Boston Bruins winger Viktor Arvidsson (upper body) won't play in Friday's Game 6 matchup with the Buffalo Sabres, WEEI's Scott McLaughlin reports. His absence was expected after Bruins head coach Marco Strum labeled Arvidsson doubtful for the game earlier this week. The Swedish forward was injured last weekend in Game 4 of the first-round series. Michael Eyssimont replaced Arvidsson in Tuesday's Game 5 and will likely continue in a bottom-six role on Friday. In Game 5, Eyssimont logged 12:53 of ice time but didn't register any offensive stats. He had one block and two hits.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley (illness) is a game-time decision for Friday's tilt against the Buffalo Sabres, Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com reports. The towering 6-foot-7 blue-liner is dealing with an illness and couldn't practice on Thursday. This season, Stanley took a big leap offensively, recording 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 76 games split between the Sabres and Winnipeg Jets. He hasn't yet made it on the score sheet in five playoff games. Without the puck, Stanley has registered six blocks and six hits in 13:52 of ice time per game. The Sabres plan to use Michael Kesselring as Stanley's replacement if needed.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (undisclosed) is set to rejoin the lineup in Game 6 against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. D'Astous has been unavailable to the Lightning since suffering an undisclosed injury in Game 1 against the Canadiens. His return will bump Maxwell Crozier to the press box. D'Astous adds physicality to the Lightning lineup and can chip in offensively. He finished the regular season with 29 points (six goals, 23 assists), 80 SOG, 74 blocks, 96 hits, and 112 penalty minutes in 70 outings.

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (personal) is close to returning to action but will remain out on Friday in Game 6 against the Montreal Canadiens, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. "He's going to be an option really soon," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper told reporters Friday morning. Hedman hasn't played since March 19. He first dropped out of the lineup due to illness and soon afterward took a personal leave. If Tampa doesn't win Friday night, Hedman won't get another chance to return this season. Darren Raddysh will continue to play a huge role on the blue line in Friday's elimination game.