Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander’s status for Game 2 of their playoff series is uncertain, as he sat out the opener with an undisclosed injury. Nylander did not participate in line rushes at the morning skate, but head coach Sheldon Keefe stated that his availability would be determined before puck drop. The 27-year-old played all 82 regular season games, recording 40 goals and 98 points.
The NHL playoffs are underway, with several teams vying for the Stanley Cup. The Edmonton Oilers face the Los Angeles Kings, the Toronto Maple Leafs trail the Boston Bruins, and the Dallas Stars host the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes look to extend their lead against the New York Islanders in the East. Oilers coach expects no surprises from familiar Kings; Maple Leafs aim to bounce back after Game 1 loss; Stars host reigning champions Golden Knights; Hurricanes seek 2-0 series lead against Islanders; Canucks’ Tocchet emphasizes embracing pain for playoff success; Kane’s status uncertain for Oilers’ playoff opener; Panthers’ coach lauds goaltending in series opener; Bruins’ DeBrusk shines in first playoff game; Jets’ Scheifele nets 20th career playoff goal in high-scoring affair.
The Boston Bruins took an early lead in their first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 5-1 victory on Saturday. Boston coach Jim Montgomery has yet to announce who will start in goal for Game 2, scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. ET on NESN and ESPN. Jeremy Swayman played well in Game 1, making 35 saves and allowing just one goal. Linus Ullmark is also an option to start, as he has been alternating with Swayman in goal for the Bruins for the past 26 games.
The upcoming NHL Playoffs will see four Canadian teams vying for the Stanley Cup, giving the country a 25% chance of ending a long-standing drought. Since the Montreal Canadiens won the Cup in 1993, no Canadian team has managed to lift the trophy. Despite the odds being stacked against them, Canadian teams have a rich history in the NHL, with the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs ranking among the most successful teams in league history. However, only the Edmonton Oilers are considered among the favorites this year, with the Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets facing long odds.
