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  • Scores first of series
    Tarasenko scored a goal that stood as the game-winner in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Rangers in Game 6.

    Advice: Tarasenko registered his first point of the series when he gave Florida a 2-0 lead just before the midway point of the third period. The 32-year-old has faced his share of struggles during the postseason -- he was recently demoted to the third line after serving mostly in a top-six role since he was traded from Ottawa. He did have a crucial marker against his former club in Game 6, so perhaps this game serves as a confidence booster for Tarasenko ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Russian native has three goals and three assists and a plus-4 rating in 17 postseason contests. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:22 pm
     
  • Assists on opening goal
    Rodrigues registered a primary helper in Saturday's 2-1 series-clinching win over the Rangers in Game 6.

    Advice: Rodrigues was back on the board in Saturday's win after being held off the scoresheet since Game 3. He added three shots on net in 15:14 of ice time. Rodrigues isn't relied upon much for offensive production, but he's currently slotted on Florida's second line with Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett. Rodrigues is up to three goals and five assists with an even plus-minus rating in 17 playoff contests. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:08 pm
     
  • Not practicing Saturday
    Wheeler (undisclosed) is not at Saturday's morning skate ahead of Game 6 against Florida, Vince Z. Mercogliano of USA Today reports.

    Advice: According to a source, Wheeler is banged up, leaving his status unclear for Saturday's must-win contest. He has suited up in only one game since Feb. 15 because of a leg injury. Wheeler logged just 9:18 of ice time in Game 4 versus the Panthers on Tuesday before sitting out Thursday's Game 5. Anton Blidh has been filling in for Wheeler during Saturday's practice, but the 29-year-old Blidh probably won't be in the lineup even if Wheeler is unavailable. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:32 am
     
  • Plucks apple Friday
    Stankoven logged an assist and three shots on goal in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Oilers in Game 5.

    Advice: Stankoven has just two helpers over five contests in the Western Conference Finals after picking up four points in the second round. The 21-year-old forward is at eight points, 33 shots on net, 21 hits, 17 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating over 18 playoff outings. He'll likely continue to see middle-six minutes as the Stars look to keep their season alive in Game 6 on Sunday. Rotowire.com Friday, 9:00 pm
     
  • Recovering well from surgery
    O'Connor (hip surgery) is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, according to Corey Masisak of The Denver Post.

    Advice: O'Connor underwent surgery in March and missed the rest of the season. O'Connor had 13 goals and 25 points in 57 appearances for the Avalanche, giving them secondary scoring from an unexpected source, as his previous career high was nine goals in 82 games during the 2022-23 campaign. Look for O'Connor to compete for a spot on the third line in 2024-25. Rotowire.com Thursday, 11:40 am
     
  • Returns to lineup Tuesday
    Wheeler was back in action for Game 4 against the Panthers on Tuesday, recording four hits, two blocks and two PIM in 9:18 of ice time.

    Advice: Wheeler was in the lineup for the first time since Feb. 15 versus Montreal, a stretch of 41 games on the shelf due to his leg injury. Even with the veteran cleared to play, he may still have to serve as a healthy scratch periodically as he eases his way back to 100 percent, perhaps including Game 5 against Florida on Thursday. Rotowire.com Thursday, 8:08 am
     
  • Gets first point of playoffs
    Perry posted an assist and three hits in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Stars in Game 4.

    Advice: Perry fell out of favor for the Oilers late in the second round -- his appearance Wednesday ended a stretch of five straight healthy scratches for the veteran winger. He was also able to snap a 12-game point drought when he helped out on a Ryan McLeod tally in the first period. The 39-year-old Perry's best years are well behind him at this point, but he can still be an effective depth forward and pest. Given the Oilers' win in Game 4 to even the Western Conference Finals at two games apiece, it wouldn't be surprising to see Perry get a run in the lineup over the rest of the series. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:36 pm
     
  • On three-game point streak
    Brown logged a shorthanded assist in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Stars in Game 4.

    Advice: Brown set up Mattias Janmark's tally in the second period, which stood as the game-winner. Over the last three games, Brown has a goal and two assists, stepping up as a solid depth scorer for the Oilers. He's at four points, six shots on net, five hits, five blocked shots and a plus-3 rating over 10 playoff appearances in a bottom-six role. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 10:32 pm
     
  • Chips in assist
    Brown recorded an assist in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Stars in Game 3.

    Advice: Brown has a goal and an assist over the last two games, his first time getting on the scoresheet in consecutive contests in all of 2023-24. The veteran winger is up to three points, six shots on net, five hits, four blocked shots and a plus-3 rating through nine playoff outings. Brown's recently solid play has helped him maintain a spot in the lineup over Corey Perry. Rotowire.com Monday, 9:21 pm