Stone and Makar return for Game 3
25.5.26 Vegas
Mark Stone returned from a lower-body injury for the Vegas Golden Knights, while Cale Makar came back from an upper-body injury for the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. Vegas entered the game with a 2-0 series lead, and Stone scored early in the second period in his return. Makar's comeback restored Colorado's top defensive pairing and first power-play unit.
Troy Terry to undergo hip surgery
22.5.26 Anaheim
Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry will need hip surgery for a chronic impingement, putting his availability for the start of next season in doubt. The Ducks, who just completed their first playoff run since 2018, have not set a surgery date or recovery timeline. Terry, the team's most consistent scorer in recent years, tallied 57 points in the regular season and 11 in his first postseason.
Cale Makar sidelined with upper-body injury
21.5.26 Colorado
Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar missed Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden Knights due to an upper-body injury sustained in the previous series versus Minnesota. Coach Jared Bednar described Makar as day-to-day, noting he has been skating and is improving but did not practice Tuesday. Sources say Makar is dealing with multiple injuries, with the one aggravated against the Wild being most serious.
Gustavsson's hip surgery clouds Wild's goalie outlook
19.5.26 Minnesota
Minnesota Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson will undergo offseason hip surgery, leaving his availability for training camp uncertain. General manager Bill Guerin said the procedure is due to wear and tear rather than a specific playoff injury. Gustavsson struggled late in the season and was replaced by rookie Jesper Wallstedt, who impressed in his postseason debut. Despite Gustavsson's long-term contract, Wallstedt's emergence could make him a valuable trade asset as the Wild pursue a top center.
Brodin and Eriksson Ek reveal playoff foot fractures
16.5.26 Minnesota
Minnesota Wild veterans Jonas Brodin and Joel Eriksson Ek disclosed they missed the second-round series against Colorado due to broken bones in their feet. Brodin fractured his right big toe blocking a shot in Game 5 against Dallas, requiring surgery, while Eriksson Ek broke his right heel in Game 6 of the same series. Both attempted limited practice but were unable to play as the Wild fell to the Avalanche in overtime of Game 5.
Brayden McNabb suspended for Game 6
14.5.26 Vegas
Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights was suspended for one playoff game after a hit that injured Ryan Poehling during Game 5 against the Anaheim Ducks. The NHL ruled McNabb had enough time to avoid contact but delivered a forceful late hit, resulting in a major penalty and game misconduct. Poehling needed help leaving the ice, and his status for the rest of the series is unclear. McNabb will miss Thursday's Game 6, a significant loss for Vegas given his heavy defensive role and playoff production.
Ryan Poehling injured after hit
13.5.26 Anaheim
Ryan Poehling left the Anaheim Ducks' Game 5 playoff loss after a hard hit from Brayden McNabb sent him into the boards during the first period. McNabb received a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct on the play, while Poehling was ruled out with an upper-body injury.
MacKinnon bloodied but returns in Avs win
12.5.26 Colorado
Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon suffered a bloody nose after being struck in the face by a clearing attempt from teammate Devon Toews in Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild. MacKinnon left late in the second period for treatment but returned for the third, adding an empty-net goal in Colorado's 5-2 victory.
Golden Knights lose Stone for Game 4
10.5.26 Vegas
Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone will miss Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Anaheim Ducks with an undisclosed injury. Stone left Game 3 after tweaking his lower body in the first period, finishing with an assist before being unable to return. Veteran winger Brandon Saad will step into the lineup, bringing playoff experience from his two Stanley Cup wins with Chicago.
Avalanche face goalie decision after Game 3 loss
10.5.26 Colorado
The Colorado Avalanche may reconsider their goaltending after a 5-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. Starter Scott Wedgewood was pulled early in the second period after allowing three goals on 12 shots, replaced by Mackenzie Blackwood, who stopped 12 of 13 shots in relief. Coach Jared Bednar said the team will evaluate who starts Game 4, noting Blackwood's solid performance. Wedgewood had been stellar in the regular season, leading the NHL in goals-against average and save percentage, but has shown inconsistency in the playoffs.
Rantanen's torn MCL hampers Stars' playoff run
8.5.26 Dallas
Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen played through a torn MCL suffered during the Olympics, limiting his effectiveness after returning from a 15-game absence. He managed only three goals and 12 assists in the final stretch and first-round playoff loss to Minnesota, far below his pre-injury pace of 20 goals and 49 assists in 54 games. General manager Jim Nill noted Rantanen didn't require surgery but never fully regained form.
Hedman steps away for mental health
7.5.26 Tampa B.
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman revealed that his late-season absence was due to prioritizing his mental health. The 35-year-old defenseman missed the final 22 games and the playoffs, saying the decision was difficult but necessary to care for himself as a player, teammate, and family man.