Quick Hits: Friday Injury Update, Signings, and Playoff Races
Brandon Tanev to miss the season finale

Ken Wiebe: Winnipeg Jets forward Brandon Tanev will be out for the rest of the week. On the other hand, Game 1 of their postseason is not certain either. It’s about a 50-50 chance.

Erik Karlsson inches closer to return

Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson could return on Saturday for a tuneup and then play Round 1. He will be rusty and a question is how long will that rust linger. Erik Karlsson’s second significant injury in the last two years may not be so easy to overcome.

Mikko Rantanen shut down till next week

Rick Sadowski: Rantanen is skating but the upper body injury which has plagued him for a couple of weeks will keep him out for another 5-7 days. Game 1 seems a likely return for the Colorado Avalanche forward.

Muzzin still ill enough not to play

Mark Masters: Jake Muzzin still feels under the weather and will not play against Montreal on Saturday. He expects to play in Game 1 against the Boston Bruins, however.

Darcy Kuemper returns and steals the show in Vegas

From RotoWire:  Darcy Kuemper stopped 37 of 38 shots in a 4-1 win for Arizona against Vegas on Thursday night. The goalie boosts his save percentage up to .925 on the season.

Ben Bishop on track for Saturday?

Bruce LeVine: Bishop remains on track for a Saturday return but has been ruled out for Friday. His lower-body injury is a bit of a mystery but Bishop looks better in practice.

Vegas lands deal with Jimmy Schuldt

Jesse Granger of The Athletic: The Golden Knights signed Schuldt to a one-year deal. Schuldt is a Hobey Baker Award finalist and was captain for three years at St. Cloud State. It is a one-year deal which begins immediately. Nate Schmidt helped a bit as both players played in Da Beauty League. His mentorship meant the world to the St. Cloud defenseman. Schuldt is a restricted free agent but expects to sign another deal relatively soon. He is a smooth skating defenseman who can transition quickly from getting out of trouble to causing trouble.

Playoff races

Eastern Conference Playoff Race (Games Ending 4/4/19)#nhlplayoffrace pic.twitter.com/RUoaXOMgQJ

— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 5, 2019

Western Conference Playoff Race (Games Ending 4/4/19)#nhlplayoffrace pic.twitter.com/45Ao8w3Fmv

— Damian Echevarrieta (@Ech28) April 5, 2019