On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Pens Inside Scoop: Coach Mike Sullivan said that Carl Hagelin is close to returning and is listed as day-to-day. He took some limited contact at practice yesterday.
Pens Inside Scoop: Goaltender Matt Murray is still not skating at practice.
On the Washington Capitals …
Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid Atlantic: Defenseman Karl Alzner has being increasing his practice workload, but it still wasn’t enough to get him in the lineup for Game 1 last night. He’s been out with an upper-body injury since Game 2 against the Maple Leafs. Alzner hasn’t received medical clearance to return.
“We’re not going to put him at risk,” Trotz said. “He’s day-to-day.”
On the Nashville Predators …
Nashville Predators: Predators GM David Poile on Kevin Fiala.
“During last night’s game, Kevin Fiala sustained a fracture of his left femur. He underwent successful surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and is resting comfortably. He is extremely disappointed that he will not be able to help his teammates in their quest for the Stanley Cup, but is looking forward to starting his rehabilitation upon his return to Nashville.”
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Elliott Teaford of the OC Register: Defenseman Kevin Bieksa is doubtful for tonight’s Game 2 with a lower-body injury. Bieksa collided with teammate Shea Theodore in the second period of Game 1 and didn’t play at all in the third. He was examined yesterday and results are expected today. Korbinian Holzer could take Bieksa’s spot.
Sami Vatanen has missed four of their five playoff games with an upper-body injury but is getting closer to returning to the lineup. He wouldn’t say if he’ll be ready for Game 2.
“It felt really good and I’m very happy, so I’m very pleased,” he said. “I think the main thing is so I can help the team. That’s the only goal that I have. I know if I go out there, I can produce for the team and help the team to win the games. Then I’ll be ready.”
Eric Stephens: Coach Randy Carlyle said that Vatanen is improving but the playoffs “has not allotted us enough time for him to be 100 percent.
On the Dallas Stars …
Mark Stepneski: Forward Mattias Janmark had the screws removed from his knee a couple weeks ago, and according to GM Jim Nill everything is going well.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith: GM Steve Yzerman said that they expect both Steven Stamkos and Ryan Callahan will be rehabbing his offseason and ready for the start of next season.
On the Boston Bruins …
Steve Conroy: Patrice Bergeron will wait a bit before they decide if his injury requires surgery or not.
Kevin Paul Dupont: Bruins who could require surgery: Bergeron, Tuukka Rask (groin) and Kevan Miller (shoulder).
