Nylander was not on the ice for Friday's practice and the Maple Leafs were non-committal about his availability for Game 1. This is likely gamesmanship more than anything, I don't think there's any real concern that Nylander won't be available for Saturday's contest.
NHL Hockey Player News
Hakanpää missed the final 13 games of the regular season and seems unlikely to play in Game 1 vs. the Golden Knights. However, the Stars are hopeful that he'll play later in the series.
Domi missed the final two games of the regular season but will play in Game 1 vs. the Bruins on Saturday. Domi finished the season strong, scoring two goals with 13 assists (15 points) in his final 17 games of the season. He should continue to skate on the top line with Auston Matthews as well as PP2 in Game 1.
Motte did not play the last three games for Tampa Bay and his status is up in the air for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 29-year-old Motte registered nine points (6G / 3A) and averaged 12:28 time-on-ice in 69 games this season.
Glendening did not play in Tampa Bay's season finale due to an undisclosed injury and his status is up in the air for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 34-year-old Glendening scored 11 points (10G / 1A) in 81 games this season.
The Oilers rested several of their regulars in their season finale on Thursday, allowing Broberg to draw into the lineup but he has been reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors. The 22-year-old Broberg scored 35 points (5G / 30A) in 48 games with Bakersfield this season.
Erne drew into the Oilers' lineup for their season finale as the team rested several of their regulars but has been reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors (AHL). In 23 games with the Oilers this season, Erne recorded two points (1G / 1A).
Fast was limited to only 6:53 time-on-ice before exiting the Hurricanes' season finale on Tuesday, a 6-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, due to an upper-body injury. The 32-year-old Fast scored 19 points (6G / 13A) in 73 games this season.
Pageau exited the Islanders' final game of the season after playing only 2:36 time-on-ice due to a lower-body injury and could miss game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 31-year-old Pageau had 33 points (11G / 22A), 189 hits, and 82 blocks in 82 games this season.
Dobson did not play the last three games of the season for the Islanders but was at practice on Friday, an encouraging sign that he should be ready for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old Dobson had a tremendous season for the Islanders, scoring 70 points (10G / 60A) in 79 games.
Ekblad did not play the final six games of the season for the Panthers due to an undisclosed injury but will be ready for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ekblad has seen a decrease in offensive productivity the last few years but is still a major part of the Panthers' blue line. He had 18 points (4G / 14A) in 51 games this season.
Patrick Roy and the Islanders coaching staff heavily favoured Varlamov during their end-of-season push for the playoffs and will turn to him in game one against the Carolina Hurricanes. Varlamov ended the season on a 7-1-0 run, allowing three or fewer goals in each contest and posting a dazzling .935 SV%.
Francouz did not participate in the 2023-24 season due to a groin injury and has announced his retirement from the NHL. Francouz battled injuries last season as well, recording a 2.61 GAA and .915 SV% while playing in only 16 games (8-7-1). The 33-year-old Francouz ends his career with a 2.49 GAA, .919 SV%, and four shutouts in 73 games (44-21-6).
Patrick Roy and the Islanders coaching staff heavily favoured Varlamov during their end-of-season push for the playoffs and will likely turn to him in game one against the Carolina Hurricanes. Varlamov ended the season on a 7-1-0 run, allowing three or fewer goals in each contest and posting a dazzling .935 SV%.
Dobson did not play the last three games of the season for the Islanders but was at practice on Friday, an encouraging sign that he could be ready for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 24-year-old Dobson had a tremendous season for the Islanders, scoring 70 points (10G / 60A) in 79 games.
With the Bruins set to begin their first-round playoff matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, they have recalled Lohrei from Providence. The 23-year-old Lohrei played 41 games for Boston this year, his first NHL season, tallying 13 points (4G / 9A).
With the Bruins set to begin their first-round playoff matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, they have recalled Beecher from Providence (AHL). The 23-year-old Beecher played 52 games with Boston this season, his first NHL campaign, scoring 10 points (7G / 3A).
Raddysh will not play in Chicago's regular season finale, bringing a slightly premature end to his season. He finishes the year with five goals and nine assists in 73 games.
Blackwell will get the chance to play once more this year as he draws into Chicago's lineup for their regular season finale. He enters tonight's contest with eight goals and four assists in 43 games.
Entwistle will get the chance to play once more this year as he draws into Chicago's lineup for their regular season finale. He enters tonight's contest with five goals and five assists in 66 games.