Dillion did not play in game four due to a hand injury and will miss a second straight game on Tuesday night. The Jets find themselves in a 3-1 series deficit, now without Dillon, who had three assists, 12 hits, and six blocks while averaging 21:04 time-on-ice through the first three games of the series.
Michael Amadio will draw back into the lineup for the Golden Knights on Monday, making Mantha a healthy scratch. Mantha has zero points, five hits, and five shots while averaging 13:36 time-on-ice through the first three games of the playoffs.
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.
The Jets are unsurprisingly turning back to Hellebuyck for Game 3 on Friday in Colorado after he allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) in a loss last game. The 30-year-old American netminder is a lock for this season's Vezina Trophy after he posted a 37-19-4 record, 2.39 GAA and .921 SV% during the regular season. He will try to slow down the Colorado Avalanche in Colorado for Game 3, who led the NHL in goals per game (3.68) during the regular season.
The Jets are unsurprisingly expected to turn back to Hellebuyck for Game 3 on Friday in Colorado after he allowed four goals on 31 shots (.871 SV%) in a loss last game. The 30-year-old American netminder is a lock for this season's Vezina Trophy after he posted a 37-19-4 record, 2.39 GAA and .921 SV% during the regular season. He will try to slow down the Colorado Avalanche in Colorado for Game 3, who led the NHL in goals per game (3.68) during the regular season.
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.
After winning a wild game one, 7-6 over the Colorado Avalanche, the Jets will return to Hellebuyck between the pipes for game two. Hellebuyck was far from perfect in the series opener, but did enough to secure a victory, saving 40 of 46 shots (.870 SV%). The Jets enter game two as +104 home underdogs.
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.
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 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 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.
With the Jets locked into a first-round matchup with the Colorado Avalanche, they will sit several players in their season finale. Winnipeg recalled Collin Delia from the Manitoba Moose (AHL) to likely serve as the backup to Laurent Brossoit in the Jets' final game of the season.
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 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.
