'Everybody's tired' as condensed NHL schedule takes its toll

Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) falls with his stick and the stick of an opponent in the third period of an NHL hockey game between the Nashville Predators and the Dallas Stars Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

The New York Islanders celebrate a shutout against the New York Rangers in an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 29, 2021, in New York. (Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via AP)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar waits for a face off against the San Jose Sharks in the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner reacts after a goal was scored by Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) in the third period during an NHL hockey game, Monday, May 3, 2021, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner pauses on the ice after giving up a goal to Arizona Coyotes' Michael Bunting during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, April 30, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Coyotes won 3-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier (28) takes down Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) in the first period during an NHL hockey game, Monday, May 3, 2021, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

Florida Panthers defenseman Markus Nutivaara (65) is checked by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Chicago, Saturday, May 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

New York Rangers' Brendan Smith (42) says hello to his son Nolan and wife Samantha during warmups prior to an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals in New York, Monday, May 3, 2021. (Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via AP)

New York Rangers' Brendan Smith (42) says hello to his son Nolan and wife Samantha during warmups prior to an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals in New York, Monday, May 3, 2021. (Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via AP)

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evan Rodrigues reacts after he was injured during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Thursday, April 29, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)