Benning is coming off of the best season of his young career, having scored is goals with 15 assists (21 points) in 73 games. The 24-year-old posted one of the best CorsiFor% (51.2) ratings among Oilers’ defensemen and graded out as the No.47 right-handed defenseman in the NHL according to Corsica Player Rankings—not bad for a third-pairing D-man.
Domi was acquired from the Coyotes in a straight-up trade for Alex Galchenyuk. Domi was selected No.12 overall in 2013 and has yet to fully live up to expectations after a great rookie season—18 goals and 34 assists in 81 games. Since then he has scored just 18 goals with 65 assists (83 points) in 141 games. Domi brings some physicality along with great playmaking ability to the left-side of the Canadiens’ lineup, where he figures to slot in behind Max Pacioretty.
Reaves has picked up two goals and 18 PIMS in 10 playoff games this postseason, but it looks like he will sit in Game 5 with Will Carrier (undisclosed) returning to the lineup.
Murray missed a month in late-February/early-March with a concussion, but returned to go 4-3-1 with a 3.38 GAA and .898 SV% in eight games down the stretch. Murray had a down year, but has been ridiculous in the playoffs over the last two years. The 23-year-old is 22-9 with a 1.95 GAA, .928 SV% and four shutouts in 32 career playoff starts. If he can re-gain that form, the Penguins could win a third straight Stanley Cup.
Muzzin, who missed the final five games of the regular season was on the ice for Monday’s practice in a no-contact sweater and is a big question mark for Game 1. Muzzin is the Kings’ clear No.2 defenseman behind Drew Doughty and his availability during the first round will be crucial to the Kings’ success.
Mermis, 24, has two goals and 17 assists (19 points) in 57 games with the Roadrunners this season. He returns to the NHL, where he failed to record a point in seven games with the Coyotes earlier this season.
