Kevin Gorman and Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Penguins James Neal left last night;s game in the second period after being slashed by Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic and crashing into the boards. Neal seemed to be favoring his leg.
Katie Strang: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal didn’t rule himself out for Game 1, but it’s unlikely that he plays.
Michael Russo: Wild’s Jason Pominville is still day-to-day.
Mark Lazerus: Niklas Backstrom is day-to-day. Blackhawks Ray Emery and Dave Bolland are unlikely for Game 2.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets Marian Gaborik will be recovering for three to four weeks after he has abdominal surgery, forcing him to miss the World Championships. Gaborik’s agent said it’s too repair an area where he had hernia surgery in 2001.
Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets forward Evander Kane had been bothered by a sore wrist and foot. He’ll see a specialist for his wrist, then determine if surgery is required. Defenseman Mark Stuart had an abdominal injury for most of the season.
