Eetu Luostarinen's ejection from Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals significantly impacted the Florida Panthers as they battled the Carolina Hurricanes. The incident occurred with 3:01 left in the first period when Luostarinen delivered a boarding hit on Jackson Blake, leading to a five-minute major penalty and subsequent game misconduct. Despite this, the Panthers held a narrow 1-0 lead at the time and managed to maintain their series advantage, leading 2-0 overall.

Luostarinen, who was tied for the team lead with 13 points, including 4 goals and 9 assists prior to the game, had been a crucial player for Florida, particularly on the road where he accumulated a majority of his points. The Panthers will need to adapt without him as they aim to advance further in the playoffs.

Andrei Svechnikov netted his sixth postseason goal to lead the Carolina Hurricanes to a dominant 4-0 victory over the Washington Capitals, taking a 2-1 series lead. Frederik Andersen recorded 21 saves, showcasing solid goaltending while the Hurricanes' offense surged, highlighted by a power-play goal from Jack Roslovic. Carolina's control was evident as they managed to restrict Washington to just 10 shots in the final 39 minutes of the game, asserting their dominance in the postseason.

The game began with both teams struggling to establish their rhythm, but once Svechnikov broke the scoreless tie, Carolina seized the momentum. Subsequent goals from Eric Robinson and Jackson Blake solidified their lead. Despite Washington's initial strong start, including a few chances from Tom Wilson and Taylor Raddysh, they failed to capitalize, and Andersen's performance kept the Capitals off the board.

Troy Stecher, a seasoned defenseman, embarks on another journey to capture the elusive Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. After narrowly missing out last season, the Oilers are poised to face the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs. Stecher is among several former University of North Dakota players aiming for playoff glory, including a trio with the Ottawa Senators: Shane Pinto, Jake Sanderson, and Tyler Kleven. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes, featuring Tyson Jost and Jackson Blake, also enter the fray against New Jersey. Brock Nelson, freshly traded to the Colorado Avalanche, will battle the Dallas Stars, adding to the competitive landscape of the playoffs.

In a high-stakes clash, the Carolina Hurricanes triumphed over the Washington Capitals, clinching a playoff spot with a decisive 5-1 victory. Alex Ovechkin netted his 892nd career goal, closing in on Wayne Gretzky's legendary record. However, the standout was rookie Jackson Blake, who scored twice, supporting a potent offensive display from the Hurricanes. Alongside goals from Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, and Sean Walker, Carolina showcased their depth. In net, Frederik Andersen continued his strong form, stopping 20 shots to secure his seventh consecutive win.

The Capitals, already playoff-bound, appeared sluggish after a recent back-to-back, with goalie Logan Thompson's upper-body injury raising concerns. Meanwhile, Jarvis reached a personal milestone with his 30th goal of the season, and Blake's resurgence after a 25-game drought highlights the Hurricanes’ exciting young talent.

On March 20, 2025, NHL DFS enthusiasts have a rich slate to explore with 14 games scheduled, bringing various strategies for lineup construction. The top three teams boasting high implied totals are the Carolina Hurricanes (4), Las Vegas Golden Knights (3.5), and Los Angeles Kings (3.5). The anticipated matchups include key players like Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils, who has struggled recently. His performance against the Calgary Flames will be crucial for DFS players looking for goaltending options.

Also under scrutiny is Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders, who has shown consistent output with a solid scoring chance against the Montreal Canadiens. The center's shot volume and recent form suggest he is bound to produce. In addition, Sam Bennett from the Florida Panthers is highlighted as a value pick against the Columbus Blue Jackets, thanks to his second line pairing with Carter Verhaeghe, which should amplify scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Jackson Blake of the Carolina Hurricanes is a sleeper pick, seeing ample ice time against the Sharks, where the opportunity for offensive output is ripe.