Jensen has been out since April 13th due to a scary upper-body injury and will miss game 1 as he nears his return. The 33-year-old shut-down defensemen scored only one goal in 2023-24, with 14 points, 71 SOG, 10 PIMs and a -9 plus/minus in 78 games played.
Mantha missed the final two games of the regular season but could play in game 1 in Dallas. Mantha, who tallied 10 points (3G / 7A) in 18 games after being traded to Vegas, is expected to skate on the third line with Willam Karlsson.
Kane revealed on Sunday that he's been dealing with a sports hernia this season and they decided it was best to rest him for the final three games of the regular season. Kane skated on the fourth line in Sunday's practice, so expect him to play a minimal role to begin the series vs. Los Angeles.
Sandin has been out since April 7th due to an upper-body injury but is expected to return on Sunday for Game 1 vs. New York. The 24-year-old appeared in a career-high 68 games with Washington in 2023-24, and had three goals, 23 points, 79 SOG, 24 PIMs and a -13 plus/minus.
Pageau missed game 1 due to a lower-body injury that he suffered in the Islanders' season finale vs. the Penguins. If Pageau is available for game 2, expect him to centre the third line, bumping Kyle MacLean back to the fourth line and taking Simon Holmstrom out of the lineup.
Sergachev has been out since February 7th due to a lower-body injury and has unfortunately been ruled out for the remainder of the first round. The 25-year-old appeared in only 34 games this season and had two goals, 19 points, 53 SOG, 16 PIMs and a -16 plus/minus.
Glendening is expected to dress on line four for Game 1 but is still considered a game-time decision on Sunday. The 34-year-old veteran reached double-digit goals (10) for the first time since 2018-19 this season.
Motte appeared in 69 games for the Lightning during the 2023-24 regular season and had six goals and nine points but will be a game-time decision for Game 1 on Sunday. Motte appears good to go but will make a final choice in warmups before committing to his 40th career playoff game.
Nylander played a full 82 games in each of the last two seasons but will miss Game 1 in Boston. There hasn't been much information on what is ailing Nylander or if it will keep him out longer. For now, consider him day-to-day and hope the Maple Leafs provide some clarity on this mysterious situation.
Pageau will miss game 1 due to a lower-body injury that he suffered in the Islanders' season finale vs. the Penguins. With Pageau out, Simon Holmstrom will suit up on the Islanders' fourth line. Pageau is day-to-day and questionable
Janmark was nicked up at the end of the season and was questionable heading into their series with the Kings. However, his availability for Sunday's practice is a great sign that he'll play in game 1. Look for him to skate on the fourth line with Sam Carrick and Evander Kane.
Kane missed the final three games o f the regular season but if he's able to practice on Sunday, it's likely that he'll be available for game 1 vs. the Kings. It was a bit of a disappointing season for the veteran winger, who finished the season with 44 points (24G / 20A) in 77 games.
Hakanpaa, who missed the final 13 games of the regular season, will miss game 1 vs. the Golden Knights. With Hakanpaa still sidelined, expect Nils Lundkvist to remain on the third pair for game 1. The Stars are hopeful that the veteran blueliner will be able to return to the lineup later in round 1.
Pietrangelo missed the final seven games of the regular season after undergoing an appendectomy. His return will provide a huge boost to the Golden Knights' blueline and will push Alec Martinez back out of the lineup. Pietrangelo finished the 2024 regular season with. 33 points (4G / 29A) in 64 games.
Stone has been out since February 20th but is ready for game 1 of the playoffs (yet again). Stone will skate on the second line with Tomas Hertl, who was acquired at the trade deadline with the cap space that Vegas saved while Stone was on LTIR. Prior to getting injured, Stone had 53 points (16G / 37A) in 54 games.
