NHL injury updates shake up tonight's critical matchups and lineups
Injury updates and lineup changes are shaping tonight's NHL matchups. Several key players remain sidelined, while others prepare to return to action. Teams like the Minnesota Wild, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings face roster adjustments ahead of crucial games.
The Los Angeles Kings will decide just before puck drop whether Adrian Kempe plays against the Philadelphia Flyers. The forward, dealing with a lower-body issue, missed the March 19 matchup and has sat out recent games. If cleared, he would join Anze Kopitar and Artemi Panarin on the top line. Kempe leads the Kings this season with 26 goals, 32 assists, and 58 points across 67 games.
Joel Armia will not face the Flyers but could return for the Buffalo Sabres game on Saturday. Meanwhile, Josh Anderson remains day to day for the Montreal Canadiens due to an upper-body injury. For the Minnesota Wild, Bobby Brink is set to return against the Chicago Blackhawks. However, Marcus Foligno will miss his 10th consecutive game, still listed as day to day. In Detroit, Andrew Copp played against the Canadiens after being a game-time call. The Ottawa Senators will be without Nick Jensen for at least six weeks as he undergoes meniscus surgery. Dylan Larkin, recovering from a lower-body injury, has yet to be cleared for contact. Over in New York, Noah Laba and Urho Vaakanainen are being evaluated after missing the Rangers' last game.
Teams continue to manage injuries as the season progresses. Kempe's potential return could boost the Kings' offence, while the Wild and Red Wings adjust their lineups. The Senators, however, face a longer absence with Jensen's surgery. Further updates will follow as players undergo assessments.
