With Alexander Nikishin sidelined with a concussion, Reilly will make his 2025-26 postseason debut. In 21 career playoff games with the Bruins and Islanders, Reilly has one goal and five assists.
Nikishin had to be helped off of the ice in the Hurricanes' series clinching win in Ottawa last Saturday, and will miss Game 1 vs. the Flyers as he continues to recover from a concussion. Mike Reilly will draw into the lineup to replace Nikishin.
Tippett will miss Game 1 in Carolina, but is considered day-to-day, so he should be back in the series. Tippett, who produced two points (1G / 1A) in six games in Round 1, will be replaced by Garnet Hathaway in the lineup, but Alex Bump will earn the promotion to the top line.
Fresh off an impressive four-game sweep over the Ottawa Senators, the Hurricanes will return from a week-long break, turning to Andersen to tend the twine in Game One against the Philadelphia Flyers. After arguably the worst season of his career, Andersen's presence in Carolina's crease this postseason was uncertain, but he has rewarded Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour for his decision thus far. In four games this postseason (4-0), Andersen has an elite 1.10 GAA and .955 SV%. The Hurricanes enter Game One on Saturday as sizeable -208 home favourites.
Tippett missed Friday's practice, with what was presumed to be maintenance, but suddenly his status for Game 1 has come into question. Alex Bump is expected to take his spot on the top line and Garnet Hathaway is expected to replace him in the lineup if Tippett is unable to play in Game 1.
Vladar stopped all 42 shots that he faced in the Flyers' shutout win over the Penguins in Game 6. It capped what was a fantastic series for Vladar, who went 4-2-0 with a 1.61 GAA, .937 SV% and two shutouts. Now he draws a very difficult matchup in Round 2, but he went 1-0-1 with a 1.86 GAA and .931 SV% in two games vs. Carolina this season.
Ehlers missed Game 4 vs. the Senators but was a full participant in practice the last two days, and is expected to play in Game 1 on Saturday night. Ehlers finished Round 1 with one assist and seven shots on goal in his three games.
Nikishin suffered a concussion on a devastating hit from Tyler Kleven in Game 4 vs. the Senators. But the week between games served him well, as Nikishin was in practice on Friday and the morning skate on Saturday. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that he needs to clear one final concussion test in order to get cleared to play in Game 1. He's considered a game-time decision.
Miller missed Saturday's morning skate, but head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that he was taking his option and anticipates him playing in Game 1 vs. the Flyers. Miller finished Round 1 with three assists in four games.
The Mammoth have squandered third-period leads multiple times in their opening-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights, and find themselves on the brink of elimination, down 3-2 heading into Game Six. Vejemelka's play in his last two games has been concerning, losing both outings in overtime and allowing a combined 10 goals on 74 shots (.865 SV%), more than he has allowed in any two-game stretch during the regular season. The Mammoth enter a must-win Game Six on Friday as slight -101 home underdogs.
The Golden Knights will hand Hart his sixth consecutive start to open the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Friday as they look to punch their ticket to the second round. Hart turned in a solid performance in Game 5, stopping 34 of the 38 shots he faced on route to a 5-4 overtime victory. Hart and the Golden Knights enter action in Game 6 at -115 on the money line.
