2 min read • May 17, 2022
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Two thrilling Game 7s concluded the first round of the 2022 NHL Playoffs on Sunday with the New York Rangers and Calgary Flames joining the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Lightning, Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers in the second round. The Sidney Crosby concussion or no saga dominated the storylines in the first round but with his squad eliminated, injuries to key players like Leon Draisaitl and Brayden Point now become the focus. Listed below is a injury preview of the remaining NHL playoff teams:
Florida Panthers - (4-2 over the Washington Capitals Round 1)
The number one team in the Eastern Conference enjoyed a hard fought series with the Washington Capitals disposing them in 6 games. Career AHLer Carter Verhaeghe has enjoyed a fantastic postseason so far posting 6 goals and a total of 12 points. Verhaeghe posted 4 multi-point games in 6 games and with his help, lessens the offensive pressure on the tremendous scoring duo of Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau.
Injury Concern
The Panthers will be without third line LW Mason Marchment who missed the last two games of the Capitals series due to a lower-body injury. The forward missed Game 5 and did not travel with team for Game 6 with the expectation that he will also miss the first game of the second round. News has yet to be released on the exact nature of the issue just like most injuries in hockey but will keep you informed if any news emerges.
Tampa Bay Lightning - (4-3 over the Toronto Maple Leafs Round 1)
The Lighting will join the Panthers for a Florida-based playoff series in the second round with the Lightning looking to win an unprecedented third straight title. Tampa will need to quickly find their bearings after a grueling 2-1 Game 7 win versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lighting have played well all season, especially after the return of star Nikita Kucherov, who missed 32 games due to lower-body injury that required surgery. The forward appeared to injury injury the groin/abdominal area and possibly underwent core muscle surgery before returning to the ice. The Russian sniper finished the season with 69 points in just 47 games played.
Injury Concern
Up and coming star forward Brayden Point suffered what we at sicscore.com appear to be a right hip flexor strain or at worst a proximal quad tear in the Lightning Game 7 win. Point was able to return to the bench but did not participate the rest of the game and is now considered doubtful to play Game 1 against the Panthers. The Lightning will take his status day-by-day but we believe there's a strong chance he misses the entire Panthers series.
Carolina Hurricanes - (4-3 over the Boston Bruins Round 1)
The team formerly known as the Hartford Whalers set club records with an incredible 54 wins and 116 points to finish first in the Metropolitan division. Forwards Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov enjoyed career years with both scoring over 30 goals to lead the Hurricanes offensively although both have been muted slightly with defender Tony DeAngelo leading the team in scoring last series.
Injury Concern
The big issue heading into the second round is the potential return of starting goaltender Fredrick Andersen. The Danish international has been out since April 16 after leaving with a left leg injury and after reports alluded to a first round return, the goaltender has just started to skate with hope for a second round return. When asked, Head coach Rod Brind’Amour remarked that he is “closer’ but the timetable on the star goalie is still undetermined.
New York Rangers - (4-3 over the Pittsburgh Penguins Round 1)
The Rangers are fresh off a historical comeback series win over the Pittsburgh Penguins which included comebacks in their last three elimination game wins which has never happened in the NHL playoffs. Vezina trophy contender Igor Shesterkin has played poorly in net to start the playoffs earning a putrid 3.66 goals against average. With the Hurricanes coming in hot scoring ten goals in their last two games, Shesterkin will need to regain his regular season form if the Rangers have a shot in the second round.
Injury Concern
New York is one of the few remains teams with minor injury issues going into the next round with only mucker Barclay Goodrow injury being of concern. The former Shark is currently in a walking boot after suffering a lower-body injury Game 1 of the Penguins series. The Rangers have yet to rule out the forward but the likelihood is Goodrow will set out the second round series.
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