Malatesta scored twice in AHL Cleveland's 6-3 win over Milwaukee on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Malatesta has done little on offense this season, earning seven goals and 15 points over 52 outings. He also has 87 PIM, showcasing his skills as a tougher player. He had put up just one assist over his previous nine games, and his overall lack of offense has likely been a factor in why he hasn't been called up to Columbus this year.

Eklund notched three assists in AHL Bridgeport's 4-2 win over Hartford on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Eklund has already earned six assists over his first four AHL games after returning from his loan with Djurgardens in the SHL. The 19-year-old is a quality playmaker and can contribute in a variety of ways. Eklund may still need a couple of years to become a fantasy option, but the potential is there in the long run.

George recorded a 25-save shutout in OHL Sault Ste. Marie's 4-0 win over London in Game 5 on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

George was dominant in the first-round series, going 4-1 with a 1.41 GAA and a .942 save percentage over five contests. He'll continue to get the bulk of the starts in goal as the Greyhounds head to the second round. The 19-year-old goalie (20 in May) is signed to an entry-level deal, so he'll either play in the OHL or AHL in 2026-27, barring a surprising training camp with the Kings.

Martin scored a goal and added two assists in OHL Sault Ste. Marie's 4-0 win over London in Game 5 on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Martin was a big factor in the Greyhounds' series-clinching win. He's up to seven points over five playoff outings this spring after earning just six points over 16 postseason contests over the previous two years. The Nashville prospect was limited by injuries this season but has been a strong contributor when in the lineup.

Boilard scored two goals in QMJHL Cape Breton's 5-4 overtime win over Newfoundland in Game 5 on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Boilard had a mediocre year with just 37 points over 61 regular-season contests. He's picked it up a bit in the playoffs with four goals and three assists over five contests. The Eagles are still trailing the Regiment 3-2 in their first-round series, so they'll need Boilard to continue producing to help the team stay competitive.

Tucker (lower body) is slated to be in the lineup versus the Ducks on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Tucker was labeled week-to-week March 21 after getting hurt three days before that. He missed six games due to the injury, and he'll take over a third-pairing spot that Justin Holl had been filling. Tucker may not be a full-time player moving forward if he doesn't play up to standards while the Blues pursue a playoff spot.

Buchnevich (undisclosed) will sit out Friday versus the Ducks for maintenance purposes.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Jim Montgomery indicated the Blues wanted to have Buchnevich fresh for a pair of upcoming matchups versus the Avalanche, with one game in Colorado on Sunday and the other at home Tuesday. Buchnevich is one of three forwards to get rotated out of the lineup for the Blues in this contest. Given the explanation for his absence, Buchnevich's injury is likely minor and shouldn't cost him time as the Blues try to keep pace in the playoff race.

Hofer is expected to guard the road goal versus the Ducks on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Hofer lost his last outing, giving up five goals on 29 shots to the Sharks on Monday. Over the four games before that, Hofer had allowed just four goals on 115 shots, so he'll be looking to prove his outing Monday was just an anomaly. The Ducks are a tough foe, but they're 0-2-1 with nine goals scored over their last three games.

Holmstrom (upper body) is slated to be in the lineup Friday versus the Flyers, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Holmstrom was deemed a game-time decision, but he took warmups on the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Ondrej Palat. The 24-year-old Holmstrom had five goals and an assist over nine contests prior to his one-game absence due to the injury.

Vladar will patrol the road crease in Friday's clash against the Islanders, per Kevin Kurz of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Vladar will draw Friday's important start against the Islanders, who the Flyers would likely have to jump in the Metropolitan Division standings to have a shot at a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Overall, Vladar has a 24-13-7 record, 2.50 GAA and .904 save percentage through 46 appearances this season. The 28-year-old netminder finished March with a 6-4-1 record, 2.76 GAA and .894 save percentage across 11 outings. He'll look to make a statement against the Islanders, who rank 22nd in the NHL with 2.87 goals per game this season, setting up Friday's matchup to be a battle. Vladar is a high-risk, high-reward play in fantasy for this contest.