Niskanen posted an assist and plus-1 rating with five PIM, five hits and a shot on goal during a 4-3 shootout victory against the Devils on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defenseman had a good night in the physical categories and got into his first fight of the season. Hitting and sending a lot of time in the box aren't things he's done a lot of in his career, but the 33-year-old has been trending in that direction the last year or two. In 2019-20, his physical numbers are behind his pace from last season, but in the last four games, Niskanen has seven PIM and 12 hits. He also has two goals and six points with a plus-2 rating in 12 contests this season.

Niskanen scored a power-play goal in Monday's 6-2 win over Vegas.

EDGE Analysis

Leading his team in ice time, with 24:30, Niskanen helped the Flyers dominate the Golden Knights over 60 minutes. His goal gave Philadelphia a 4-0 lead at the 14:24 mark of the second period, putting the game well out of reach for Vegas, who appeared disinterested for most of the evening. Now with five points, Niskanen will continue to play a key role for the Flyers, especially on the power play, where he's collected three of his five points in 2019-20.

Niskanen tallied a goal on two shots and blocked two shots in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen was the only Flyers skater to solve Flames goalie David Rittich. The 32-year-old defenseman is on a modest three-game point streak (one goal, two helpers) to go with six blocked shots.

Niskanen was acquired by Philadelphia from Washington in exchange for Radko Gudas on Friday. The Flyers will retain 30 percent of Gudas' salary as part of the deal.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen notched eight goals and 17 assists last year, reaching the 25-point mark for a sixth straight season. Gudas has never reached the 25-point mark in his seven-year career, so this move represents a solid upgrade on the blue line for the Flyers. Niskanen is a top-four defenseman with a high-powered shot that could help him land a power-play role with his new club.

Niskanen registered an assist, three blocked shots and two hits in Saturday's 4-3 overtime win over the Hurricanes in Game 2 of their first-round series.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen had 25 points in 80 games in the regular season, his lowest mark in a full campaign since collecting 21 in 2011-12. He did have a career-high 167 hits as well as 137 blocked shots and 143 shots on goal. Niskanen's usage is more in a defensive capacity on the second pairing with Dmitry Orlov, but the 32-year-old contributes enough outside of scoring to be worth a look in fantasy if the Capitals can make another deep playoff run.

Niskanen recorded an assist, two hits and three blocked shots during Sunday's 3-1 win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

The helper marks only the second point for Niskanen in his last 12 games despite averaging 21:30 of ice time. With eight goals and 24 points and a minus-2 rating in 74 games, the 31-year-old Minnesotan's fantasy appeal is beginning to erode somewhat as he's deployed more and more in a shutdown capacity.

Niskanen returned for the second period Sunday against the Jets, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen went to the locker room after blocking a shot with his left hand in the first period, but he was able to shake off the injury over the first intermission and get back out there.

Niskanen went to the locker room in the first period of Sunday's matchup with Winnipeg after blocking a Patrik Laine shot with his left hand, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Laine has one of the league's most potent shots and there are parts of the hand with almost no padding, creating the potential for injury here for Niskanen. If he's done for the day, Niskanen's next chance to return will come Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

Niskanen recorded an assist in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

The 32-year-old, before his assist Wednesday, had gone 10 straight games without a point. For the season, Niskanen has scored eight goals and added 15 assists for 23 points in 65 appearances but is a minus-6. The last time he finished a season with a minus rating was back in 2010-11.

Niskanen registered a goal, an assist, two shots and four hits during Thursday's 4-3 overtime win against the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

Niskanen has been running hot and cold all season with Thursday's effort giving him three goals and six points in his last 16 games. The 32-year-old should finish near the 30-point mark once again, but the streakiness of his production combined with a paltry minus-10 rating means playing him regularly comes with some risks.