Buffalo Sabres: Forward Sam Carrick will miss the first round of the playoffs, as confirmed by Lindy Ruff. Forward Noah Ostlund is a potential option. Goaltender Alex Lyon felt well yesterday and is expected to practice today. Forwards Alex Tuch and goaltender Colton Ellis had maintenance days yesterday.
Calgary Flames: Goaltender Devin Cooley was absent from last night’s game due to illness.
Carolina Hurricanes: Forward Logan Stankoven did not participate in practice yesterday due to illness.
Chicago Blackhawks: Defenseman Artyom Levshunov is dealing with a hand injury that will impact his offseason training for approximately two weeks.
Dallas Stars: Defenseman Miro Heiskanen might be back in the lineup for Game 1 on Saturday. A decision will be made tonight to determine his readiness, as Saturday’s early game will prevent a morning skate. Coach Glen Gulutzan stated, “Honestly, we’ll know tonight whether he’s going to be a player on Saturday. We have the 4:30 (CT) game, so we won’t even have the morning skate that day, so we’ll have to make a determination tonight to see where he’s at and then go from there. We’re not 100 percent sure. We’re hopeful. I’m hopeful. But we’ve got two plans for what we will be doing if he’s in or if he’s out.” Forward Roope Hintz is sidelined for at least the first two games.
Edmonton Oilers: Coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that Leon Draisaitl is expected to join the team in the first round, with his return date being day-to-day. Forward Jason Dickinson sustained a shot to the ankle against the Sharks and expressed a desire to play, pending his pain tolerance on the ice.
Florida Panthers: General Manager Bill Zito confirmed that Jonah Gadjovich underwent neck surgery earlier in the season and will be ready for the start of next season.
Minnesota Wild: Defenseman Quinn Hughes did not practice on Thursday due to illness.
Montreal Canadiens: Defenseman Alexandre Carrier was seen practicing in a regular jersey.
Philadelphia Flyers: Forward Owen Tippett left practice early yesterday. Coach Rick Tocchet mentioned that Tippett has been managing some issues, and the team is giving him extra time to recover.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Forwards Blake Lizotte (upper-body) and Connor Dewar (lower-body) practiced in regular jerseys. Lizotte has missed 16 games, and Dewar has missed four.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Forward Matthew Knies downplayed the severity of his knee injury, stating it was exaggerated, and he will be focusing on his recovery. Goalie Anthony Stolarz suffered a groin strain that does not require surgery. Defenseman Chris Tanev delayed surgery but proceeded with it when playoff contention became unlikely, and he will be ready for next year.
Winnipeg Jets: Coach Scott Arniel reported that defenseman Elias Salomonsson is in concussion protocol, experiencing good and bad days, and has not yet passed baseline tests.
