NHL Player News

Connor scored twice Tuesday in a 4-2 win over the Devils.

One came on the power play, and the other went into the empty net. Connor has been pure goal fire this season -- he's tied with Cutter Gauthier for third overall in that category. He has four goals, including two on the power play, two assists and 21 shots in his last four games.

Mercer scored twice, including the game winner, in a 4-2 win over New Jersey on Tuesday. One of the goals came on the power play.

It was Mercer's first game against his former squad. He came to the Jets in the Connor Hellebuyck trade. Mercer is clearly starting to get comfortable in Winnipeg -- he has three goals and one assist in his last three games. Two of those snipes were game winners. Overall, Mercer has 10 points (three goals, seven assists; 37 shots) in 19 games combined; six of those (three goals, three assists) have come in Winnipeg.

Cousins (upper body) isn't doing well after getting hit by Jakob Chychrun in Tuesday's game against the Capitals, Julian McKenzie of The Athletic reports.

Cousins was launched into the boards and needed help leaving the game late in the third period after the hit. The Senators don't yet have a full report on Cousins' status, but it wouldn't be surprising if he misses time due to the injury. Sammy Blais would likely ended the lineup if Cousins is out for any length of time.

Kovacevic sustained an undisclosed injury Tuesday versus the Jets and will need further evaluation, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

Kovacevic was hurt during the second period after falling awkwardly following a cross-check. The 29-year-old defenseman can be considered day-to-day for now. The Devils will likely go back to a standard 12-forward, six-defensemen lineup with Riley Tufte drawing in if both Kovacevic and Anthony Mantha (neck) are out versus the Capitals on Thursday. Kovacevic picked up an assist prior to his injury.

Lafferty scored three goals in AHL Charlotte's 4-2 win over Providence on Tuesday.

Lafferty has done well since joining the AHL club in late October. He has four goals and four assists over nine outings in his first AHL action since the 2019-20 campaign. The veteran forward could work his way back into a depth role for the Panthers if he keeps up this scoring pace.

Rittich posted a 25-save shutout in AHL Utica's 4-0 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Tuesday.

Rittich has started the AHL campaign 6-1-0 with a 2.16 GAA and a .912 save percentage over seven games. He is a veteran option for the Devils, but as long as Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Allen are healthy, don't expect to see Rittich at the NHL level.

Marchessault (lower body) won't play Tuesday versus the Kings, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Marchessault will miss his fourth straight game. He's officially day-to-day, but the Predators haven't provided an update on his status beyond that. Nashville visits Anaheim on Wednesday, but don't bank on Marchessault being in action for that one.

Saros will guard the road goal versus the Kings on Tuesday, Brooks Bratten of the Predators' official site reports.

Saros will make consecutive starts for the first time in over a week. He has allowed just two goals on 55 shots over his last two outings, both wins. Saros will face a Kings team that has scored 18 goals over the last five contests.

Evans (hand) is expected to be in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Wild, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.

Evans was injured during Monday's practice, but it appears that he will be fine to play. The 30-year-old is slated to fill his usual middle-six spot in the lineup.

McCarron (upper body) will play in Tuesday's road clash against the Canadiens.

McCarron was sidelined for Saturday's clash against the Lightning after he was forced to exit Friday's game against the Sharks with an upper-body injury. Overall, the 31-year-old center has posted three goals, eight points, a plus-6 rating, 32 shots on net, 53 hits and 17 blocked shots over 18 games this season. He's expected to rejoin Minnesota's fourth line Tuesday in place of Nico Sturm.