The United States will enter this year's men's hockey world championships in an unusual position: defending champion.

Team USA won a gold medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation tournament last spring for the first time since 1933.

This year's team has only two returnees and will be less star-studded than the 2025 one The big exception is Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and U.S. Olympian.

Some of the players from last year aren't available because they were or are in the playoffs, such as Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller, Jackson Lacombe, Cutter Gauthier and Jeremy Swayman. Plus, there's no Olympics as an incentive to suit up.

Here is the Team USA roster and some takeaways:

Team USA world championships preliminary roster

Goaltenders

• Devin Cooley, Flames
• Drew Commesso, Rockford (AHL)
• Joseph Woll, Maple Leafs

Defensemen

• Will Borgen, Rangers
• Declan Carlile, Lightning
• Connor Clifton, Penguins
• Justin Faulk, Red Wings
• Wyatt Kaiser, Blackhawks
• Ryan Lindgren, Kraken
• Mason Lohrei, Bruns
• Ryan Ufko, Milwaukee (AHL)

Forwards

• Matt Coronato, Flames
• Paul Cotter, Devils
• James Hagens, Bruins
• Isaac Howard, Bakersfield (AHL)
• Sam Lafferty, Blackhawks
• Ryker Lee, Michigan State
• Ryan Leonard, Capitals
• Oliver Moore, Blackhawks
• Danny Nelson, Notre Dame
• Tommy Novak, Penguins
• Mathieu Olivier, Blue Jackets
• Max Plante, Minnesota-Duluth
• Max Sasson, Canucks
• Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers

Team USA roster takeaways

• Howard and Lohrei are the only returnees from last year.
• Leonard and Hagens made up two-thirds of the top line for the gold medal-winning USA team at the 2025 world junior championships. The third linemate, Gabriel Perreault isn't at this tournament.
• Howard and Plante are the last two winners of the Hobey Baker Award.

When and where are the world championshps?

The tournament will be held from May 15 to 31 in Fribourg and Zurich, Switzerland.

Team USA world championships preliminary round schedule

all times ET

• May 15: vs. Switzerland 2:20 p.m.
• May 17: vs. Great Britain, 6:20 a.m.
• May 18: vs. Finland, 10:20 a.m.
• May 20: vs. Germany, 2:20 p.m.
• May 23: vs. Latvia, 6:20 a.m.
• May 25: vs. Hungary, 10:20 a.m.
• May 26: vs. Austria, 10:20 a.m.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA world championships team has different look as it defends gold

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk has the chance to be the first American in hockey’s Triple Gold Club.

After winning the Stanley Cup back to back with the NHL’s Florida Panthers and a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics as part of the U.S. team, Tkachuk is set to play at the world championships later this month.

Tkachuk was part of the preliminary roster for the tournament unveiled by USA Hockey on Thursday. The U.S. is the defending champion at the event after winning it last year for the first time since 1933.

“We’re excited about our group,” said U.S. general manager Brett Peterson, who is part of Florida's front office. “We’ve got a good blend of players that are excited about representing our country and competing for a gold medal.”

Tkachuk was the only Olympian from Milan named to the team. Goaltender Drew Commesso represented the U.S. in 2022 and Will Borgen in 2018 when the NHL did not participate. The world championships take place May 15-31 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.

There are currently 30 players who have been Stanley Cup, Olympic and worlds champions, led by 11 Canadians and nine Swedes.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have made the playoffs this season, but they are still very much focused on the future. Due to this, they will be looking to land a good player with their first-round pick this year.

In his most recent 2026 NHL Mock Draft for The Athletic, Scott Wheeler predicted that the Penguins will select forward JP Hurlberg with the 22nd overall pick.

If the Penguins landed Hulpert in the first round of this year's draft, he would give them another skilled prospect to work with. The 6-foot winger is coming off an excellent season in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he had 42 goals, 55 assists, 97 points, and a plus-13 rating in 68 games with the Kamloops Blazers. 

When looking at Hurlbert's numbers in junior, it is clear that he has plenty of offensive skill. With this, he would have the potential to be a good addition to the Penguins' prospect pool as they continue on with their retool. 

