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.
Lyon will get the nod once again for the Sabres in Game 6 as they aim to eliminate the Bruins. Lyon was on the losing end of a goaltending duel in Game 5, allowing two goals on 29 shots in the 2-1 overtime loss. The Sabes head into Game 6 as narrow favourites, entering action at -125 on the money line.
Vasilevskiy will be between the pipes for the Lightning when they aim to keep their season alive on Friday against the Canadiens. The former Conn Smythe winner allowed three goals on 24 shots in Game 5, as the Lightning suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat. Vasilevskiy and the Lightning enter action in Game 6 at -120 on the money line.
The Habs will of course roll with Dobes between the pipes when they look to close out their series against the Lightning on Friday. Dobes was spectacular in Game 5, allowing just two goals on 40 shots as the Habs secured a 3-2 victory. The Canadiens enter action in Game 6 as the slightest of underdogs at +105 on the money line.
Holloway missed a significant portion of the 2025-26 season due to injuries, but was tremendous when healthy, building on his breakout 2024-25 season. The 24-year-old forward averaged a career-high 18:15 time-on-ice, recording 129 hits and 51 points (22G / 29A) in 59 games. Even with his injury woes, Holloway’s 51-point season was tied for second on the Blues, earning him a five-year contract extension.
Utah's Head Coach Andre Tourigny insisted there were several game-time decisions heading into Friday's Game Six. He did not mention Mikhail Sergachev or Sean Durzi by name, but they were notably absent from the team's morning skate, suggesting their status may be uncertain. The 27-year-old Durzi is averaging 17:07 time-on-ice and has two assists through five games this postseason.
