Boston Bruins' center Elias Lindholm has revealed that a nagging back injury plagued him throughout his inaugural season in Beantown. The ailment, which he sustained last August, kept him out of most of training camp but he still managed to play a full 82-game season. However, it might explain his struggle to find the net, finishing with a lackluster 17 goals and 30 assists for a mere 0.57 points per game. After signing a hefty seven-year, $54.25 million contract, fans expected more from Lindholm, especially after his explosive performance of 42 goals with the Flames the previous season. With his playoff performance crucial for Boston’s retooling efforts, all hope rests on him rebounding next year.

Canadiens' Rookie Sent to AHL as Playoffs Approach

In other Atlantic news, Canadiens prospect Joshua Roy won't be making his playoff debut just yet. Montreal announced they have reassigned the 21-year-old winger to AHL Laval, who are poised to clinch the regular-season title and embark on their own playoff journey. Although Roy was a part of the Canadiens since March 10, he spent the last eleven games as a healthy scratch during their wild-card pursuit. With just two goals and a minus-six rating in 12 NHL games this season, Roy has been a standout in Laval, netting 20 goals and adding 15 assists in 46 games.

Maple Leafs Gear Up for Playoffs Despite Injuries

The Toronto Maple Leafs are optimistic about the availability of defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe for Game 1 of their playoff series against the Senators on Sunday. Head coach Craig Berube stated that while neither player will suit up for tonight's season-ender against the Red Wings, both are likely to make a return. Ekman-Larsson has been sidelined for the last four games with an upper-body injury, while McCabe is missing his seventh straight game due to an undisclosed injury. Their presence will be pivotal as they have been instrumental to Toronto's defense this season, consistently playing over 21 minutes per game.

Jesse Puljujärvi Faces Suspension Ahead of Playoffs

In a surprising turn of events, Panthers winger Jesse Puljujärvi has been sent down to AHL Charlotte just before the playoffs kick off. Unfortunately for him, he won’t be available if Florida opts to recall him soon, as he faces a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Lightning's Mitchell Chaffee during Tuesday’s game. This marks the first disciplinary action in Puljujärvi’s eight-year NHL career.