Penguins, Avalanche Face Key Injuries Ahead of Playoffs

Star players like Sidney Crosby and Nazem Kadri sidelined as teams prepare for postseason push

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:34am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, red, and silver, conveying the abstract energy and unpredictability of the sport.Injuries to star players force NHL teams to rely on depth and adaptability as the playoffs approach.Today in Pittsburgh

The NHL's injury report is highlighting several high-profile players dealing with injuries as teams make their final playoff pushes. The Pittsburgh Penguins are without a number of key contributors, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, while the Colorado Avalanche are unlikely to have Nazem Kadri available due to a finger injury. Other teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs are also facing their own injury concerns with important players.

Why it matters

Injuries this late in the season can have a major impact on a team's playoff positioning and chances of success. Star players like Crosby and Kadri are critical to their teams' success, so their absences could shift the balance of power in their respective divisions and conferences. How teams manage these injury challenges will be crucial in determining which clubs are best positioned for a deep postseason run.

The details

The Penguins are dealing with a rash of injuries, with Crosby, Malkin, Bryan Rust, Ben Kindel, Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and Parker Wotherspoon all considered day-to-day. The Avalanche will likely be without Kadri due to a finger injury, while the Lightning are getting Brandon Hagel back from a lower-body issue and reassigning Jakob Pelletier to the AHL. The Stars are missing Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz, the Capitals are without Charlie Lindgren, and the Oilers' Connor Ingram is questionable with a lower-body injury.

  • The Penguins' injured players are considered day-to-day ahead of their final two regular-season games.
  • Nazem Kadri is unlikely to play for the Avalanche due to a finger injury.
  • Brandon Hagel is returning from a lower-body injury for the Lightning, while Jakob Pelletier was reassigned to the AHL.

The players

Sidney Crosby

Star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is considered day-to-day with an injury.

Nazem Kadri

Top-line center for the Colorado Avalanche who is unlikely to play due to a finger injury.

Brandon Hagel

Forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who is returning from a lower-body injury.

Jakob Pelletier

Forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who was reassigned to the AHL.

Miro Heiskanen

Defenseman for the Dallas Stars who is dealing with an injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must manage these injuries carefully as we prepare for the playoffs. The depth of our roster will be tested, but I'm confident our players will step up.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

“Losing Nazem is a big blow, but we have the talent and resilience to overcome this challenge. Our focus remains on securing the best possible playoff position.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Penguins and Avalanche will need to monitor the progress of their injured players in the coming days to determine their availability for the final games of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.

The takeaway

Injuries to star players this late in the season can have a major impact on a team's playoff positioning and chances of success. How clubs manage these challenges and find ways to overcome key absences will be crucial in determining which teams are best positioned for a deep postseason run.