Although it's still uncertain if he will be ready for Game One, Draisaitl's impending presence is an encouraging sign for the Oilers. The 30-year-old German forward has not played in over a month due to a lower-body injury. He scored 97 points (35G / 62A) in 65 games this season. If Draisaitl plays in Game One, it will be his first game since March 15th.
There was some uncertainty with who would tend the twine for Carolina to begin the postseason, considering Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) has been cleared to play, and Brandon Bussi led the team with 31 wins this season. That said, Andersen, coming off the worst regular season of his career, posting a 3.05 GAA and .874 SV% in 35 games (16-14-5), was between the pipes in Game One for Carolina and excelled, saving all 22 shots he faced in a 2-0 win over the Ottawa Senators for his sixth career playoff shutout. The Hurricanes enter Game Two as -144 home favourites.
There was some uncertainty with who would tend the twine for Carolina to begin the postseason, considering Pyotr Kochetkov (lower body) has been cleared to play, and Brandon Bussi led the team with 31 wins this season. That said, Andersen, coming off the worst regular season of his career, posting a 3.05 GAA and .874 SV% in 35 games (16-14-5), was between the pipes in Game One for Carolina and excelled, saving all 22 shots he faced in a 2-0 win over the Ottawa Senators for his sixth career playoff shutout. The Hurricanes enter Game Two as -144 home favourites.
Dickinson was not on the ice for Friday's practice, but is expected to skate on Sunday, which could make him a possibility for Game 1 on Monday. If Dickinson and fellow centre Leon Draisaitl play in Game 1, the Oilers would be at 100 percent to start their series vs. Anaheim. Dickinson figures to play a key shutdown role, allowing Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to face easier matchups.
Draisaitl skated in his usual spot on the Oilers' second-line, but the Oilers said that he still needed to be evaluated before a decision is made on his status for Game 1. If Draisaitl plays, it will be his first game since March 15th.
Hyman has missed Edmonton's previous five games due to an undisclosed injury but practiced in full on Wednesday and will return for the season finale vs. Vancouver on Thursday. The 33-year-old has enjoyed another excellent season in an Oilers' jersey after starting 2025-26 late due to injury, with 31 goals, 51 points and 158 SOG in 57 games played.
With the postseason about to begin and healthy bodies returning to the Oilers' roster, Howard will head to the AHL to help Bakersfield on their playoff run. The 22-year-old rookie started the season with the Oilers, but had trouble producing, scoring only five points (2G / 3A) through 29 games. That said, he has excelled this year at the AHL level, scoring 47 points (22G / 25A) in 45 games with Bakersfield.
Although it's unclear if he will be ready for Game One, Draisaitl's impending presence in the first round of the playoffs is an encouraging sign for the Oilers. The 30-year-old German forward has not played in a month due to a lower-body injury. He scored 97 points (35G / 62A) in 65 games this season.
Hyman has missed Edmonton's previous five games due to an undisclosed injury but practiced in full on Wednesday and is likely to return for the season finale vs. Vancouver on Thursday. The 33-year-old has enjoyed another excellent season in an Oilers' jersey after starting 2025-26 late due to injury, with 31 goals, 51 points and 158 SOG in 57 games played.
Pyotr Kochetkov was originally set to start but is unable to play due to a roster technicality. Brandon Bussi will get the start while Thomas Sullivan will serve as the emergency back-up.
Shea has appeared in every game for Pittsburgh this season but two after resting for their previous game but will draw back into the lineup for Game 82 vs. St. Louis on Tuesday. The 29-year-old has been a key piece to Pittsburgh's back end and has taken a huge step forward in his third NHL season, posting career highs in nearly all statistical categories including games played (79), goals (6), points (34), plus/minus (+30) and PIMs (22).
Howard earned another call up to the Oilers over the weekend after he put up 22-goals and 47 points in 45 games played with Bakersfield (AHL) and will return to the lineup vs. Colorado on Monday. The 22-year-old forward is expected to play in Edmonton's top-six with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jack Roslovic and will hope to add to his five points in 28 games played this season.
Jones has been a solid force in Edmonton's bottom-six this season but will be out vs. Colorado on Monday due to a lower-body injury and is expected to miss the next three to four weeks. The 28-year-old has appeared in just 21 games this season, picking up three goals and five points despite only averaging 8:21 TOI per game played.
Hyman has missed the OIlers' previous four games with an undisclosed injury but returned to practice as a welcome sign on Monday as a full participant. The 33-year-old is still not expected to return vs. Colorado on Monday but is hopeful to be healthy for the Oilers' opening playoff series.
Edmonton welcomed back superstar forward Leon Draisaitl (lower-body) to practice on Monday although he is not expected to return vs. Colorado later in the evening. The 30-year-old German forward has been out since March 15th and currently sits just three points shy of the century mark, with 35-goals and 97 points in 65 games played before his injury. He is hopeful to return for Edmonton's opening round playoff series with today being an excellent sign in the right direction.
