NHL playoffs: What you need to know for Wednesday

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.

Trailing by one game, the Washington Capitals will attempt to even up their series with the Pittsburgh Penguins at home tonight in Game 4 (8 p.m. ET, CBC, CBC Sports app).

Schultz getting ready for action

With the Penguins' Kris Letang suspended for Game 4 and fellow defenceman Olli Maatta not expected back after an injury sustained in Game 2, Justin Schultz could find himself returning to the lineup tonight.

The former Oiler hasn't played since Game 1 of Pittsburgh's first-round series against the Rangers, being a healthy scratch in every game since.

Forward Tom Sestito may get in the lineup tonight for Pittsburgh, as Bryan Rust is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Beau Bennett hasn't been cleared to return yet from an undisclosed injury.

Rust, Maatta and Eric Fehr are all being called game-time decisions, but none are expected to play.

Starting Murray is 'common sense'

Penguins rookie goaltender Matt Murray has been phenomenal in the post-season, and his run as the starter is expected to continue on Wednesday night as he will most likely be in goal for Game 4 against the Capitals.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said "common sense suggests" Murray should continue starting, considering his play.

Marc-Andre Fleury dressed as the backup in Game 3 and is expected to be on the bench again tonight.

With Murray carrying Pittsburgh, Fleury may need the rookie to falter in order to get the crease back.

Johansson won't miss action

Capitals forward Marcus Johansson, who was on the receiving end of Letang's hit that resulted in a suspension, will be in the lineup for Game 4.

He didn't skate on Tuesday, but passed all of his concussion tests and has been cleared to play.

In other lineup moves, coach Barry Trotz will insert defenceman Mike Weber into the lineup, sending Nate Schmidt to the press box. Weber last played in Game 6 against the Flyers.

Boyle, Hickey avoid discipline for hits

Both Thomas Hickey and Brian Boyle delivered big hits during last night's game between the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning, but neither player will face any form of discipline.

Hickey delivered a crushing hit to Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin as he was crossing the blue-line during the second period in Game 3 on Tuesday night. The hit was deemed a clean shot, albeit a devastating blow.

Boyle's hit on Hickey was a little more questionable. Just over two minutes into overtime, Boyle checked Hickey after he got rid of the puck, and moments later scored the game-winning goal to give Tampa Bay a 5-4 win and a 2-1 series lead.

Islanders coach Jack Capuano was upset with the hit in his post-game interview, calling it "a direct shot to the head."

He added that he thought it would "probably" garner a suspension.

"I've watched it four, five times, maybe more, and it's just frustrating that it had to end that particular way, with a head shot," he said.

Seguin, Eaves still out

Both Stars forwards Tyler Seguin and Patrick Eaves are still at home in Dallas, and neither will be playing in Game 4 on Thursday night.

Both players have been skating, but neither are healthy enough to return just yet.

Seguin has only played in one game so far in the post-season.