In a slew of injury updates that will significantly affect team rosters and possibly their standings in the league, several key players across the NHL have been sidelined due to various ailments. The news comes as teams are making their final push towards securing a playoff position, making each game and player availability crucial.
Coyotes Face Multiple Setbacks
The Arizona Coyotes are navigating through troubled waters as they grapple with a series of injuries and a disappointing losing streak. Goalie Connor Ingram got pulled from the recent game against the Minnesota Wild and will be missing forthcoming matchups, starting with the one against the Carolina Hurricanes. Ingram, who made 28 saves before being replaced, is slated for a week's absence, Coyotes' head coach André Tourigny disclosed.
Adding to their woes, Travis Boyd's season has come to an early end, while Troy Stecher continues to be sidelined with a lower body injury. Liam O’Brien's status is day-to-day, but it's the team's seven-game losing streak that casts a long shadow over their season prospects.
Dallas Stars Riding High Despite Loss
Conversely, the Dallas Stars appear to be in a favorably contrasting position, despite Evgenii Dadonov sitting out the game against the Edmonton Oilers. The Stars have secured wins in seven of their last eight games. Goalie Jake Oettinger demonstrated solid performance by allowing merely two goals against the Nashville Predators. Although Nils Lundkvist’s participation in Saturday's game remains uncertain, the team's overall momentum is strong.
Islanders and Rangers' Outdoor Game Anticipation
The New York Islanders have their own concerns with Hudson Fasching's availability in question for the highly anticipated outdoor game against the New York Rangers. The team placed Robert Bortuzzo on injury reserve, though there is some positive news with Mathew Barzal expected to make his return against the Rangers. This news comes as the Rangers, riding a six-game winning streak, are trailing just one point behind the Boston Bruins in the standings. Blake Wheeler's status remains day-to-day following a right-leg injury.
Hurricanes and Bruins Navigate Through Injuries
The Carolina Hurricanes are bracing for a couple of weeks without Antti Raanta, as goaltenders Pyotr Kochetkov and Spencer Martin step up in his absence. The team is also contending with Frederik Andersen's recovery from a blood clotting issue. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins face their own set of challenges. Matthew Poitras will not be available for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Kings, and the team is hoping to break a three-game losing streak.
Oilers and Kings Look to Overcome Hurdles
The Edmonton Oilers have a relatively clean bill of health for their showdown with the Stars, though their recent form has been inconsistent, with three losses out of their last five games. Penalties have emerged as a significant concern for the Oilers, which they'll need to address to stay competitive. The Los Angeles Kings, on the other hand, see Carl Grundstrom and Blake Lizotte on long-term injured reserve while welcoming Viktor Arvidsson back from LTIR.
As the NHL season advances, the teams jostle for playoff positions and the impact of injuries becomes ever more glaring. Coaches and players alike are adapting to these unforeseen challenges, hoping their depth players can fill the void left by injured key members. With the race to the playoffs heating up, every game, decision, and unfortunately, every injury, could pivot the outcome of the season.