The Washington Capitals face a significant blow as defenseman Martin Fehervary will miss the entire postseason due to a right knee injury sustained during a game against the New York Islanders on April 15. Following surgery to repair the injury, the Capitals have confirmed that Fehervary will be sidelined for the playoffs. This season, the 24-year-old defenseman contributed with five goals and 25 points over 81 regular-season games, showcasing his importance on the blue line with a +18 rating and solid metrics in Corsi and expected goals.

To fill the gap, Alexander Alexeyev stepped up in the Capitals’ overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens in the first playoff game. The Capitals, who ranked tied for eighth with a 2.79 goals-against average during the regular season, now look to adapt their defensive strategy as they continue their playoff push without one of their key contributors. The next game is scheduled for Wednesday at Capital One Arena.

The New Jersey Devils struggled against the New York Islanders, suffering a 1-0 defeat, marking their third consecutive loss as they head toward the playoffs. Key player Dougie Hamilton, who has been out for over a month, made a brief appearance in warmups, but head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized caution regarding his return to the lineup as the Devils prepare for their playoff matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Despite some defensive stands, including a successful penalty kill that thwarted the Islanders, the Devils couldn't find the back of the net. Bo Horvat's goal in the second period proved decisive. With just two games left in the regular season, the Devils are focused on regaining form and ensuring player health ahead of the postseason.

The Philadelphia Flyers edged the New York Islanders 4-3 in a gripping shootout on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment that effectively eliminated the Isles from playoff contention. Bobby Brink's decisive shootout goal, alongside Samuel Ersson's 37 saves, secured the victory for the Flyers. Captain Anders Lee expressed disappointment, noting the missed opportunities throughout the season.

Despite the loss, the Islanders showcased resilience, with Bo Horvat's late goal forcing overtime. After a scoreless first period, Tyson Foerster kicked off the scoring for the Flyers, only for Anders Lee and Noah Dobson to respond for the Islanders. The back-and-forth continued until the Flyers seized control, demonstrating the tight competition in the league.

Gabe Landeskog's return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup is inching closer as he recently participated in practice as the No. 1 center. Skating alongside Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen, he filled in while Nathan MacKinnon had a day off. Coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism, noting Landeskog's increased ice time and the possibility of a conditioning stint with the Colorado Eagles, which could pave the way for his return to the NHL.

However, Landeskog's journey back from knee cartilage replacement surgery remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for his comeback. There have been several setbacks since his surgery in May 2023, hindering his progress. He has begun to absorb light contact but faces the challenge of re-acclimating to game conditions. If he successfully joins the Eagles, it could serve as a critical test before his anticipated return to the Avalanche lineup.

Bo Horvat's overtime goal propelled the New York Islanders to a nail-biting 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, marking their third consecutive win. Ilya Sorokin not only made 38 saves but also recorded two assists, becoming the first Islanders goalie to achieve multiple points in a game. The Islanders have turned around their season, going 7-3-1 in their last 11 games after a rough patch. The victory puts them within two points of the Canadiens for the second wild-card playoff spot.

Despite the defeat, the Canadiens have remained resilient, earning points in 11 of their last 12 games. Brendan Gallagher's goal tied the game late in the third period after the Canadiens had trailed 3-1. Notably, Horvat's decisive goal capped a brilliant 2-on-1 rush, showcasing his skill as he beat goaltender Sam Montembeault on the short side. The Islanders' performance is a testament to their improved play and determination as they aim for a playoff berth.