The Penguins should be on the hunt for help on the wing, too, so it would be understandable if Hurlbert ended up being their pick if he is still available once they are on the clock. It will be interesting to see if he ends up being their pick this summer. 

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The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres will run it back at KeyBank Center on Friday, May 8. Buffalo enters this matchup with a 1-0 series lead after firing up the Sabres faithful with a commanding Game 1 win.

My Canadiens vs. Sabres predictions and NHL picks expect another tight-fought Game 2, as the Canadiens will look to even the playing field before heading back to Montreal.

Expect Ivan Demidov to make his mark for the Habs.

Canadiens vs Sabres Game 2 prediction

Canadiens vs Sabres best bet: Ivan Demidov Over 0.5 points (-110)

Ivan Demidov picked up an assist on the power play in Game 1 after a few quiet outings to conclude the first round.

He's set at fair odds to hit the scoresheet again in Game 2, and with the Montreal Canadienscontrolling the play despite the loss in Game 1, I expect the young phenom to explode offensively against the Buffalo Sabres.

The 20-year-old had a quiet opening round against the Lightning, but in a more offense-centric matchup, he has a fantastic opportunity to hit the scoresheet aplenty.

Canadiens vs Sabres Game 2 same-game parlay

These two teams ranked fifth and seventh, respectively, in goals scored during the regular season, and hit the Over in Game 1. Furthermore, neither had a Top 10 defense this season.

This matchup has resulted in six or more total goals nine consecutive times dating back to November 2024.

Lane Hutson ranks second among all defensemen left in the postseason in average ice time (27:17) and has blocked 15 shots in eight playoff games. He's still logging heavy minutes despite the return of Noah Dobson.

Josh Doan registered two points in Game 1, averaged 2.07 shots/game during the regular season, and has compiled eight shots on goal in his last two games.

Canadiens vs Sabres SGP

• Over 5.5
• Lane Hutson Over 1.5 blocked shots
• Josh Doan Over 1.5 shots on goal

Canadiens vs Sabres odds for Game 2

• Moneyline: Canadiens +114 | Sabres -129
• Puck Line: Canadiens +1.5 | Sabres -1.5
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5

Canadiens vs Sabres trend

The Canadiens have hit the moneyline in 11 of their last 15 away games (+7.85 Units / 45% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Sabres.

How to watch Canadiens vs Sabres Game 2

Canadiens vs Sabres latest injuries

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Any Rangers fans who enjoys good hockey should take in the Anaheim Ducks-Vegas Knights series tied at one apiece.

This is one gripping tourney because the teams are about even in quality, well coached by Joel Quenneville (Ducks) and John Tortorella (Vegas.)

For Blueshirt fans it's bitter sweet because Chris Drury's discards defenseman Jacob Trouba and Christ Kreider are playing some of the best hockey of their lives. No surprise, Kreider set up the winning Anaheim goal in the 3-1 victory.

Escaping the rank Rangers dressing room was part off both revival stories; not to mention the fact that Quenneville has the coaching knack that somehow has eluded smiley Mike.

A prospect Detroit left behind has found a new home in the nation's capital as the Washington Capitals announced on Thursday that they have signed Swedish center Theodor Niederbach to a one-year, two-way $1.025 million contract, general manager Chris Patrick announced. The 24-year-old will be getting an opportunity that the Detroit Red Wings chose not to offer him.

Detroit selected Niederbach 51st overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, a second-round swing on a playmaking center out of Sweden with a promising junior pedigree. He represented his country at the World Junior Championship in both 2021 and 2022 and was considered one of the organization's more intriguing prospects at the time. But the Red Wings never extended an entry-level contract, and his draft rights were eventually allowed to expire.

He returned to Sweden and quietly built one of the more consistent records among North American-drafted prospects playing in the SHL, a defensively structured league where 30 points in a season is considered a genuine benchmark.

While the Red Wings no longer hold his rights you have to wonder if they’re still in contact with Theodor Niederbach. He’s having a bit of a breakout year. Scores his 10th goal of the year today #Frölundapic.twitter.com/czQvY0nA9Y

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) December 6, 2025

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Niederbach has cleared it in back-to-back campaigns, posting a career-high 32 points on 13 goals and 19 assists in 52 games with Frölunda this past season. Over 238 career SHL games with Swedish clubs MoDo, Rögle BK and Frölunda, he has accumulated 100 points.

