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 MORE

Jessi 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.

“He looks good,” Wild coach John Hynes said Monday. “I’ll talk to the trainers after, but he went through the whole practice and was good, so that’s real positive.”

Forward Joel Eriksson Ek had a maintenance day yesterday, but will be in the lineup.

George Richards: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel left last night’s game in the second period after taking a hit from Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. There wasn’t an update after the game.

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Aaron Ekblad takes down Brandon Hagel, no penalty, and then #GoBolts later score twice in 11 seconds to take a 2-1 lead ? #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/SvrSEb952M

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) April 29, 2025

Mike Zeisberger: Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was in concussion protocol in Saturday’s OT loss for over 10 minutes after a hit from Artem Zub. He was on the ice yesterday and is good to go for Game 5.

“I feel good,” Tavares said Monday. “A bit of soreness just in my jaw and cheek area, but felt good. I felt good on the ice today.”

Dave McCarthy: Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews didn’t practice yesterday for some extra rest, but is expected to play tonight.

“I look at the minutes, he played a lot of minutes last game,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “So, it’s just a conversation. I have conversations with guys about it and if they feel like they need a little more rest, I think it’s a good thing.”

Goaltender Joseph Woll missed practice yesterday due to an illness. His status for Game 5 is not known.

 Tom Gulitti: Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas could return to the lineup tonight for Game 5. He’s been out since April 4th due to a skate cut to his left foot. He started skating on April 20th and has practiced with the team for the past three days.

“He’s right there,” Carbery said. “He’s full practice. He’s ready to roll. We’ll see if he gets into Game 5.”

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Tracey Myers: Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi took part in their optional skate yesterday. It was his third consecutive day skating in a regular jersey. He’s been out since March 23rd with an upper-body injury.

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