Goalie Start
Rittich was the first goalie off the ice at Los Angeles morning skate.
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New Jersey Devils News
Dillon (upper body) is out for Game 4 on Sunday and is considered day-to-day.
Dillon suffered a hand injury in Game 3 vs. the Avalanche.
There was a massive scrum at the end of Game 3, which left Dillon's hand bloodied as he skated to the dressing room. Head coach Rick Bowness did not have an update on his status post-game, but expect Logan Stanley to replace him if he's unavailable for Game 4 on Sunday.
Pesce (lower body) is expected to miss at least the rest of round 1.
Pesce was limited to only 8:47 time-on-ice in the Hurricanes' 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders in game two due to a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old Pesce's presence will be sorely missed on the Hurricanes blueline as he is expected to miss at least the remainder of the first round. In 70 games this season, Pesce had 13 points (3G / 10A) and 113 blocks while averaging 20:17 time-on-ice.
Meier decided to undergo elective arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder but is expected to be ready for training camp next season.
After a slow start to his first full season with the Devils, scoring only 22 points (10G / 12A) in his first 43 games, Meier settled into his role with his new team, ending the season with a blistering 30 points (18G / 12A) in his final 26 contests. Meier should be ready for the start of training camp after undergoing shoulder surgery and will hope to build on his momentum from the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Pesce left Game 2 with a lower-body injury and did not return.
Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said that Pesce's injury is "not looking good" and that he would be re-evaluated on Tuesday. It sounds like Pesce is going to miss some time, which would be a huge blow to the Hurricanes' blueline. Luckily, they have great depth at the position and can turn to either veteran Tony DeAngelo or rookie Scott Morrow in Game 3 if Pesce is unavailable.
Mantha (undisclosed) will play in Game 1 against the Stars on Monday.
Mantha missed the final two games of the regular season but will play in Game 1 in Dallas. Mantha, who tallied 10 points (3G / 7A) in 18 games after being traded to Vegas, is expected to skate on the third line with Willam Karlsson.
Mantha (undisclosed) was a full participant in practice on Sunday and is a game-time decision for Game 1.
Mantha missed the final two games of the regular season but could play in game 1 in Dallas. Mantha, who tallied 10 points (3G / 7A) in 18 games after being traded to Vegas, is expected to skate on the third line with Willam Karlsson.
Dillon is expected to be a healthy scratch on Thursday.
With the Jets locked into a first-round matchup with the Colorado Avalanche, they will sit a number of players in their season finale. Dillon, who will be replaced by Nate Schmidt on Thursday, finishes the season with a career-high eight goals and 12 assists (20 points) in 77 games.
Kovacevic will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday vs. Detroit.
Kovacevic will not dress for game 82 on Tuesday as he is replaced by rookie Logan Mailloux in the Canadiens' lineup. The 26-year-old's second full NHL season comes to an end with six goals, 13 points, 46 SOG, 42 PIMs and a +11 plus/minus.
Mantha (undisclosed) is out on Tuesday vs. Chicago and considered day-to-day.
Mantha played only 10:41 time-on-ice in his last game and will not play on Tuesday due to an undisclosed ailment. Mantha has scored 10 points (3G / 7A) in 18 games since joining the Golden Knights.
Line Change
Pesce will not dress on Tuesday vs. Columbus for Carolina's final game of the regular season.
The Hurricanes play their final game of the season on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets and have opted to rest a variety of their lineup regulars. Pesce ends the 2023-24 campaign with 13 points (3G / 10A), 108 shots, and 113 blocks in 70 games.
Goalie Start
Allen will start on Monday vs. New York.
The Devils will turn to Allen for the fifth time in the last six games on Monday against the New York Islanders. After an encouraging start to his tenure with the Devils, Allen has struggled, allowing three or more goals in seven of his last eight games (3-5-0), including five on 32 shots (.844 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 6-5 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils enter action as +104 home underdogs.
Goalie Start
Allen is in the starter's crease at the Devils' morning skate.
Line Change
Pesce (maintenance) will be back in the Hurricanes lineup on Sunday.
Goalie Start
Rittich will start on Saturday vs. Anaheim.
Goalie Start
Rittich is expected to start on Saturday vs. Anaheim.
Line Change
Glass will draw into the Predators' lineup on Friday.
Glass will draw in for Friday's game in Chicago in place of Gustav Nyquist, who the Predators are opting to rest on the tail-end of their back-to-back. Glass has five goals and seven assists in 12 games this season.
Pesce (undisclosed) will not play in St. Louis on Friday.
Pesce was one of four late scratches for Friday's game, with Jalen Chatfield, Jordan Staal, and Teuvo Teravainen also missing out. Tony DeAngelo, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Brendan Lemieux, and Scott Morrow will all draw into the Hurricanes' lineup.
Goalie Start
Allen will start in Toronto on Thursday.
The Devils have lost three straight and will ride Allen for the second straight contest. Allen has lost four of his last five starts, including his most recent outing when he allowed four goals on 36 shots (.889 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils enter action on Thursday as +175 road underdogs in a rematch against the Maple Leafs.