Fast (upper body) is unlikely to recover before the end of the playoffs, coach Rod Brind'Amour told Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal on Thursday.

Advice: Fast was injured during the Hurricanes' regular-season finale April 16. He had six goals and 19 points in 73 contests in 2023-24. Fast is in the first campaign of a two-year, $4.8 million contract, so even if he does miss the remainder of the postseason, he likely hasn't played in his final contest with Carolina. The 32-year-old serves in a bottom-six capacity when healthy. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 4:27 pm

Hyman scored a power-play goal on two shots and added three hits in Wednesday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Kings in Game 2.

Advice: Hyman has racked up four goals, one assist, eight hits and 11 shots on net through two playoff contests. His tally in the second period Wednesday tied the game at 3-3. After a 54-goal regular season, it's clear Hyman is dialed in as the finisher on the Oilers' top line while also serving as a strong net-front presence on the power play. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 11:18 pm

Byfield produced two assists, three hits, two PIM and a plus-4 rating in Wednesday's 5-4 overtime win over the Oilers in Game 2.

Advice: Byfield helped out on Kevin Fiala's goal in the third period and set up Anze Kopitar for the game-winner 2:07 into overtime. The 21-year-old Byfield has some momentum with five points over his last three outings, which follows a nine-game slump. He's been listed on the third line for the playoffs, but his role has been fairly interchangeable with Alex Laferriere so far. Byfield will have the better scoring outlook of the two even if he doesn't get back into a top-six role officially. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 11:02 pm