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NHL playoffs: What you need to know for Thursday

The Stanley Cup playoffs are on. Each day, we'll keep you updated on the important news involving players, starting lineups, injuries and more. Check back throughout the day to stay in the know.

With two games on tap tonight, the St. Louis Blues take on the Dallas Stars at home (CBC, CBC Sports app, 8 p.m. ET) and the San Jose Sharks play the Predators in Nashville (9 p.m. ET). Both St. Louis and San Jose are looking to take commanding 3-1 series advantages.

Goaltending woes plaguing Dallas

After losing 2-1 in the opening game and almost giving away Game 2, St. Louis demolished Dallas in Game 3 by a score of 6-1, and will now look to suffocate Dallas' chances of coming back in the series.

The Stars' biggest issue in the playoffs thus far has been goaltending, which was made clear in Game 3 when Kari Lehtonen was pulled and Antti Niemi didn't fare much better.

A starter for Game 4 has not been announced yet by Stars coach Lindy Ruff, but it's fair to think whoever it is will have a short leash. Lehtonen was the first to leave the ice at the team's morning practice which indicated he will most likely be in net.

Stars forwards Tyler Seguin and Patrick Eaves have both been practising but no decisions have been made on their Game 5 statuses.

Strome looking for role

Islanders forward Ryan Strome was scratched in Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning — the third time he's been scratched in the playoffs — and his role for the rest of the series is in limbo.

He practiced on the fifth line on Thursday, which indicates he most likely will be scratched for Game 4 on Friday also.

"Overall, Ryan knows what he needs to do to play better, but it's not like he's played poorly," said coach Jack Capuano. "It's a numbers game right now, too."

Islanders defenceman Ryan Pulock, who's been out with an upper-body injury, will practice on Thursday and could play in his fifth playoff game on Friday.