NHL Hockey Player News

Dewar has picked up one assist in three games to open the series but will come out of the lineup with William Nylander expected to make his series debut. Nicholas Robertson will move down to the fourth line to replace Dewar next to David Kampf and Ryan Reaves.

Liljegren will be replaced by TJ Brodie in the lineup for Game 4. Head coach Sheldon Keefe said that Liljegren has not been 100 percent, which is the reason he's the one coming out to make room for Brodie.

Brodie has been a healthy scratch for the first three games of the series but he will replace Timothy Liljegren in the lineup in Game 4. Brodie had one goal and 25 assists (26 points) in 78 games during the regular season.

Nylander has missed the first three games of the series with an undisclosed ailment but is expected to play in Game 4. Nylander had the best regular season of his career, compiling 98 points (40G / 58A) in 82 games and was close to a point-per-game (10 points in 11 games) during last year's playoffs. Expect Connor Dewar to be scratched to make room for Nylander.

Andersen stopped 29 of 31 shots in the Hurricanes' Game 3 win over the Islanders. Andersen has been spectacular in the series, going 3-0 with a 2.01 GAA and .922 SV%. In the regular season and playoffs combined, Andersen is 16-2-0 with a 1.87 GAA and .930 SV% this season.

Samsonov allowed three goals on 33 shots in the Maple Leafs' loss to the Bruins in Game 3. Samsonov has been decent so far in the series, going 1-2 with a 3.05 GAA and .895 SV%. His -0.26 GSAx/60 ranks 12th out of 19 goalies who have made a start in the postseason so far.

There was a massive scrum at the end of Game 3, which left Dillon's hand bloodied as he skated to the dressing room. Head coach Rick Bowness did not have an update on his status post-game, but expect Logan Stanley to replace him if he's unavailable for Game 4 on Sunday.

van Riemsdyk played 3:27 TOI before leaving Game 3 with an upper-body injury that he suffered on a massive hit from Matt Rempe, which was called for interference. It was a huge in-game blow for the Capitals, who were already without Rasmus Sandin, Nick Jensen, and Vincent Iorio on the blueline.

Stastney logged 6:36 TOI before leaving Game 3 with an upper-body injury. If Stastney can't go in Game 4, the Predators have Tyson Barrie or Dante Fabbro ready to go into the lineup.

The Oilers will unsurprisingly turn back to Skinner between the pipes for Game 3 on Friday despite taking the loss in Game 2. Skinner's stat line in Game 2 left a lot to be desired, as he allowed five goals on just 26 shots enroute to a 5-4 overtime defeat. The Oilers' starting netminder now owns a below-average .857 SV% through his first two games of the 2024 post-season. The sportsbooks do like his chances of rebounding on Friday, however, as the Oilers' enter action as -140 favourites over the Kings.

Jones will take a seat on Friday after playing in each of the first two games of the series. His absence makes way for the return of Samuel Girard (concussion).

Girard was originally a full participant in the morning skate on Friday but left early as the team finished out their practice and was considered a game-time decision for Game 3 vs. Winnipeg. The 25-year-old has been out since April 13th due to a concussion but appears ready to return. Caleb Jones will sit in his place.

The Jets are unsurprisingly turning back to Hellebuyck for Game 3 on Friday in Colorado after he allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) in a loss last game. The 30-year-old American netminder is a lock for this season's Vezina Trophy after he posted a 37-19-4 record, 2.39 GAA and .921 SV% during the regular season. He will try to slow down the Colorado Avalanche in Colorado for Game 3, who led the NHL in goals per game (3.68) during the regular season.

Nashville will turn back to Saros for Game 3 on Friday at home after he impressed in Game 2 by stopping 17 of 18 shots (.944 SV%) in a road victory to even the series. The 29-year-old had yet another strong regular season this year with his 35-24-5 record, 2.86 GAA and .906 SV%. He will look to take a series lead on Friday as Nashville hosts Vancouver, who will look to get back to their scoring ways after finishing the regular season fourth in the NHL in goals per game (3.4).

Sandin has been out since April 7th due to an upper-body injury but is close to returning and was a game-time decision for Game 3 on Friday vs. New York. The 24-year-old will make a welcome return if and when he is able to suit up after he posted career highs in points (23), games played (68) and SOG (79) while averaging 21:07 TOI per game.

Jensen has yet to appear in either of Washington's opening playoff losses but was a game-time decision for Game 3 on Friday, suggesting he could be nearing a return to the lineup.