Viktor Arvidsson out sick for Boston opens a door for depth scoring in the Bruins’ attack while Buffalo’s forward corps is rattled by multiple injuries—Mittelstadt, Benson, Power, Samuelsson, Greenway, and Ostlund—testing line combinations early. Bowen Byram skated for Colorado and could be ready Friday, with Luke Hughes signing in New Jersey adding a new back-end dynamic. Benn’s post-surgery status and Demidov’s slash are minor bumps in a crowded season-start landscape. Rumors around the Kings, Penguins, and Maple Leafs hint at early-season wheeling and dealing as young players like Wood, Celebrini, and Evans push for NHL time, and McBain nears a return.

Six NHL breakout candidates for 2025-26 could reshape fantasy rosters: Connor Bedard should push toward an 85–90 point pace with expanded minutes and rising shooting efficiency in Chicago. Quinton Byfield is poised to anchor the Kings’ top six, taking on tougher minutes and PP time en route to a 30-goal, 45-assist season. Matty Beniers enters classic two-way breakout territory, while Zach Benson could double his production with better linemates in Buffalo. Cole Perfetti and Logan Stankoven also carry clear routes to 70-plus point seasons with more ice time and power-play exposure. Dylan Guenther and Matthew Knies serve as reminders that big roles are often the gateway to fantasy relevance, even if their teams are rebuilding.

Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson is dealing with an illness, while JJ Peterka has returned to the lineup. Meanwhile, Carolina's Dmitry Orlov is back after a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury, but Andrei Svechnikov remains sidelined for the fourth straight game. Columbus has seen forwards Cole Sillinger and Sean Monahan back on the ice, indicating potential returns as day-to-day updates come from Coach Dean Evason. In Detroit, Elmer Soderblom and Erik Gustafsson are both day-to-day with undisclosed injuries, and Jeff Petry is traveling but not ready for the weekend.

In Philadelphia, Rasmus Ristolainen is not expected back soon, while the Panthers' Dmitry Kulikov is week-to-week, but could return before the season wraps. Ottawa's Nick Jensen is still out, and Pittsburgh's Tommy Novak is day-to-day after missing time since March 9. Coaches are keeping fans updated on players' statuses as teams prepare for upcoming matchups.

DFS enthusiasts, let’s dive into today’s NHL slate! With only five games on the docket, identifying undervalued players is essential. Starting in goal, Darcy Kuemper is a solid option despite mixed road performance; he may fly under the radar compared to other top goalies. For centers, Cody Glass is catching fire with increased playing time, making him an appealing choice against the Columbus Blue Jackets. On the wings, Zach Benson’s stats are rising, making his matchup against the Boston Bruins intriguing even without power play support. Defensively, look to Nick Seeler for a potential block bonus against a high-volume Tampa Bay Lightning team. Don’t forget to mix in some unique stacks to differentiate your lineup!

The Buffalo Sabres dominated the Boston Bruins with a 7-2 victory, highlighted by hat tricks from both Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka, marking a notable achievement for the team. This victory also saw Mason Lohrei and Brad Marchand score for the Bruins, with Jeremy Swayman saving 26 shots. Despite the loss, the Bruins have recently found some form after a rough patch, winning five of their last eight matches.

Thompson's hat trick was his seventh career hat trick, while it was a first for Peterka. The Sabres also had contributions from Zach Benson and solid goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who also made 26 saves.