Sutter was injured while killing a penalty in the second period. While Sutter was able to finish his shift, he limped to the bench when it was done and needed assistance heading down the runway. If Sutter’s injury is long-term, it will be a huge loss for the Pens. He was arguably Pittsburgh’s best player in Game 5 and was the catalyst behind their 3-1 win, which set the stage for them to clinch the series tonight.
Varlamov allowed three goals on 32 shots in a 4-3 overtime win in game 5. The Avalanche will look to finish the Wild's season tonight in Minnesota. They get a big boost with Matt Duchene (knee) returning to the lineup. Varly has a 2.33 GAA and .931 SV% in the first five games.
Duchene hasn't played since March 29 because of a knee injury. He missed the final eight games of the regular season and the first five in this best-of-7 series against the Wild, which the Avalanche lead 3-2. Duchene skated on the fourth line with Brad Malone and Maxime Talbot during pregame warmups. It was a different line than he practiced with during the morning skate, when he was between Ryan O'Reilly and PA Parenteau. Duchene led Colorado with 70 points (23 goals, 47 assists) during the regular season.
The exact extent of the injury and recovery will be known following surgery tomorrow. Bishop missed the entire first round with the injury, which was originally believed to be to his elbow. The Lightning were swept, but it likely would have been an entirely different series had Bishop been healthy. He had a breakout campaign this season, look for him to build off of it in 2014-15.
Orpik did not play in game 5 and did not take part in the morning skate, so his absence from tonight's lineup is not a surprise. Robert Bortuzzo will stick in the lineup with Orpik sidelined for a second straight contest.
Bobrovsky stopped 48 of 50 shots, but it was not enough to carry the Blue Jackets to a win, as they lost 3-1 in game 5. Bob has seen a ton a rubber in this series. The Penguins have averaged 38 shots per game and Bob has responded with a 3.00 GAA and .916 SV%. He will look to keep Columbus' season alive tonight as they host the Pens for game 6.
Fleury stopped 23 of 24 shots in a 3-1 win over the Jackets on Saturday. The win moved the Penguins one win away from the second round. They will look to put Columbus away tonight, but there are few things more difficult than putting an NHL team away on the road. Fleury has a 2.78 GAA and .911 SV% in this series.
Stalock relieved Antti Niemi for the second straight game on Saturday. Stalock stopped all 22 shots that he faced after entering the game 22 seconds into the second period. So far he has stopped all 26 shots he has seen in 57:02 of playing time. Tonight, the Sharks get a third crack at putting away the Kings, and it will be with Stalock in goal, making his first career playoff start.
Vlasic was injured early in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Kings after being hit by Jarret Stoll. Vlasic will be replaced by Matt Irwin, who played 62 games this season, but is a downgrade from the Olympian Vlasic. Vlasic is considered day-to-day.
Stalock relieved Antti Niemi for the second straight game on Saturday. Stalock stopped all 22 shots that he faced after entering the game 22 seconds into the second period. So far he has stopped all 26 shots he has seen in 57:02 of playing time. Departing the ice first strongly suggests that he will start game 6 tonight. The Sharks get a third crack at putting the Kings away tonight.
Quick stopped all 30 shots that he faced in a 3-0 win over the Sharks in game 5. After falling into a 3-0 hole to start the playoffs, the Kings have battled back and now have a chance to send the series back to San Jose for game 7. In the last two games Quick has stopped 66 of 69 shots (.957 SV%).
Granlund is a more skilled and crafty forward than Coyle and should provide a spark to a Wild power-play that has just two goals on 15 opportunities in this series. Granlund has one goal (OT GWG in Game 3) and two assists through the first five games.
Kuemper allowed four goals on 35 shots in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss. In his three starts in this series, Kuemper has allowed just five goals on 69 shots (.927 SV%). He has solidified the Wild's crease once again and will play a massive role in continuing their season tonight. Four of the five games this series have been one-goal games, so expect another tightly contested game tonight in Minnesota.
Orpik, who missed game 5, appears to be in danger of missing game 6 as well. He did not skate this morning, but was riding the stationary bike outside the Pens' locker room while the team was on the ice. If he can't go, expect Robert Bortuzzo to stay in the lineup alongside Rob Scuderi.
Duchene took part in the Avalanche's morning skate and was on a line with Ryan O'Reilly and P.A Parenteau which suggests that if he plays, he will not be on the fourth line like head coach Patrick Roy had originally indicated. Duchene has not played since March 29th, but is the Avalanche's top offensive threat and definitely boosts their chances at eliminating the Wild tonight if he is in the lineup.
Bobrovsky stopped 48 of 50 shots, but it was not enough to carry the Blue Jackets to a win, as they lost 3-1 in game 5. Bob has seen a ton a rubber in this series. The Penguins have averaged 38 shots per game and Bob has responded with a 3.00 GAA and .916 SV%. He will look to keep Columbus' season alive tonight as they host the Pens for game 6.
Nikitin was not on the ice for the Blue Jackets morning skate and will sit tonight as Nick Schultz draws into the lineup. Consider Nikitin day-to-day.
Umberger appeared to suffer a shoulder injury in game 5. The 31-year-old has one assist and a minus-2 rating in four games this series. He will be replaced by Jared Boll in Columbus tonight.
The early word from the Avs is that Duchene is likely to return on Monday, but head coach Patrick Roy has not confirmed that. Roy said that if Duchene does play, he will likely play on the fourth line and power-play, but I find that hard to believe. The Avalanche will hit the ice for their morning skate shortly, so we will have word on Duchene's availability soon thereafter.
Perreault is considered day-to-day, and Matt Beleskey figures to draw back into the lineup after missing the last four games.