Theodor Niederbach(2nd round ‘21 for MoDo) suspended 4 games for this hit. #LGRW

pic.twitter.com/aNCIIaWkPV

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) February 18, 2024

Washington is betting that production translates as Niederbach may begin his North American pro career with the Hershey Bears, Washington's AHL affiliate, who are currently in the division semifinals against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

If he sticks, Detroit fans may eventually find themselves watching a familiar name flourish elsewhere, a reminder of a draft night decision that didn't go the way the organization planned.

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The Philadelphia Flyers have managed to score just three goals over the course of their last three playoff games, and if they continue to struggle, they will suffer a swift exit at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Already down 2-0 in the series and dealing with multiple injuries, the Flyers need a group of their stragglers to both up their game and account for their fallen teammates.

Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen leads the Flyers in playoff points so far with five in eight games, while his fellow blueliners, Travis Sanheim and Jamie Drysdale, are two of the team's three total players with multiple goals this postseason.

That might have worked against a mediocre team like the Pittsburgh Penguins, but it certainly won't fly against a Stanley Cup contender like the Hurricanes.

The obvious place to start with these struggles is at wing, where Tyson Foerster, despite playing in all eight playoff games for the Flyers thus far, is stuck in second gear with zero points.

Defenseman Emil Andrae is the only other Flyer without a point, and he's played in just three games averaging 11:06 of ice time. Foerster averages a whopping 18:31.

The reason Foerster has so much to prove, especially right now, is because of how many other options the Flyers have at his position.

Owen Tippett In or Out? Flyers Face Important Lineup DecisionsThe Philadelphia Flyers offered injury updates on Owen Tippett and Christian Dvorak.

Alex Bump always looks like such a dynamo with the puck on his stick, and Denver Barkey is quickly becoming a coach's favorite due to his competitiveness, mobility, and positional versatility.

Foerster has one year remaining on his contract at a $3.75 million cap hit and has yet to develop his playmaking and skating, and he has to compete with the likes of Owen Tippett, Matvei Michkov, Porter Martone, Bump, Nikita Grebenkin, Jack Berglund, and more for a spot in the lineup, both now and in the future.

The hallmark of the 24-year-old's game is his shot; Foerster scored 13 times in just 29 games this season and tallied 45 goals over the previous two years.

The playoffs, though, are exposing Foerster's one-dimensionality, and as a young player, he will need to evolve and show the Flyers something before the end of the postseason to re-solidify his future in Philadelphia.

Continuing at the winger position, we have to put Travis Konecny in the spotlight.

The Flyers' highest-paid player with an $8.75 million cap hit, Konecny has just one goal and four points in eight games this playoff run, and notably came up short on a breakaway in overtime in Game 2 that would have otherwise sent the Flyers back to Philadelphia with a series tied at 1-1.

Konecny, 29, has always been in the crosshairs of fans due to his historic playoff struggles, producing just two goals and 12 points in his 30 career postseason games to date.

It's a bit odd, too, considering that Konecny has scored 30 goals twice in his career and has recorded no fewer than 60 points in each of the last four seasons.

Flyers Mock Draft 1.0: Looking for another Lane Hutson?If they're lucky, the Philadelphia Flyers can get their own Lane Hutson by selecting Xavier Villeneuve in the 2026 NHL Draft.

He, more than anyone, should be a player the Flyers can rely on in crunch time, but he is not the one driving the bus for the team.

Last but certainly not least is Matvei Michkov, whose struggles have been well-documented at this point.

The 21-year-old looked great in overtime in Game 2 and helped produce the game-winning moment in Game 6 against the Penguins, but one point in seven games is objectively not strong enough for a player with his talents.

Noah Cates, Michkov's center for most of the season, is out for the rest of this series against the Hurricanes, so the odds favor Michkov playing on a more offensively-oriented line for the last few games.

The Russian phenom will probably never be a player who creates offense with his own legs, but he always know where to be and when in the offensive zone and constantly seeks open ice and advantageous scoring positions.

