The Stanley Cup playoffs have not disappointed. No team made it through the first round undefeated, there have also been many frantic comebacks and a lot of physicality.

As a result of the physical nature that is present in these playoffs, many teams have sustained injuries. There have also been a few suspensions related to incidents that have resulted in injuries to key players. With the impact of the injuries in mind, here is the latest injury report:

Patrice Bergeron – The captain returned to practice on April 25th. He is expected to be in the lineup for game five, barring a setback.

David Krejci – According to Head Coach, Jim Montgomery, The Czech star will not play in game five. He might be available for game six, if the series goes that far.

Teuvo Teravainen – Head Coach, Rod Brind'Amour was not happy about the 'tomahawk chop' that broke his star winger's hand. The surgery was successful, but Teravainen is out indefinitely.

Jack Drury – The young forward was hurt in game four and was not available for game five. We will see how things progress regarding his recovery.

Jack Johnson – The trade deadline acquisition has been sitting, waiting, and wishing lately. He has been dealing with a lower-body ailment and could be an important addition to the Avalanche. Cale Makar's suspension will be served during game five, if Johnson is not available, the series could be turned upside down.

Valeri Nichushkin – The hulking Russian winger is still out of the lineup, due to personal reasons. The timetable for his return is uncertain.

Joe Pavelski – Little Joe is still dealing with the concussion that has sidelined since the opening game of the playoffs. He has resumed skating but remains out indefinitely.

Mattias Janmark – The versatile Oiler has been out since game two. He is day-to-day

Aaron Ekblad – The top draft pick in the 2014 NHL Entry draft did not play in game four against Boston. He will be in the lineup for game five.

Anthony Duclair – The Duke was not in the lineup for game four because of discomfort during warmup. He will play for the Panthers in game 5.

Blake Lizotte – Lizotte has not played since game two. He will have a lot of time to rest up as there are three days of rest between games five and six.

Joel Eriksson Ek – The dynamic Swedish center came back for game three after a lengthy absence. He played 19 seconds and has not returned to the lineup in either game four or five. He is day-to-day.

Jared McCann – McCann was injured on a late hit from Cale Makar. McCann's head smashed violently against the glass and he spent a long time down on the ice before being helped off. He has already been ruled out for game five. McCann was Seattle's top forward, and his indefinite absence could be too much for the team to overcome.

Erik Cernak – The big Slovakian defender is still dealing with the concussion that he sustained as a result of a hit-to-the-head from Michael Bunting. He remains out in definitely.

Michael Eyssimont – The energetic winger is still day-to-day after receiving a hit from Jake McCabe in game one of the series against the Maple Leafs.

Nikolaj Ehlers – The speedy and skilled Jet was not medically cleared to play in game four of the team's series against the Vegas Golden Knights. He has been out since getting tangled up with Ryan Hartman on April 11th

Josh Morrissey – The guy who many in Winnipeg have nicknamed, Norrissey, will be out for the rest of the series after taking a knee-on knee hit from Whitecloud in game three.

Mark Scheifele – The superstar center was hurt in the opening period of game five. As a result, the Jets operated on bingo fuel for the rest of the contest. Head Coach, Rick Bowness is optimistic about Scheifele's chances to play in game five, but only time will tell.

Cole Perfetti – The rookie is progressing well and could return to the lineup real soon. There has been no substantial news on the Perfetti front this week.

Thanks to everyone who read my articles over the past month, your support has blessed me greatly. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn.

Sincerely,

Cam MacDonald