Mikko Rantanen closer to returning and could play in Game 1
Rick Sadowski: Mikko Rantanen practicing in a light contact jersey was encouraging on Monday. However, he expects to also fully practice on Wednesday. This means a Game 1 return on Thursday is looking more and more likely. Mikko Rantanen missed eight games with an upper-body injury.
Anton Stralman may practice on Tuesday
Bryan Burns: Stralman battling an undisclosed injury could practice on Tuesday but Jon Cooper is still unsure if the defenseman can play. List him as questionable for now until there is more information.
Brandon Tanev out for Game 1 versus St. Louis
Scott Billeck: Tanev’s injury progressed too poorly to be considered ready for the first game of the series. Therefore, it was best to keep him out. He has not played since April 2nd and did not practice on Monday.
Taylor Hall feeling optimistic about knee
Amanda Stein: Hall feels better and is ready to give 2019-20 one hell of a run. The winger expects his training regimen to be normal this summer which is great news. He expects a little more rehab but nothing consequential. Come September, he will be 100%.
Brian Dumoulin is taking it day by day
Pens Inside Scoop: Dumoulin’s lower-body injury affects him at times but he did practice on Monday. Brian Dumoulin hopes to be ready for Game 1 against the New York Islanders.
Kevan Miller suffers a setback and won’t start playoffs after all
Joe Haggerty: Miller was hampered by a lower-body injury for the past little while. The defenseman expected to play in Game 1 but experienced additional swelling. His knee suffering the way it indicates this injury may be persistent. Keep an eye on the situation just to make sure there are no drastic changes.
Connor McDavid not as badly hurt as once feared but…
Edmonton Sun: McDavid avoided any broken bones so far. Even the MRI results initially revealed nothing more than a bone bruise. Another precautionary MRI was taken and those results will not be ready for a day or two at least. McDavid decided not to play at the Worlds already so that is that.