With the Flyers dying for offense, now is the time for Michkov to arrive and prove himself.

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Fans of the Detroit Red Wings who were used to watching Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom regularly win the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman will have to wait at least another year for a Red Wings player to capture the award.

The NHL announced on Thursday afternoon that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin are this season's finalists for the Norris.

Conspicuously absent from the finalists was Moritz Seider, who not only enjoyed the best season of his NHL career but also posted numbers that were more than worthy of Norris consideration. 

The James Norris Memorial Trophy finalists are in! 🏆 #NHLAwards

The trophy is presented annually to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position. pic.twitter.com/krWLsUybFh

— NHL (@NHL) May 7, 2026

Seider reached career highs in goals (10) and assists (50), along with plus/minus (+15). Additionally, he led all Red Wings skaters in average ice time per game with 25:39, routinely playing in all situations against the opposition's top players. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Red Wings' Lucas Raymond Heading To 2026 World Championship For the fourth straight year, Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond will represent Sweden in the World Championship.

Seider finished the season as one of the NHL’s leaders in goals against (2.22) per 60 minutes, while the numbers also highlighted just how much the Detroit Red Wings struggled defensively whenever he was off the ice.

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The NHL has announced its three finalists for this year's Norris Trophy. Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson did not make the cut, even after posting 12 goals, 66 assists, 78 points, and a plus-36 rating in 82 games.

While Hutson is not in the running for the Norris Trophy this season, one of the Canadiens' foes in the second round is: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Dahlin, Cale Makar, and Zach Werenski are this year's finalists for the Norris. 

Dahlin being a Norris Trophy finalist comes after he had 19 goals, 55 assists, 74 points, and a plus-18 rating in 77 games this season with the Sabres. With this, he was a big reason why the Sabres took such a significant step forward this season and finished with a 50-23-9 record. 

The Canadiens will now be looking to shut down Dahlin and the Sabres as they continue their second round series. Game 1 was a tough one for the Habs, as they lost to Buffalo by a 4-2 final score. Thankfully, the series is still young, and the Canadiens have a golden opportunity to get things back on track in Game 2. 

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Business is picking up between the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks, with their series tied 1-1 and heading to the Honda Center on Friday, May 8.

My top Golden Knights vs. Ducks predictions and NHL picks are calling for Anaheim to take the series lead in a higher-scoring Game 3.

Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 3 prediction

Golden Knights vs Ducks best bet: Over 5.5 (-135)

The offensive floodgates will open for the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks in Game 3.

They’ve combined to score just eight times in the series despite piling up 12.38 expected goals and 49 high-danger scoring chances, and both goalies have been unsustainably solid.

Vegas No. 1 Carter Hart has a .951 save percentage with 3.57 goals saved above expected, and Anaheim starter Lukas Dostal sports respective .930 and 2.11 marks.

The window for positive regression is particularly wide open at 5-on-5, with the Golden Knights posting a 6.0 team shooting percentage and the Ducks at 6.7. 

So, considering they respectively posted 9.72 and 9.1 marks in Round 1, the uptick in scoring is coming.

Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 3 same-game parlay

Anaheim has caved Vegas in at 5-on-5 with a 57.1 Corsi For percentage and 56.1 expected goals percentage through two games, and now the Ducks have the last-change advantage on home ice for Game 3. 

In addition to Hart's highlighted unsustainable numbers, the Vegas netminder also posted an .864 SV% on the highway in the opening round.

Turning to the final leg of this same-game parlay, Ducks star Cutter Gauthier has been held without a point despite posting an elite 67.2 CF% and 84.2 xGF% at 5-on-5 and pacing Anaheim with 1.22 individual expected goals and 12 scoring chances. After recording seven points in Round 1, he's positioned to leave his mark on the scoresheet in Game 3.

Golden Knights vs Ducks SGP

• Ducks moneyline
• Over 5.5
• Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 points

Golden Knights vs Ducks odds for Game 3

• Moneyline: Golden Knights -110 | Ducks -110
• Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (+210) | Ducks +1.5 (-270)
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-135) | Under 5.5 (+115)

Golden Knights vs Ducks trend

The Anaheim Ducks have hit the Over in six of their last 10 home games (+4.75 Units / 39% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Ducks.

