The NHL playoff race is heating up, and the drama is reaching fever pitch. Colorado has a golden opportunity to punch their ticket to the conference final tonight, but the other two series are keeping fans on the edge of their seats with non-stop action.
In Islanders news, Mat Barzal has withdrawn from the World Championships due to a precautionary "minor" injury, meaning Canada will have to settle for some guy named Sidney Crosby instead. According to Andrew Gross, Barzal is expected to have a normal offseason and training camp, so Isles fans can breathe easy.
Off the ice, Matthew Schaefer is making a difference with a new partnership to support families battling cancer—a cause that's deeply personal for him. Meanwhile, in the prospect pool, Luca Romano is stepping up, while Kashawn Aitcheson has been clutch in forcing overtime in back-to-back games.
Elsewhere in the playoffs, Vegas pulled ahead of the Ducks with an overtime win in Game 5. The Sabres looked down and out after a controversial goalie interference call, but a wild Tage Thompson carom off the glass tied the game, and they went on to win, evening the series at 2-2.
Vegas is also making headlines for blocking Edmonton from speaking with fired coach Bruce Cassidy—even though the Oilers still have their own head coach. Over in Toronto, Mitch Marner is reportedly having his best playoff run ever, while injuries continue to plague the Wild as they fight to stay alive.
The Stars face a big decision this summer regarding Jason Robertson, and the NHL finally announced a six-game suspension for Charlie McAvoy after his nasty slash on Zach Benson in the first round. Columbus has locked up 34-year-old Charlie Coyle with a six-year extension, and Son of Manson was fined $5,000 for yet another dirty move—this time for butt-ending.
Finally, Matvei Michkov opened up about his trying season and hopes for a better year ahead, while Penguins GM Kyle Dubas says the team "would love" to bring back Evgeni Malkin. With all this action, it's the perfect time to gear up in your favorite team's apparel and stay locked into every moment of the playoff excitement.