Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now: Exciting news for Boston Bruins fans as forward Pat Maroon is poised to make his highly anticipated debut tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Maroon was seen skating alongside fourth-line players Jakub Lauko and Jesper Boqvist during Friday’s practice, indicating his readiness to contribute to the team’s playoff push.

Tracey Myers: In a significant development for the Chicago Blackhawks, defenseman Connor Murphy has returned to the lineup after being sidelined for nearly three months, missing a total of 35 games. His return is expected to bolster the defensive unit as the team aims for a strong finish to the season.

Ryan Boulding: Notably, Gabriel Landeskog, forward for the Colorado Avalanche, was spotted on the ice prior to yesterday’s practice but left as the main session began, raising questions about his availability for upcoming games.

Ryan Boulding: In more positive news for the Avalanche, forward Mikko Rantanen is likely to return to the lineup after missing the last two games due to a concussion. Coach Jared Bednar has labeled him as “probable” for the upcoming matchup, providing optimism for the team’s offensive capabilities.

However, forward Miles Wood remains uncertain for his return, which adds a layer of complexity to the Avalanche’s lineup decisions.

Ryan Rishaug: In the Edmonton Oilers camp, superstar forward Connor McDavid was observed on the ice for about 30 minutes yesterday. He revealed that he experienced a minor tweak during the game against the Calgary Flames, describing it as a nagging injury. However, he remains confident about being fully fit for the playoffs.

The Mayor: The Los Angeles Kings are likely to send forward Carl Grundstrom to the AHL for a conditioning assignment, utilizing the LTIR (Long-Term Injury Reserve) to manage his recovery effectively.

Mollie Walker: In a positive update for the New York Rangers, forward Filip Chytil has received medical clearance and returned to practice in a regular jersey. The team is taking precautions to ensure his full recovery before reintegrating him into game action, prioritizing his health.

• Vince Z. Mercogliano: Rangers coach Peter Laviolette commented on Chytil’s progress, stating, “He looks good out there. There’s no timetable on Fil. We’re not going to rush him back. Whenever he feels and the eyes on him feel and the powers that be feel that he’s in a good spot, that’s a different story.” This cautious approach highlights the team’s commitment to player wellness.

Jeremy Rutherford: In St. Louis, Blues defenseman Torey Krug missed last night’s game and is currently considered day-to-day with an injury. His absence is felt as the team navigates crucial games down the stretch.

Additionally, forward Jake Neighbours also missed last night’s game and is unlikely to make it back for Sunday’s matchup. Although he hasn’t been ruled out for the remainder of the season, his status remains a concern for the team.

Chris Krenn: For the Tampa Bay Lightning, forward Anthony Duclair practiced yesterday after missing Thursday’s session due to illness, indicating a return to form as the team gears up for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, forward Tyler Motte did not participate in practice after sustaining a foot injury from blocking a shot on Thursday, adding to the injury woes for the Lightning.

Additionally, defenseman Haydn Fleury and goaltender Jonas Johansson were also absent from skating yesterday, which raises questions about their statuses moving forward.

Mark Masters: The Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe announced that defenseman Timothy Liljegren practiced today despite nursing an upper-body injury. They are hopeful for his participation tonight, with plans to assess his condition further in the morning.

David Alter: Maple Leafs forward Max Domi is currently day-to-day with an unspecified injury but has not been ruled out for tonight’s game, leaving fans hopeful for his return.

Jonas Siegel: In a positive development, Maple Leafs goaltender Matt Murray participated in his first full practice yesterday, indicating progress in his recovery.

Tom Gulitti: On a more somber note, Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an upper-body injury, impacting the team’s defensive strategy significantly.

Daily Faceoff: Good news for the Vegas Golden Knights as forward Mark Stone has received clearance to begin practicing again, raising hopes for his return before the playoffs.

• Frank Servalli: “Huge eye roll here. I’ve reported all along that the lacerated spleen is a legitimate, serious injury. There’s been no shenanigans. But man, Stone coming back to practice for the second year in a row one week before playoffs is some seriously fortuitous timing.”
• Greg Wyshynski: “Again, accusations of LTIR ‘cheating’ will not be about faking accidents. They’re about players being healthy enough to play in Game 82 who don’t play until playoffs’ Game 1. There are simple fixes for this loophole. But GMs don’t want to fix something they might benefit from in the future.”

?NHL Thought of the Day ?

Vegas Did Not Break Any Rules Surrounding LTIR #vegasborn pic.twitter.com/Kk5w4IO5o5

— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) April 12, 2024