Injury updates are rolling in as the NHL playoff race heats up. The Buffalo Sabres are dealing with a setback as forwards Josh Norris, Jordan Greenway, and Tyson Kozak miss practice. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes saw the return of Jordan Staal and Andrei Svechnikov to their lineup, although Jesperi Kotkaniemi is expected to be out for at least a week.

The Florida Panthers are also experiencing mixed news. Key players Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Gustav Forsling returned, but forward Sam Bennett is likely sidelined for the rest of the regular season, albeit ready for Game 1 of the playoffs. On the injury front, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils is making progress in his recovery but has not yet rejoined practices.

Time is running out for teams and players to make their final adjustments before the playoff push, and every update can impact your fantasy lineup. Keep an eye on these developments as they unfold.

Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Norris is reportedly skating on his own, leading to optimism about his return before the end of the season. Meanwhile, teammate Tyson Kozak has been sidelined due to a hip strain, projected as week-to-week. In Carolina, Andrei Svechnikov is being held out as a precaution, while Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars participated in practice but remains doubtful for today's matchup against Pittsburgh. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss some time but could be back for the playoffs, joining Connor McDavid, who has missed six games due to a lower-body injury. The New Jersey Devils' Cody Glass has been playing through a nagging injury but will now take time off to recover.

The Cleveland Monsters suffered a heavy defeat against the Rochester Americans, losing 6-1 at Blue Cross Arena. This loss places the Monsters at a record of 2-3-0-0, tied for fifth in the AHL’s North Division.

Rochester's Graham Slaggert opened the scoring early, and the Americans maintained their offensive momentum throughout the game. Despite a goal from Chris Wilkie in the third period, the Monsters couldn't close the gap, with Rochester sealing the win with a late goal from Noah Östlund.