How to watch Golden Knights vs Ducks Game 3

Golden Knights vs Ducks latest injuries

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The Carolina Hurricanes take their undefeated postseason record on the road as they visit the Philadelphia Flyers for Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals on Thursday night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Game time is 8 P.M.

According to reports from the morning skate the Canes will have their full complement of players available, including Alexander Nikishin, who has missed the last two games while he recovered from a concussion.

The #Canes are all set for tonight's Game 3 in Philadelphia (8 p.m.; TNT, truTV).

Alexander Nikishin appears set to draw back in for the first time since R1, G4, working with Shayne Gostisbehere this morning. Mike Reilly is on the extra pair.

Behind the cast of skaters,… pic.twitter.com/VZ4mRS6j50

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) May 7, 2026

After switching things up a bit at the end of the last game, the lines have returned to normal at the morning skate.

Andersen is back in the starter’s crease. He has been nothing less than spectacular in these playoffs.

FREDDIE ANDERSEN APPRECIATION POST‼️ #StanleyCup

📺: @Canes vs. @NHLFlyers Game 3 TONIGHT at 8p ET on @NHL_on_TNT, @Sportsnet, and @TVASportspic.twitter.com/EJcrwVV9sg

— NHL (@NHL) May 7, 2026

The injury bug has bit the Flyers. Not only is Owen Tippett out (confirmed) but Noah Cates is out for the rest of the series. Officially, he has a lower body injury, (he was seen walking on crutches with a boot after Monday night’s game.)

From NHL.com

https://www.nhl.com/news/noah-cates-injury-status-update-may-6-2026

“He’s Mr. Consistency,” coach Rick Tocchet said. “He does a lot of things for us, but it’s no different than other teams. Next man up.

“You’ll see (Denver) Barkey getting more time at center; thought he did a nice job (in Game 2). Trevor (Zegras) is going to have to go back to center again. We’ll try to get him going. And obviously ‘Coots’ (Couturier) is playing really well, and you got ‘Devo’ (Christian Dvorak). We’re good there. We’ll be OK.”

It should be another good one tonight.

The game will be nationally televised and broadcast on TNT/truTV starting at 8 P.M. The normal characters will be on 99.9 The Fan starting at 7 P.M. with the local perspective.

Props: Carolina -165 Philadelphia +140

The Hockey News has opened its full archive to subscribers, giving fans access to 76 years of hockey history, feature stories, and unforgettable moments. In the latest issue, we rank the NHL’s top 100 players, with Winnipeg Jets lethal scoring winger Kyle Connor coming in No. 57th overall. Here is a free preview featuring players ranked 51 through 57.

Subscribe today to see where other standout Winnipeg players, including Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck and Josh Morrissey landed on the list, explore the complete top 100 rankings, and dive into the full THN Archives

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Top 100 NHL Players: 51-57 - Apr. 17 2026 - Vol. 79 Issue 10

51 JAKE OETTINGER

POS: G | AGE: 27 | LY: 51

‘Otter’ has helped the Stars author three consecutive trips to the conference final, but his success has halted there – often in shocking fashion. In fact, entering the 2026 playoffs, Oettinger had an .881 save percentage across 18 conference-final outings. No goaltender with more than five games had fared worse.

52 JAKOB CHYCHRUN

POS: D | AGE: 28 | LY: 95

Should he have been on Canada’s Olympic team? You won’t find any dissenters in Washington. Big, athletic and talented, Chychrun led the Capitals in ice time while also providing a nice helping of offense. And on a team featuring Alex Ovechkin, it was Chychrun with the most game-winning goals this year.

53 WYATT JOHNSTON

POS: C | AGE: 22 | LY: 63

Buoyed by a career-best shooting percentage and league-leading 26 power-play goals, three-time 30-goal scorer Johnston hit the 40-goal plateau for the first time. That offensive outburst is just another tool in his arsenal. The most respected aspects of his game, though, are his two-way acumen and high hockey IQ.

54 JAKE SANDERSON

POS: D | AGE: 23 | LY: 88

Sanderson is easily the best Senators defenseman since Erik Karlsson. Sanderson resembles Karlsson in many respects, namely skating, puckhandling, hockey IQ and a penchant for being a one-man breakout. Even when Ottawa was struggling early in the season, Sanderson was one of the bright spots.

