The NHL playoffs are set to begin, and several key players' injuries could significantly impact their teams' chances. Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars is currently week-to-week due to an injury sustained in the final regular-season game. Coach Peter DeBoer remains hopeful that the Stars can utilize their scoring depth, which includes recent additions like Mikko Rantanen and Evgenii Dadonov, to mitigate the loss of their 35-goal scorer. This situation is compounded by the absence of defenseman Miro Heiskanen, as the Stars enter the playoffs on a tough 0-5-2 streak.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche is keeping a close eye on Gabriel Landeskog, who has been absent since their 2022 championship run due to a knee injury. After a solid two-game conditioning stint in the AHL, he scored in his second game, and coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about his return for the playoff opener against the Stars. Other notable injury updates include Matthew Tkachuk from the Florida Panthers, who hasn't played since an injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off but may be back for Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Lastly, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, who has been sidelined since April 3, is expected to recover in time for their matchup against the Los Angeles Kings.