As the 2024-25 NHL regular season nears its end, with most teams having ten or fewer games left, the playoff race is heating up.
While top teams are almost guaranteed a playoff spot, the final seedings, division titles, and wild card spots in both conferences are still up for grabs.
Beyond regular season performance, injuries to key players are a significant factor in determining the landscape of the 2025 playoffs.
Several important players are currently sidelined, and their potential return will greatly influence their teams` playoff prospects. This article examines some notable injury situations in both conferences and their potential impact on the upcoming post-season.
Florida Panthers: Brad Marchand, Matthew Tkachuk
The Florida Panthers are anticipating the return of players from injury, with Brad Marchand, acquired at the trade deadline, expected to make his debut soon. Marchand`s acquisition was a significant move, and there`s considerable anticipation about how he will fit into the Panthers` lineup, especially alongside Sam Bennett. An upper-body injury delayed Marchand`s debut, but he is now expected to play on Friday with Bennett and Mackie Samoskevich.
A more pressing concern for the Panthers is Matthew Tkachuk`s condition. A crucial player and top scorer for the team, Tkachuk`s absence is definitely felt. He has been out since early February and was announced to be out for the remainder of the regular season in early March. General Manager Bill Zito expressed hope for Tkachuk`s return for the playoffs. His recovery and performance level upon returning will be critical to Florida`s playoff success and their bid to defend their title.
Tristan Blackwood