Victor Hedman gave Tampa Bay fans and fantasy playoff players a glimmer of brief hope on Sunday. However, Jon Cooper simply said no when asked if Hedman would return against the Montreal Canadiens. Hedman will be given more time to get into game shape. It had been a brutal season for the former Norris Trophy winner. He had missed 49 games and only had 17 points in 33 contests with one goal. Tampa Bay arguably has gained back the momentum in the series which may be good news as Hedman still does not appear 100%.

Noah Dobson will play in his first playoff game this Sunday evening against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Montreal Canadiens defenseman provided a huge spark during the regular season. Dobson scored 12 goals and racked up 47 points over 80 contests. Dobson provided a steady mentorship of Lane Hutson. The defenseman getting back in the lineup allows Montreal to set a regular lineup against Tampa Bay for the first time all series. Dobson may not be quite 100% but even 80 or 90 percent is better than most teams' second of third best defenseman.

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Mike Reilly impressed during his 2026 postseason debut on Saturday night, contributing two assists in a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Reilly took Alexander Nikishin's (concussion) spot in the lineup and already had a multi-assist game within the first 7:30 of the first period, setting up Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. He set a franchise record for the quickest two points by a defenseman to start a playoff career. Nikishin was considered a game-time decision for Saturday, so he will be available sooner rather than later. Still, with his savvy playmaking in Game 1, Reilly might have earned himself a longer stay in the lineup.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven carried his hot form from Round 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs into the second-round opener, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The 23-year-old became the first player in franchise history to record a five-game postseason goal streak. This has been a special playoff campaign for Stankoven, but it hasn't been entirely unexpected. He was also highly productive in the final weeks of the regular season. Since March 31, Stankoven has scored in 10 of his 13 appearances, totaling 18 points (13 goals, five assists). The run includes six goals and one assist in five playoff games. Unless Philadelphia contains Stankoven, this series could end in a hurry.