2 Huge Potential Returns Ahead Of Game 4 Action In The NHL

Game 4 is typically the most pivotal game of any series and with the Game 4s this year, it will decide if a team can go up 3-1 or the series be tied up at 2-2. With injuries playing a prominent role in the 2023 playoffs, there are a couple of key players that could be making their returns.

Starting with the Boston Bruins, they won in Florida in Game 3 without their top two centers, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. While Bergeron didn't travel with the team, Krejci didn't practice Saturday, but has been called questionable or given a 50-50 chance of playing in Game 4. Charlie Coyle massively stepped up in the absence of the team's top two centers, but the Bruins would of course like to be as healthy as possible.

Although Aaron Ekblad didn't miss the entire Game 3, he did miss the third period. He didn't enter concussion protocol and was back out on the ice practicing. Paul Maurice stated that he would be a game-time decision.

Flipping over to the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers series, the Kings are likely getting a big boost back to their lineup ahead of Game 4. Kevin Fiala, who hasn't played a game since April 1 due to a lower-body injury from a knee-on-knee, skated in a non-contact jersey. The Kings are seeing how things go and Fiala will likely take part in pre-game skate before a decision is made. It may be the wrong move to bring him back early if he wasn't even out of a non-contact jersey because of how physical the series has been thus far.