2 min read • April 19, 2024
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In the 2/15 match against the Montreal Canadiens, the veteran forward suffered a severe injury that appears, from video analysis, to be a significant right ankle ligament tear, possibly accompanied by a fracture akin to an ankle fracture dislocation. Wheeler needed surgery which effectively ended his season placing him on the Long Term Injury Reserve. Outside the Wheeler issue the Rangers are extremely healthy primed for a deep playoff run.
Defensman Rasmus Sandin has missed been out of the lineup since 4/7 due to a head injury. Recently upgraded to skating albeit wearing a non-contact jersey. Capitals will need to take their time with Sandin but has chance to return mid-series. Another defensive issue that will hurt their d-corps is Nick Jensen who was stretchered off the ice 4/13 after a vicious hit from Tampa Lightning center Michael Eyssimont. With Jensen already back at practice has better chance to return to the ice with Sunday a real possibility. Key Washington Capitals contributors like Alexander Ovechkin and Dylan Strome go into series with Rangers healthy and ready to surprise as the lower seed.
Expected to miss Game 1 of the series, forward Jesper Fast left the Hurricanes most recent contest due to a upper-body injury suffered after crashing into the boards. Marred in a 24-game goalless streak the former Devils player has contributed in other areas and will be missed against the New York Islanders Saturday. Chance he returns sooner rather than later but Hurricanes depth throughout the lineup should sustain until he returns.
The premier penalty killer left the New York Islanders final regular season match after suffering a lower-body injury in the first period. Expectations are head coach Patrick Roy and the Islanders are playing it safe with Pageau due to his importance to the team meaning the center will likely be in the lineup Game 1.
After logging just 3:04 minutes of ice-time on 4/16 the veteran defender left Buffalo Sabres game prematurely due what has been reported as an upper-body injury. Held out of the Panthers last regular season match due to their positive playoff position, our panel of Pro Sports Docs expect Ekman-Larsoon to play Game 1 which would be his first playoff game as a Panther.
During the 2/7 game versus the New York Rangers, the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman was stretchered off the ice following what appeared to be a gruesome ankle injury. Video analysis showed that the offensively skilled defenseman suffered the most severe form of a high ankle sprain, which included an associated fracture involving both the tibia and fibula. These unfortunate circumstances have resulted in Sergachev being sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The veteran defensive defenseman left Boston 2-0 loss to the Washington Capitals prematurely due to what is being reported as an undisclosed issue. After being held out of the Bruin final contest due to their locked in playoff position the expectation is the longtime Bruin will play Game 1. Outside of Carlo, Boston carries a strong, healthy roster into a big series with their rivals from up north.
The super scoring Swede played in all 82 Toronto Maple Leafs games this year but has provided a scare ahead of their Game 1 match with the Bruins after missing the 4/19 practice due to an undisclosed issue. Our panel of Pro Sports Docs saw nothing significant in his final regular season game where he played over 17 minutes and we expect the forward to suit up Game 1.
The star depth defenseman hasn't suited up for the Dallas Stars since March 16 due to a lower-body issue. Expected to not be rushed back due to teh Stars tremendous depth a the D-man spot, Hakanpaa has chance to return if Stars advance further but chance he misses playoffs entirely. After missing the final 13 games of the regular season the Finnish defenseman finished with 123 blocked shots.
The Vegas Knights announced Stone will miss rest of the regular season due to a lacerated spleen shortly after the 2/20 contest. LTIR is something the Knights are accustomed to with the winger missing the second half of last year (23-9-7 minus Stone) due to back injury but was able to suit up Game 1 of postseason. Good chance the forward misses the start of series but has been able to practice as seen 4/12 giving hope he can return mid-series.
The two-way forward missed the final three games of the season due to an undisclosed issue but thoughts are it could be precautionary with the Oilers secure atop the Western Conference. After revitalizing his career up in Edmonton his two way play will be missed if sidelined but our thoughts at sicscore.com is that Kane will suit up Game 1 versus the Kings.
The Los Angeles Kings back-up net-minder has missed majority of the season after suffering an ACL tear in practice mid-December. Kings have leaned heavily on Cam Talbot this season as the former Oiler has appeared in 54 games this year. Copley injury not expected to effect a playoff-seasoned Kings team during playoffs.
The oft injured forward managed to play in 81/82 games with Boeser missing the final game of the season due to an undisclosed injury. Said injury caused the sniper to not travel with the team in their final regular season game. Our panel of Pro Sports Docs expect the 40-goal scorer to play Game 1 versus the Nashville Predators who go into the playoffs as one of the healthier NHL teams.
The Winnipeg Jets fourth line forward has been ruled out of Game 1 due to a lower-body injury. Barron left the 4/16 contest and his availability for the entire series versus the Avalanche is in serious doubt. Barron set career highs in goals (11) and hits (122).
The former Tampa Lightning prospect underwent a great year posting 56 points in 79 games but worry for his Game 1 availability has arose with the forward leaving the Avalanche final regular season game. Drouin status is a true question mark going into Game 1 with the Winnipeg Jets.
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