55 SAM REINHART

POS: C | AGE: 30 | LY: 25

He’ll probably never score 57 goals again – as he did two seasons ago – but you can pretty much put Reinhart down for 30 a year in indelible marker. He can also be counted on to be a Selke-level player in the defensive zone. There are really no deficiencies in his game, and he’s one of the NHL’s most cerebral on-ice performers.

56 DYLAN LARKIN

POS: C | AGE: 29 | LY: 53

If there’s a modern-day player who was destined to play for the Red Wings, Larkin is the guy. His 200-foot game is almost without peer, and he’s developed a surprising sneaky-dirty facet to his overall game. Larkin is a possession beast, and when he doesn’t have the puck on his stick, he’s very good at getting it back.

57 KYLE CONNOR

POS: LW | AGE: 29 | LY: 38

Connor’s consistency is remarkable. He’s eclipsed 30 goals in each of his full seasons, barring the shortened 2020-21 campaign. He’s also an all-strengths asset in Winnipeg. Over the past five seasons, Connor ranks second in even-strength, first in power-play and sixth in shorthanded ice time among Jets forwards.

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As they fight to keep their series with the Carolina Hurricanes competitive, the Philadelphia Flyers are walking a fine line managing a myriad of untimely injuries.

Most notable of all is that of Owen Tippett, who has not played for the Flyers since their 1-0 Game 6 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 29.

After morning skate, head coach Rick Tocchet told attending media that Tippett will again be unavailable for the Flyers ahead of Game 3 against the Hurricanes on Thursday night.

But, Tippett isn't the only important Flyers forward dealing with some issues.

Top-six center Christian Dvorak is a game-time decision, according to Tocchet, but the general expectation is that the 30-year-old will be available for the Flyers.

Dvorak is one of many forwards who could benefit from a greasy goal at some point; he has zero goals in eight playoff games despite his 15 shots on goal and three assists.

Dvorak had four goals in his previous 14 playoff games with Arizona and Montreal, so he's due for some positive regression in front of goal.

As we now know, the Flyers are going to be without center Noah Cates for the remainder of this series, so now is as good a time as any for Dvorak to step up with some offensive production.

David vs. Goliath: Flyers May Need Jiricek to Defeat Mighty HurricanesThe Philadelphia Flyers desperately need David Jiricek to infuse some skill into an uninspiring defense corps in order to outlast the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Flyers could also turn to top prospect Jett Luchanko, but inserting him into the lineup fresh off the end of his OHL season would be a tall task. Perhaps he is called on to gain some experience if the team loses Game 3 and falls into a 3-0 series hole.

On the other side of the ice, the Hurricanes are getting rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin is likely to return after a two-game absence of his own.

At the Hurricanes' morning skate, it was reported that Nikishin skated on a defense pair with former Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, with his replacement, Mike Reilly, getting bumped down to a makeshift fourth pair with forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The 24-year-old Russian sat out the previous two games after absorbing a massive hit from Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven in Game 4 of Round 1 of the playoffs.

On paper, the Flyers are getting weaker, while the Hurricanes are getting stronger and healthier. Philadelphia sorely misses Tippett's speed and physicality, but it was clear even before his absence that he was not particularly close to 100%.

That kind of speed helps to create chances against an aggressive Carolina forecheck, but the Flyers will have to come up with some other solutions to keep the series alive on Thursday night.

The Philadelphia Flyers enter their second-round NHL playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes needing a victory to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole. The Hurricanes won the first two games of the best-of-seven series, including a 3-2 victory in Game 2. The Hurricanes are favored by 1.5 goals with an over/under for the matchup set at 5.5 goals.

How to watch Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers

• Date: Thursday, May 7

• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

• Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA

• TV Channels: TNT, truT, HBO, CBC

• Live Stream:ESPN+ | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Odds

• Spread: Philadelphia Flyers +1.5

• Moneyline: Philadelphia Flyers +138 (40.2%) / Carolina Hurricanes -166 (59.8%)

• Over/Under: 5.5