NHL Hockey Player News

Martinook played in Game 6 and 7 but is obviously still banged up and gutting it out, as he remains to be listed as a game-time decision for Game 1 against the Islanders.

Svechnikov’s status remains up in the air as the Hurricanes head into Game 1 of round two against the Islanders. Svechnikov is listed as a game-time decision and would likely replace Patrick Brown or Saku Maenalanen and skate on the second line with Jordan Staal and Justin Williams if he ends up playing.

Brassard missed the final three games of the first round with an illness but is expected to replace Gabriel Bourque for Game 1 against the Sharks. Brassard did not record a point in two games in round one and had just four goals in 20 games after being acquired by the Avalanche.

Girard suffered an upper-body injury in Game 2 in Calgary and missed the next three games. With Girard returning to the lineup, the Avalanche are expected to go with 11 forwards and seven defenseman but it remains unclear whether Girard or Cale Makar will quarterback the second power-play unit—they alternated in Thursday’s practice.

Karlsson missed Thursday’s practice and his status for Game 1 is unclear. Michael Haley skated on the fourth line in practice, but isn’t expected to play, so he Karlsson will likely skate there in Game 1. Karlsson had no points, four shots and a mins-2 rating in seven games during round one.

Donskoi was on the ice in a non-contact jersey prior to Thursday’s practice but did not stay on for the team session. That suggests that Lukas Radil will remain in the Sharks lineup and Donskoi will sit for the second straight game.

Pavelski, who was hurt in Game 7 vs. the Golden Knights, is expected to miss Game 1 vs. the Avalanche with what is believed to be a concussion. When asked if Pavelski had a concussion, head coach Pete DeBoer said: “I’m not going to get into specifics. I just told you he’s feeling the effects of it. You guys can put two and two together, I think.” Gustav Nyquist is expected to move up to the top line and Timo Meier is expected to be on the top power-play while Pavelski is out.

Lehner stopped 32 of 33 shots in the Islanders 3-1 win in Pittsburgh to complete the sweep in Game 4. The Islanders have been off for 10 days but will resume action on Friday vs. a Hurricanes team that went to seven games vs. Washington. Lehner was the best goalie in the first round, stopping 130 of the 136 shots (.956 SV%) that he faced. He did not face the Hurricanes once this season.

Nutivaara was hurt in Game 2 in Tampa Bay and will miss his third straight game with an upper-body injury. Adam Clendening will remain in the Blue Jackets lineup while Nutivaara and Ryan Murray are out.

Kuhlman shuffled in and out of the Bruins lineup vs. Toronto and was held to one assist and seven shots in five appearances in the series. Kuhlman will be replaced by Chris Wagner in Game 1 vs. the Blue Jackets.

Wagner has been a healthy scratch since Game 5 vs. Toronto but will replace Karson Kuhlman in Game 1 vs. Columbus. Wagner, who is an effective fourth liner, had no points and just five shots in five games against the Maple Leafs.

Clifton has been a healthy scratch since Game 2 vs. Toronto, but will replace John Moore, who is out with an upper-body injury. Clifton had just one shot while averaging 12:14 TOI/gm through two games vs. Toronto.

Moore is still battling an upper-body injury and will not play in Game 1 vs. the Blue Jackets. Moore, who is day-to-day, will be replace by Connor Clifton on Thursday.