NHL Hockey Player News

Couturier was crunched into the board by Alex Ovechkin in Game 1 and skated to the bench with his arm hanging. It immediately looked like a shoulder injury that would force him to miss some time and that length of time has been determined to be two weeks. Scott Laughton will replace Couturier in Game 2.

The Rangers are already without Ryan McDonagh, so losing Girardi as they head into Game 2 is going to hurt their blueline. Dylan McIlrath will step in for Girardi, who is listed as day-to-day.

Lundqvist did not return to the crease for the second period of Game 1 after he caught Marc Staal’s stick in the eye late in the first period. Magnus Hellberg has been recalled to backup Antti Raanta in case Lundqvist can’t play, but he practiced on Friday and as long as he can see, expect Lundqvist to start Game 2.

Bieksa missed the final nine games of the regular season, but it looks like he’ll be back in for Game 1 of the Ducks’ first round series with the Predators. Bieksa left the ice with the regulars this morning, which suggests that he will play. He had 15 points (4G / 11A) in 71 games this season.

Perron has been sidelined with a separated shoulder since March 20th, but returns just in time for the start of the playoffs. The 27-year-old has enjoyed life in Anaheim, collecting 20 points (8G / 12A) in 28 games since being traded by Pittsburgh. He will skate on the left side of Ryan Getzlaf with Chris Stewart on the other wing.

Rakell missed the final seven games of the regular season after having his appendix removed. The third-year centre set career-highs in goals (20), assists (23), points (43), shots (169) and game-winners (7). He is expected to play between Jamie McGinn and Corey Perry tonight.

Keith was suspended for six games for slashing Charlie Coyle in the face and he returns to the Blachawks' lineup with his team down 1-0 in the series. Chicago went 3-3 during the six games that Keith was suspended for. Erik Gustafsson is expected to come out of the lineup for Keith.

Brouwer was held off of the scoresheet in game one, but his line was very effective. He played over 22 minutes and had one shot and five hits. He has just 19 career playoff points (7G / 12A) in 79 career playoff games.

Malkin took part in the Penguins’ practice on Friday and it looks like he could return for Game 2. He centred a line with Conor Sheary and Bryan Rust on the wings, but due to the early start on Saturday, there will be no morning skate. Monitor his status a few hours before puck-drop.

Fleury missed Game 1 of the series and Jeff Zatkoff played very well in his absence. With Zatkoff’s performance the Penguins could go back to him to give Fleury another few days off, but Fleury was on the ice for Friday’s practice, so monitor his status when warmups get underway at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Howard gave up three goals on 34 shots in the Red Wings’ 3-2 loss to the Lightning in Game 1. Despite the loss, Howard is expected to start again tonight as the Red Wings look to knot the series up 1-1 heading back to Detroit. Howard comes in at 1-5-0 with a 3.60 GAA and .886 SV% in his last six starts on the road.

Greiss allowed four goals on 46 shots in the Islanders 5-4 win over the Panthers last night. The Islanders will look to take a 2-0 series lead heading back home and they’ll go back to Greiss in a rare playoff back-to-back. Greiss has gone 2-4-1 with a 3.15 GAA and .914 SV% in his last seven road starts.

Howard gave up three goals on 34 shots in the Red Wings’ 3-2 loss to the Lightning in Game 1. Despite the loss, Howard is expected to start again tonight as the Red Wings look to knot the series up 1-1 heading back to Detroit. Howard comes in at 1-5-0 with a 3.60 GAA and .886 SV% in his last six starts on the road.

Bishop was outstanding in Game 1, stopping 34 of 36 shots in the Lightning’s 3-2 win over the Red Wings. Dating back to Game 1 of last year, Bishop is 7-5 with a 1.85 GAA, .928 SV% and one shutout in 12 starts vs. the Red Wings. Bishop also comes in at 5-1-0 with a 1.85 GAA, .937 SV% and one shutout in his last six starts on home ice.