In the latest updates from the NHL, several teams are dealing with injury concerns as they prepare for upcoming games. The Chicago Blackhawks will have forward Taylor Hall back in the lineup, while Craig Smith is listed as day-to-day due to a back injury.

The Colorado Avalanche welcomed Jonathan Drouin back from an upper-body injury, while the Montreal Canadiens reported that David Savard and Patrik Laine are not traveling with the team due to injuries and illness, respectively.

In Nashville, the Predators are missing Luke Evangelista for four weeks, alongside Jeremy Lauzon and Adam Wilsby, both on the IR. The New York Islanders are hopeful that Semyon Varlamov and Isaiah George will return to practice soon, but Hudson Fasching is sidelined for two weeks. The New York Rangers saw Igor Shesterkin return after an injury absence.

Further updates include Ottawa's Noah Gregor being out with a lower-body injury, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin missing another game due to an upper-body injury, and San Jose's Fabian Zetterlund as a game-time decision. The Winnipeg Jets anticipate the return of Dylan Samberg and Josh Morrissey for their next matchup.

In recent NHL updates, Boston Bruins coach Joe Sacco provided an update on defenseman Hampus Lindholm, stating he is getting closer to skating but is not on the ice yet, with no specific timeline for his return. Meanwhile, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alec Martinez participated fully in practice following a neck injury.

Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog was seen skating but remains without a return timetable. Head coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about Landeskog's progress, noting the positive impact of his presence during practice. However, Bednar also voiced frustration regarding a controversial play involving Scott Wedgewood, emphasizing the need for player safety.

In other injury news, Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov is on IR, and Nashville Predators defensemen Adam Wilsby and Jeremy Lauzon missed practice due to injuries. The New York Islanders reported that defenseman Isaiah George is in concussion protocol after a hit, while goaltender Semyon Varlamov has begun skating again. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman left a game after being hit in the head, and Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko experienced back spasms but is not expected to be sidelined long.

In a solid performance, the Nashville Predators defeated the New York Rangers 2-0, with Jonathan Marchessault and Adam Wilsby scoring. Juuse Saros contributed significantly with 25 saves, marking his third shutout of the season and the 26th of his career.

The Rangers continue to struggle, suffering their third consecutive loss, while the Predators are finding their rhythm after a tough start. Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg showcased their playmaking skills, assisting on Marchessault's goal.

The Rockford IceHogs faced off against the Milwaukee Admirals in a thrilling matchup that ended with a 6-3 loss for Rockford. The IceHogs started strong, taking a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Cole Guttman and Austin Strand.

However, the Admirals quickly turned the tide, with Zach L’Heureux scoring shortly after Strand's goal, helping Milwaukee to tie the game by the end of the first period. The Admirals dominated the second period, scoring four goals, while Rockford managed just one. Despite a late effort from Frank Nazar III, the IceHogs couldn't close the gap.