Nichuskin has missed the Avalanche's previous two games due to a personal matter and has already been out for Game 5 in Colorado as he is considered out indefinitely. The 28-year-old had a goal, Six SOG, and a -2 plus/minus through 2 games prior to his unexpected absence.
Makar was assessed a two-minute minor early in Game 4 between the Avalanche and Kraken for an interference minor on Seattle's Jared McCann and has been suspended for Game 5 due to the infraction. It is the first time the 24-year-old has faced a suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety and will be a huge hit to the Avalanche as their start defensemen has a goal and three points with a +3 plus/minus through four games in their opening series.
Drury left Game 4 on Sunday after just two shifts and 1:20 TOI due to an upper-body injury and will not play Game 5 Tuesday after not practicing in the morning. The 23-year-old is considered day-to-day for the time being and has yet to pick up a point in four playoff games so far, with 6 SOG, 10 PIMs and a -1 plus/minus.
Drury left Game 4 on Sunday after just two shifts and 1:20 TOI due to an upper-body injury and will be a game-time decision for Game 5 Tuesday. The 23-year-old is considered day-to-day for the time being and has yet to pick up a point in four playoff games so far, with 6 SOG, 10 PIMs and a -1 plus/minus.
Kiviranta had eight goals, one assist, 85 SOG, 40 PIms and a -9 plus/minus through 70 games during the regular season and will draw back into the Stars' lineup for Game 2 after being a healthy scratch in Dallas' first playoff game. The 27-year-old is expected to play on the fourth line and will be replacing Joe Pavelski in the Stars' lineup.
Manson has not played since March 1st due to a lower-body injury but is expected back for the Avalanche in Game 1. vs. Seattle Tuesday. The 31-year-old bruising defenseman missed a great chunk of the 2022-23 season due to injury, but still had two goals, eight assists, 41 SOG, 42 PIMs and a +13 plus/minus through 27 games this season.
Makar missed the Avalanche's last seven games due to a lower-body injury but will return for game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs against Seattle. The 24-year-old had yet another fantastic season, collecting 17 goals, 49 assists, 176 SOG, and a +16 plus/minus through 60 injury-filled games this season.
Landeskog, who had surgery on his knee prior to the playoffs last season, has not played this season. He's been on the ice gearing up to play in the postseason but the Avalanche announced on Thursday that he will not be available during the 20223 playoffs.
Blackwood stopped 38 of 40 shots (.950 SV%) to snap a three-game winning streak as he was beaten by the Boston Bruins in his previous start. The 26-year-old has endured yet another disappointing season in New Jersey, with his 10-6-2 record, 3.04 GAA and .899 SV%. He takes on the Washington Capitals, who have lost seven of their last eight games.
Lehkonen has not played since March 13th due to a broken finger but will draw back into Colorado's lineup Thursday vs. Winnipeg. The 27-year-old will make a welcome return to Colorado's lineup as he was having a career season prior to the injury with 20 goals, 29 assists, 145 SOG, 28 PIMs and a +6 plus/minus through 62 games.
Lehkonen has not played since March 13th due to a broken finger but has a chance to play in one of the Avalanche's two final games this week. The 27-year-old will make a welcome return to Colorado's lineup as he was having a career season prior to the injury with 20 goals, 29 assists, 145 SOG, 28 PIMs and a +6 plus/minus through 62 games.
Wedgewood stopped 26 of 27 shots (.963 SV%) to snap a two-game losing streak in his previous start as he beat Nashville in his first game since Feb 18th (injury). The 30-year-old Stars' backup has been solid when called upon this season, with his 8-8-3 record, 2.76 GAA and .916 SV%. He takes on the St. Louis Blues, who snapped a two-game winning run with a 5-3 loss to Minnesota last game.
Makar has 17 goals, 49 assists, 176 SOG, 30 PIMs and a +16 plus/minus through 60 games this season but will miss his second straight game Thursday vs. San Jose. The Avalanche will be going with the same lineup they had in their victory over San Jose on Tuesday.
Gushchin had a goal and two points in two games with the San Jose Sharks and will now head back to the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) Wednesday. The 21-year-old returns to the minors, where he had 17 goals, 20 assists, 24 PIMs and a -18 plus/minus through 62 games this season.
