilers' goalies despite his shaky performance in the last game.

Vejmelka will protect the home goal in Game 3 on Friday versus the Golden Knights, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports.

Vejmelka helped the Mammoth tie the series in Game 2, stopping 20 of 22 shots. He's given up five goals on 51 shots over the first two contests of the playoffs. As long as he can keep things close, Vejmelka is likely to get the vast majority of the starts in goal after leading the NHL in appearances in the regular season with 64.

Dobes will protect the home goal versus the Lightning on Friday in Game 3, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Dobes has claimed the No. 1 job for the Canadiens to begin the postseason. He helped them earn a split over the first two games of the series, stopping 51 of 57 shots in those games. Dobes will now try to feed off the energy of the home crowd in Montreal for the next couple of contests.

Vasilevskiy will protect the road goal in Game 3 versus the Canadiens, Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley reports.

Vasilevskiy has split the first two games of the series, allowing six goals on 46 shots. Vasilevskiy could be the difference maker if the series remains closely contested, as he is far more experienced than Montreal netminder Jakub Dobes. However, Vasilevskiy will have to contend with what's likely to be a raucous atmosphere in Montreal over the next two contests.

Harkins (hand) was a full participant in Friday's morning skate, but he won't suit up for Game 3 versus the Oilers, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports.

Harkins is quickly approaching the four-week mark in his recovery from hand surgery, which was his expected timetable. His full participation Friday is a positive sign, though at this time, it's not clear if he'll be cleared to play before the end of the first round. The Ducks may also opt to keep him in the press box if the bottom six continues to be effective as it is currently composed. Harkins is also competing with Ross Johnston (lower body) to get into the lineup once both are clear of their injuries.

Dickinson (undisclosed) is a game-time decision for Game 3 against Anaheim on Friday, per Tony Brar of Oilers TV.

Dickinson was also a game-time call for the Oilers' opening two playoff outings this year. He ended up playing in Game 1 but was held out of Game 2. Curtis Lazar will probably be a healthy scratch if Dickinson is available Friday.

Johnston (lower body) won't be in the lineup for Game 3 against Edmonton on Friday, per Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune.

Johnston hasn't played since March 10 because of the injury. He had three goals, 14 points, 107 PIM and 192 hits in 62 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. Johnston is likely to serve on the fourth line once he's healthy.