NHL Hockey 3h Briefing
×Last updated: April 9, 2026, 8:30 PM ET
NHL Injury Updates & Playoff Scares
As the regular season winds down, injury concerns are mounting for several clubs facing critical late-season matchups and potential playoff seeding battles. Carolina sustained a blow with defenseman Jalen Chatfield ruled out against Chicago due to a lower-body ailment; Chatfield has tallied a career-high 15 assists this season alongside two goals. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are bracing for uncertainty in net, as coach Lindy Ruff indicated that goalie Alex Lyon might miss the start of the postseason due to a strained lower-body muscle. Separately, Seattle ownership addressed the Kraken’s near elimination from the race, with co-owner Tod Leiweke assuring fans they are "committed to fixing it" amid the team's ongoing struggles.