The Edmonton Oilers are gaining momentum in their playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings, having secured a critical 4-3 overtime victory in Game 4. This win evens the series at two games apiece, providing the Oilers an opportunity to enhance team chemistry as they head back to Los Angeles for Game 5. Players like Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman are returning from injuries, and their performance is crucial as they aim to build cohesion within the lineup.

Leon Draisaitl, who was sidelined for most of the regular season, commented on the benefit of extending the series for the team's collective confidence and performance. Despite missing key defenceman Mattias Ekholm, who remains out with injury, the Oilers capitalized on their special teams, scoring two power-play goals and holding the Kings scoreless on their opportunities. With Calvin Pickard in goal and a growing roster of healthy players, the Oilers believe they can secure an away win in Los Angeles.

Gabriel Landeskog is poised for a return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup, potentially for Game 1 after a lengthy recovery since June 2022. Coach Jared Bednar highlighted the excitement surrounding his possible inclusion to bolster the team in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid's status for the Edmonton Oilers remains uncertain, as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury. McDavid is optimistic about returning alongside other injured teammates for crucial playoff games. Injuries also plague other teams, with significant absences evidenced, such as Mattias Ekholm for the Oilers and Alexander Romanov for the New York Islanders, who missed a recent game due to illness. The NHL landscape is further shaken by Logan Couture's announcement of retirement due to health concerns after battling injuries this season.

Dallas Stars' Miro Heiskanen is not expected to play in Game 1 of the playoffs, but there is hope for his return during the series. Meanwhile, Thomas Harley and Esa Lindell were healthy scratches, indicating confidence in their condition. Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers confirmed that Mattias Ekholm will sit out the first round, while Trent Frederic's status remains uncertain for Game 1. Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman are expected to be ready, but Connor McDavid was rested as a precaution. Quinton Byfield left a previous game with an injury, while the Minnesota Wild's Jared Spurgeon shows signs of recovery.

In a setback for the Edmonton Oilers, defenseman Mattias Ekholm will miss the opening round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings due to a re-aggravated undisclosed injury. Ekholm's absence is significant, as he has been a key player with nine goals and 24 assists this season. His return had been hoped for after he played in a recent win against San Jose, but further complications have sidelined him once again.

Coach Kris Knoblauch also announced that superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will not participate in the upcoming game against the Kings, prioritizing rest ahead of the playoffs. McDavid has returned from injury but is being rested after a busy schedule, and Draisaitl is expected to be ready for the playoff matchup. With the Oilers and Kings vying for playoff positioning, the absence of key players could significantly impact the series.

The latest updates in the NHL reveal several roster changes and injury concerns that could impact fantasy leagues. Shayne Gostisbehere of the Carolina Hurricanes is sidelined with a lower back issue, while teammate Taylor Hall was rested for a recent game. The Colorado Avalanche are also facing challenges, with forward Miles Wood missing a game due to illness and Gabriel Landeskog recently returning from a lengthy absence. After three years, Landeskog returned to play, expressing cautious optimism about his health after a strong showing in the AHL.

In Edmonton, the Oilers are bracing for potentially devastating news regarding Mattias Ekholm, who might be facing a lengthy injury absence that could derail their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers opted to healthy scratch Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, indicating stronger depth than initially perceived. Other injuries of note include Jared Spurgeon of the Minnesota Wild, who missed time after taking a puck to the throat, and Pierre Engvall of the New York Islanders, who needed assistance off the ice, raising further concerns about his availability.