Boyle is an unrestricted free agent this summer and the Sharks have announced that they will not be making him a contract offer. The Sharks plan on moving Brent Burns back to the blueline after spending this entire season at forward. Dan Boyle tallied 269 points (68 goals, 201 assists) and a plus-19 rating over six seasons with the Sharks. The veteran defenseman will surely land a multi-year deal with another team.
Konopka becomes just the second player in NHL history to be suspended for PEDs. Konopka, an unrestricted free agent this summer, will serve his ban at the beginning of any new contract. The substance Konopka is being suspended for was not named, but you have to think this will deeply hurt his chances at landing a deal this summer.
The timing of the injury is uncertain. Chara was slashed by the Canadiens' Michael Bournival in Game 3 and Max Pacioretty in Game 7, among other hits. Chara looked out of sorts in game seven specifically, but it is hard to believe that can be largely attributed to a finger injury. Chara had two goals and two assists for the Bruins in the playoffs after scoring 17 goals with 23 assists and a plus-25 mark in the regular season.
Rask gave up four goals on 28 shots in the 4-0 loss in game 6. Rask has given up 16 goals with a .910 SV% in the first six games of this series, but none of that matters heading into a winner takes all game 7. Tonight, will mark Rask's third career game 7 start, he is 1-1 with a 3.87 GAA and .855 SV%--so history is in the Habs favour.
Coyle appeared to be having a tough time receiving passes and stick handling in the Wild's OT loss last night that ended their season, but that would make sense given the status of his shoulders. Coyle had three goals and four assists (7 points) in 13 playoff games. It was a solid postseason for the 22-year-old who had 30 points (12G / 18A) in 70 games this season. The 2010 first round pick, should see consistent top-6 minutes in 2014-15.
Gibson made 39 saves on 42 shots in the Ducks 4-3 victory over the Kings in game 5. Gibson has yet to lose an NHL start and has won two playoff starts in a row with a 1.50 GAA and .950 SV%. The 20-year-old has staked his claim to the Ducks crease and he will look to continue his winning streak tonight and punch Anaheim's ticket into the Western Conference Finals vs. Chicago.
Beleskey has not played since game 3 because of a lower-body issue. He has two goals and two assists in five games this postseason, but he will not be back until the next round, given the Ducks get by the Kings this round.
Andersen was injured in game 3 and has not played since. Rookie John Gibson has filled in exceptionally for Andersen. The Ducks could close out the series tonight, but the crease appears to be Gibson's until further notice.
Quick surrendered four goals on 24 shots in the Kings 4-3 loss to the Ducks in game 5. For the second straight game Quick was outplayed by rookie John Gibson, who made 39 saves. After winning six straight games, Quick has dropped his last three games while posting a 3.94 GAA and .842 SV%. The Kings season is in jeopardy tonight, so Quick needs to rediscover his game before it is too late.
Regehr has not resumed skating since being injured in game 1 vs. the Ducks. Jeff Schulltz will remain in the Kings lineup for game 6. He has no points but has six hits and six blocked shots in four games.
Mitchell skated on Tuesday, but is not on the ice for the Kings' gameday skate this morning. He has not played since game 6 of the first round, and won't return tonight as the Kings look to keep their season alive. Matt Greene will stay in the lineup with Mitchell still sidelined.
Seidenberg has not played since December 27th because of a torn MCL and ACL in his right knee. He took part in the Bruins' optional morning skate this morning and continues to make steady progress toward a return, but head coach Claude Julien said he would be "very surprised" if Seidenberg plays tonight. Should the Bruins get by the Habs tonight, Seidenberg's return in the Eastern Conference would be a huge boost to the Bruins' blueline.
Price stopped all 26 shots that he faced in the Habs 4-0 win over the Bruins in game 6. The win moved Price to 4-0-1 at the Bell Centre this postseason, but he will need another great outing tonight if he is going to make another start in that building. Price enters play tonight with a 2.21 GAA and .931 SV% in the series.
Shaw is expected to start skating in the next couple of days, which is a good sign that he could be ready for the early stages of the Western Conference Finals, should the Blackhawks get by the Wild.
Crawford stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 2-1 win over the Wild in game 5. But now he heads back to Xcel Energy Center where he allowed seven goals on 48 shots (.854 SV%) in games 3 and 4. The Blackhawks had trouble generating offence in those games, so Crawford will need to be bring his A-game this evening incase that trend continues.
Fleury allowed three goals on 29 shots in the Penguins 3-1 loss in game 6. Fleury was unreal in games 2, 3 and 4, but had a tough-go in games 5 and 6 allowing seven goals on 63 shots (.889 SV%). Fleury enters play tonight with a career .901 SV% in game 7's, which is substantially lower than Henrik Lundqivst's .963. Hopefully for Fleury and the Penguins sake, Sidney Crosby can get his game on track with a big game 7.
Lundqvist stopped 36 of 37 shots in a 3-1 win in game 6. King Henrik has carried the Rangers in the last two games stopping 67 of 69 shots (.971 SV%). Tonight, he looks for his fifth consecutive game 7 victory, which would pass Ed Belfour, Patrick Roy and Cam Ward for the NHL record. In game 7 vs. the Flyers in round one, Henrik stopped 26 of 27 shots in a 2-1 win.
Kuemper has been out for the entire second round after getting hurt late in game 7 vs. Colorado. With Ilya Bryzgalov posting a 2.22 GAA and .899 SV% through the first five games, the Wild will stick with him in the must-win game 6 at home. Should Bryz falter, Kuemper will be there to relieve him.
Bryzgalov allowed two goals on 28 shots in the 2-1 loss in game 5. The series now moves back to Minnesota for game 6, and the Wild have yet to lose on home ice in the playoffs. Bryzgalov has stopped 37 of 39 shots (.949 SV%) in his only two starts at Xcel Energy Center this postseason. He is expected to have Darcy Kuemper as his back-up tonight.
Beaulieu is expected to replace Douglas Murray and pair with Mike Weaver in Montreal tonight. Beaulieu had two assists and a plus-6 rating in 17 games this season.
