NHL Injury Storylines: Western Conference Second Round

Colorado Avalanche - (4-0 over the Nashville Predators Round 1)

The number one team in the Western Conference missed out on a second consecutive Presidents Trophy by just three points and will look to transfer their regular season success over to the playoffs as they have yet to do that in recent past. The Avalanche are led by perennial All-star Nathan McKinnon who scored 88 points this season but played in only 65 games due to lower-body injury suffered early in November. The star forward has showed up in the playoffs registered 5 goals which is tied for third among players not eliminated. The Avalanche were the only team to sweep their first round opponent as they dominated the Nashville Predators scoring 5+ goals in three of the four games.

Injury Concern

The Mile High Hockey club is dealing with a key injury in penalty kill specialist Andrew Cogliano who was injured Game 1 of the first round with a reported upper-body injury. The center was able to return to the bench but did not hit the ice after the injury. The former Oiler missed the last three games but reports are that Cogliano is nearing a return for the second round series which would be fantastic news for the Avalanche penalty kill.

St. Louis Blues - (4-2 over the Minnesota Wild Round 1)

After winning the Stanley Cup in 2019, the Blue have failed to get out of the first round till this year where they knocked off the Wild in convincing fashion, giving up just 16 goals in 6 games which is tied for the second fewest goals allowed among teams not eliminated. On top of the stellar defensive play this postseason, St. Louis brings a balanced scoring attack with three players tied with 5 goals a piece (David Perron, Ryan O’Reilly, and Vladmir Tarasenko). The scoring will be much needed as the Avalanche have allowed the fewest goals in the playoffs and will be a tough match for the Blues who will remember their first round exit from a year before that came sat the hands of the Avalanche.

Injury Concern

The Blues will be dealing with some defensive issues in the second round with injuries to both Torey Krug and Marco Scandella. Krug left Game 3 of last series with apparent left leg injury and did not return. Head coach Craig Berube said he would “be out a bit” and with so little details, he is considered to be day-to-day with the likely chance of him missing the start of the series. Scandella is listed as dealing with a lower-body injury and is also considered day-to-day. Krug is the bigger worry for the Blues heading into the second round.

Calgary Flames - (4-3 over the Dallas Stars Round 1)

The Flames went all the way to overtime in their Game 7 matchup but prevailed 3-2 in a hard fought series that produced few goals and ever fewer offensive chances. The Flames scored just 15 goals in 7 games which is by far the fewest goals scored among teams still participating in the playoffs. New Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau and elite forward Matthew Tkachuk will need to step up their goal scoring as the duo combined for just 3 goals after scoring 82 in the regular season.

Injury Concern

Calgary has been without forward Sean Monahan since the end of March after undergoing season ending right hip surgery. The smooth skater was in the midst of a down year but his offense has been missed. A current injury issue lives on the defensive end with Chris Tanev nursing a injury that kept him out of Game 7. With no specific details on Tanev, considered the minutes eater day-to-day.

Edmonton Oilers - (4-3 over the Los Angeles Kings Round 1)

The team with the best player in the league needed every ounce of star power Connor McDavid could offer to get by the pesky Los Angeles Kings. McDavid did his part scoring 14 points in 7 games to pace the NHL playoffs and was essential in providing the game winner last contest. The Battle of Alberta will be something to watch with the Oilers holding an 19-11 all-time record during the postseason against the Flames with a Game 7 win in the 1991 playoffs being the last time these two teams squared off.

Injury Concern

The number two goal scorer in the league, German international Leon Draisaitl, suffered a right ankle injury Game 6 after being taken down by an apparent “slew foot”. The forward pushed through after heading to the locker-room multiple times and Wass able to suit up Game 7 but was clearly not 100% healthy. The sniper will have time to rest the ankle as he would of likely not suited up if it weren’t Game 7. Do not expect the star to be 100% to start the second round.