Di Giuseppe was in and out of the Hurricanes’ lineup last season but appeared in a career-high 49 NHL games, scoring five goals with eight assists (13 points). The 24-year-old likely won’t be a full-time player in 2019 either, but is an effective bottom-6 player when he gets plugged into the lineup.
Kupari bounced around to different teams this year but played the majority of the year in Finland’s top league. Kupari had six goals and eight assists (14 points) in 39 games with Karpat. Kupari is one of the best skating forwards in this draft class and uses that speed to create offence.
Hellebuyck comes into the playoffs riding a nine-game winning streak, posting a .919 SV% in the process. Hellebuyck finished tied for the NHL-lead in wins (44), tied for eighth in GAA (2.36) and 10th in SV% (.924). The Jets possess one of the best offences in the NHL and will be looking to make a deep run. Hellebuyck was 3-1-0 with a 2.50 GAA and .914 SV% vs. the Wild this season.
Iafallo missed the final four games of the regular season with an upper-body injury, but was back in a familiar spot in Monday’s practice. Iafallo, who tallied 25 points (9G / 16A) in 75 games this season, skated on the top-line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Iafallo seemed confident that he will play Game 1, but head coach John Stevens was not as sure.
Morrissey was given some rest the other night but will draw back in tonight vs. the Flames. Morrissey has scored a goal in his last two games, to give him seven goals and 19 assists (26 points) in 79 games this season.
Lowry was given some rest the other night but will draw back in tonight vs. the Flames. Lowry has picked up five assists in his last four games to give him 20 points (8G / 12A) in 43 games this season.
Scheifele was given some rest the other night but will draw back in tonight vs. the Flames. Scheifele has been hot as of late and has 23 goals and 37 assists (70 points) in 58 games this season.
