May 2026 NHL injuries roundup

As the Stanley Cup playoffs heat up in mid-May 2026, injuries continue to shape series across the league. Teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vegas Golden Knights are dealing with key absences and potential returns that could swing outcomes. With Game 5s looming in several matchups, coaches are providing cautious updates on their battered lineups.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have navigated a grueling playoff path, upsetting Edmonton in the first round and now battling Vegas. Defenseman Radko Gudas, sidelined since Game 1 of that series with a lower-body injury, participated in the morning skate ahead of recent games. He’s listed as day-to-day and was a game-time decision for matchups against the Golden Knights.

Forward Troy Terry skipped the morning skate for maintenance but remains available. His presence is crucial for Anaheim’s offensive depth in this evenly matched series. Defenseman Drew Helleson missed the most recent game due to an undisclosed injury and is also day-to-day, potentially rotating out if Gudas returns alongside rookie Tyson Hinds.

Petr Mrazek remains out for the season with a lower-body issue from February, forcing Lukas Dostal into the net. Goalie stability has been key for the Ducks’ surprising run. As they host Game 5, expect line tweaks to manage these bumps.

In broader context, Anaheim’s injury management mirrors challenges faced by other playoff contenders.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres, one win from the conference finals, welcomed back forward Sam Carrick in a recent game. He returned for the first time since an upper-body injury on March 31, logging 6:17 of ice time and firing two shots on net. Acquired at the trade deadline for his faceoff prowess, Carrick’s 55% win rate bolsters Buffalo’s bottom six.

Head coach Lindy Ruff hinted at lineup changes ahead of Game 3 in Montreal, with Carrick likely drawing in over Tyson Kozak. This comes as the Sabres lead their series 1-1 after the road trip opener. Noah Östlund and others remain sidelined, but Carrick’s return adds grit.

Buffalo’s depth has been tested, yet they’ve advanced past Boston. Ruff’s veteran presence helps navigate these injury waves. Expect Carrick to see fourth-line minutes in hostile Bell Centre environs.

Colorado Avalanche

Colorado coach Jared Bednar delivered positive news on two key players. Defenseman Josh Manson and forward Joel Kiviranta skated yesterday and are close to clearance, making them possibilities for tonight’s game. Manson has been out with an upper-body issue since late April, while Kiviranta’s timeline aligns similarly.

These returns could shore up the Avalanche’s blue line and forward depth against Minnesota. Bednar’s update came amid a tight series, with Colorado favored but needing every edge. Artturi Lehkonen is also day-to-day with upper body.

Philadelphia Flyers

Eliminated by Carolina on Saturday, the Flyers played through significant undisclosed injuries. Forward Owen Tippett missed time with what sources report as a sports hernia. Noah Cates sat out the final two games due to a lower-body issue, spotted on a scooter post-series.

Christian Dvorak gutted it out despite a separated shoulder, earning “warrior” praise from coach Rick Tocchet. Defenseman Cam York also battled a fractured rib. These revelations explain Philly’s late-series fade.

Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas captain Mark Stone’s absence looms large in their series against Anaheim. He exited Friday’s Game 3 in the first period on a non-contact play while backchecking against Alex Killorn—lifting his left leg, favoring his groin/upper leg. He tested the second period but left again, sitting out Game 4.

Listed day-to-day with a lower-body injury, Stone’s impact is undeniable: Vegas boasts a .651 points percentage with him, dropping to .585 without. The Golden Knights recalled Braeden Bowman as cover, with Brandon Saad stepping in. Stone’s power-play role and 19:26 average TOI make his status critical for Game 5.

These injuries highlight the playoffs’ brutality, where single moments alter paths. Ducks and Golden Knights face off next with health dictating survival; Avs and Sabres gain edges from returns.