Brad Marchand continues to demonstrate his clutch playoff prowess, netting the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 3, propelling the Florida Panthers to a thrilling 5-4 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With this victory, the Panthers cut Toronto's series lead to 2-1. This goal marks Marchand's 14th career playoff game-winner, a record for active NHL players. Teammate Carter Verhaeghe praised Marchand as a player who thrives in high-pressure situations, attributing the team's comeback to his leadership and energy.

The Panthers notably fought back from a 2-0 and later a 3-1 deficit, showcasing resilience with key goals, including one from Alexander Barkov. Marchand's overtime score capped a remarkable comeback that steered the team away from facing a daunting 3-0 series deficit. As the Panthers prepare for Game 4, they will aim to even the series at home, providing a pivotal moment in their playoff journey.

The fantasy hockey season is entering its final stretch with just 11 days remaining in head-to-head matchups. For those engaged in rotisserie-style leagues, it's crunch time as teams scramble for valuable points. Each matchup this week is crucial, with many teams playing multiple games over the course of four nights. Keep an eye on key players like John Gibson and Mason McTavish from Anaheim, as well as Boston's Morgan Geekie, who has been on fire recently.

In the coming week, teams like the Ducks, Flames, and Rangers have four games which could provide ample opportunities for fantasy points. The Penguins are hoping for a strong finish led by Sidney Crosby, who has been instrumental with 11 goals in his last 12 games. Meanwhile, injuries are starting to pile up for contenders like the Oilers, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl both nursing ailments as they approach the playoffs.

Sidney Crosby continues to etch his name into the annals of NHL history, setting a new record for the most points-per-game seasons at 20. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain secured this milestone by scoring against the Buffalo Sabres, assisted by Rickard Rakell, marking his 20th consecutive season with at least a point per game. This achievement surpasses the legendary Wayne Gretzky's previous record of 19 such seasons.

As he leads all active players with 1,676 career points, Crosby's consistency and excellence are on full display. His remarkable ability to remain a top performer over two decades sets a high mark for future generations. Fantasy managers should view Crosby as an invaluable asset, especially as he continues to find ways to impact games at an elite level.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed NCAA defenseman John Prokop as they aim to strengthen their thinning prospect pool after trading away two first-round picks. They are also expressing interest in centerman Karsen Dorwart, who had previously considered joining them last offseason but opted to return to college instead. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks are actively exploring trade negotiations for goalie John Gibson, with frustrations from both sides about missed opportunities before the trade deadline.

In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes are aggressively pursuing a contract extension for Mikko Rantanen, having offered him an eight-year deal worth $12.5 million per season but lacking meaningful progress. The Hurricanes are also keeping their options open for other potential trades while maintaining a focus on immediate contributors rather than future assets.