Here’s the latest on player availability across the league:
Anaheim Ducks
Forward Chris Kreider was sidelined for the previous night’s game due to illness.
Carolina Hurricanes
Goaltender Pytor Kochetkov is nearing a return from a lower-body injury and is available for playoff duty if needed.
Dallas Stars
Defenseman Nils Lundkvist is set to rejoin the lineup on Wednesday. Forward Sam Steel will participate in the morning skate, and his status will be assessed afterward. Coach Glen Gulutzen indicated that all players are eager to play, and decisions will be made based on morning health assessments. However, forward Roope Hintz will miss the initial two games of their first-round series, with his return timeline uncertain. Defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s status remains unknown after missing the last two games with a lower-body injury, with more information expected in the coming days.
New York Islanders
Goaltender Semyon Varlamov has been loaned to Bridgeport (AHL) on an LTIR conditioning assignment.
Ottawa Senators
Coach Travis Green expressed optimism about defenseman Tyler Kleven’s readiness for round one, noting he skated yesterday. Forward Brady Tkachuk confirmed he is good to go for the start of the playoffs, despite a neck/head hit on Saturday that caused him to leave the game. He practiced with Dylan Cozens and Ridly Greig on Tuesday.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Forward Brandon Hagel and defenseman Darren Raddysh are listed as questionable for tonight’s game.
Utah Mammoth
Defenseman Sean Durzi exited last night’s game in the second period with an upper-body injury, with no update provided post-game. Forward Barrett Hayton (upper-body) skated in a non-contact jersey and is week-to-week, having missed the last nine games. Forward Jack McBain has not yet begun skating and is also week-to-week, having been out for the past six games.
Vancouver Canucks
Coach Adam Foote stated that forward Evander Kane is unlikely to play in the team’s remaining games unless an unexpected number of injuries arise.
