Tolvanen had a nice season, scoring 11 goals with 11 assists in 40 games. However, according to the Predators projected lineup, they will go with a heavier lineup which would have Tolvanen sitting in Viktor Arvidsson's return. Taking Tolvanen out will surely hurt the Predators' power-play.
Arvidsson has been out since April 27th but will play in Game 1 vs. Carolina. With Arvidsson back in the lineup, it looks like Eeli Tolvanen will sit out as a healthy scratch. Arvidsson has 10 goals and 15 assists (25 points) in 50 games.
MacKinnon was held out of the lineup in four of the final five games of the regular season but was on the ice in the days leading up to Game 1, so all signs point towards him being available on Monday. MacKinnon had another outstanding season, scoring 20 goals with 45 assists (65 points) in 48 games.
Saad has been out since April 24th, but skated on a line with Tyson Jost and Valeri Nichushkin in Colorado's most recent practice and should b good-to-go on Monday. Saad had 15 goals and nine assists (24 points) in 44 games this season.
Clifton was a healthy scratch for Game 1 but will replace Jeremy Lauzon (undisclosed) for Game 2. Clifton had seven points (1G / 6A), 108 hits and 52 blocked shots in 44 regular-season games in 2021.
Slavin missed the Hurricanes season finale with a lower-body injury he suffered in their second last game. Slavin was on the ice for Sunday's practice and Monday's morning skate, so there's a good chance he's available for Game 1. However, head coach Rod Brind'Amour would not commit to it.
Lauzon was banged up in Game 1, so it is believed this decision is health-related. Connor Clifton will draw in to replace Lauzon whether it's an injury or coach's decision. Lauzon was credited with eight hits and four blocked shots in 19:12 TOI in Game 1.
