The Los Angeles Kings have appointed Hall of Fame executive Ken Holland as their new general manager, succeeding Rob Blake, who stepped down from the position earlier this month. Holland, known for his successful tenure with the Detroit Red Wings and more recently the Edmonton Oilers, faces the challenge of unlocking the potential of a talented Kings roster that has struggled in the playoffs despite consistent regular season performance.

Holland’s track record includes leading the Red Wings to four Stanley Cup championships and guiding the Oilers to multiple playoff appearances with star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He will now work on improving the Kings’ playoff success, as they have not advanced past the first round since their last Cup win in 2014. Key decisions await him regarding free agents like Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrei Kuzmenko, as well as the future of veteran defenseman Drew Doughty.

The Los Angeles Kings faced the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling playoff game, ultimately leading to a 6-5 victory for the Kings. The match wasn't just a showcase of on-ice talent; it also highlighted the vibrant atmosphere created by passionate fans at the arena. A standout moment came from NHL reporter Alex Curry, who shared her experience during the game. Curry's post-game Instagram highlight showcased her chic all-black outfit, which garnered admiration from her followers. Many praised both her outfit and her presence, echoing a sentiment that she brings good luck to the Kings.

Moreover, in personal news, Curry announced she is expecting a baby girl with her husband, musician Jeff Nisen, which has been warmly received by her peers in the sports community. This blend of professional and personal highlights encapsulates the excitement surrounding the Kings' playoff run and the impact of Curry's presence both on and off the ice.

Philipp Kurashev of the Chicago Blackhawks suffered an injury in the closing moments of a game, leaving after a puck struck his face. Meanwhile, Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche is training but is not expected to return this week. Coach Jared Bednar indicated that Landeskog is improving and might play in conditioning games soon. The Edmonton Oilers are set to utilize 18 skaters for their next match, following Noah Philp's recall.

Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings has been sidelined, needing additional recovery time. The Minnesota Wild welcomed Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek back to practice after injuries, though their game status remains uncertain. Jonathan Marchessault has made a return for the Nashville Predators, while Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights missed a game due to an upper-body injury, adding to the team's illness concerns.

Injury updates are crucial as the NHL season progresses, and several teams are monitoring their players closely. The Colorado Avalanche have a handful of injured players, including Sam Girard, who left practice early. Coach Jared Bednar hinted that all injured players, including Martin Necas and Jonathan Drouin, could return soon, although it remains uncertain who will suit up for the next game.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are keenly observing Stuart Skinner's recovery. He practiced fully and is nearing a return, potentially later this week. However, Trent Frederic faced a setback after reinjuring his ankle. The Los Angeles Kings are also dealing with injury concerns as Drew Doughty did not practice after missing a game, although coach Jim Hiller assures that precautions are being taken and maintains confidence in Doughty’s ongoing recovery management.

Other teams like the San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken are seeing some players returning to practice, although there are notable absences too. Tyler Toffoli did not practice for the Sharks, and the Kraken are managing illness-related absences, including Ryker Evans. As for the Winnipeg Jets, they are hopeful about Gabriel Vilardi’s return and the status of Neal Pionk, who has been sidelined for several games.

This Saturday's NHL slate features exciting matchups and formidable players to consider for your fantasy lineups. The Colorado Avalanche's first line shines with Nathan MacKinnon, who has been hot, scoring four goals and assisting on seven in the last four games. Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas complement him well, demonstrating strong xGoals metrics despite facing a tough Toronto Maple Leafs defense.

Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames provide a great matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, where Nazem Kadri leads a productive line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Matthew Coronato. This trio has generated a solid xGoals rate and should capitalize on Montreal's defensive vulnerabilities.

Additionally, the Nashville Predators face the struggling Chicago Blackhawks, making Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly enticing options. Both players have shown offensive prowess recently, indicating they could exploit the Blackhawks' defensive weaknesses.

Make sure to also keep an eye on key defensemen like Drew Doughty, whose role on the power play increases his appeal against the St. Louis Blues. Goalies such as Juuse Saros are positioned favorably against the Blackhawks, making them viable picks for your DFS lineups. Remember to stay updated on injury news to maximize your lineup effectiveness!