Injury Crisis Hits NHL Powerhouses: Who’s Out and What It Means for the Playoffs
Injuries can really turn the tide in these nail-biting playoff series, and tonight’s Game 5 looks like it’s shaping up to be no exception. Marcus Johansson, the Minnesota Wild’s resilient forward, is edging closer to a return after tweaking a lower-body injury last Saturday. From all accounts after practice, he’s looking solid, much to the relief of coach John Hynes and Wild fans alike. Meanwhile, Joel Eriksson Ek took a maintenance day but is expected to suit up, so the Wild’s offense might just get the punch it needs. Over on the Lightning’s side, there’s some concern after Brandon Hagel left last night’s battle early following a heavy hit from Aaron Ekblad – updates are still pending, and that kind of uncertainty always keeps you on edge. The Maple Leafs, not to be outdone, are managing their own injury chess match; John Tavares, fresh off concussion protocol, is back skating and ready for action, while Auston Matthews is getting some much-needed rest but should be good to go. Then there’s Washington’s Aliaksei Protas, itching to jump back in after being sidelined by a skate cut, and the Jets’ Gabriel Vilardi steadily working his way back from an upper-body injury. The journey through these playoffs is as much a test of stamina as skill, and with key players making hopeful comebacks or nursing knocks, every shift counts tonight. LEARN MOREJessi Pierce: Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson could return for Game 5 tonight. He left Saturday’s game in the third period with a lower-body injury.
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