The NHL landscape is heating up as the fantasy hockey season nears its end. The Montreal Canadiens are making headlines with a six-game win streak, largely bolstered by the promising rookie Ivan Demidov, the fifth overall draft pick, who is set to debut against the Chicago Blackhawks. His offensive upside could make him a key player for fantasy teams next season.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings continue their struggle to break a nine-year playoff drought, with criticism directed towards general manager Steve Yzerman for poor moves that have hindered the team's success. With a fourth-best power play but the worst penalty kill, the Red Wings face uphill battles as the offseason approaches.

In Colorado, Gabriel Landeskog's potential return to the Avalanche after lengthy injury struggles adds intrigue to their playoff prospects. His postseason performance could dramatically affect his value next season. The Edmonton Oilers, on the other hand, are feeling the heat with stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl returning from injury just as the playoffs loom, although concerns linger about their defensive issues and goaltending depth.

The latest NHL matchup showcased the Detroit Red Wings against the Washington Capitals, with the Red Wings striving to break their four-game losing streak. Early in the game, Lucas Raymond scored, supported by Dylan Larkin's impressive playmaking, giving the Wings an initial lead. However, the Capitals rallied, with Aliaksei Protas netting a beautiful short-handed goal to level the score.

As the game progressed, the Capitals showcased resilience, leveraging their offensive structure to overcome a deficit. Key performances from Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson were pivotal, with Wilson contributing both defensively and offensively. Ultimately, the Capitals triumphed with a final score of 5-2, highlighting their offensive depth and strategic execution against a struggling Red Wings team.

The NHL trade deadline produced significant activity, notably for the Chicago Blackhawks, who retained key players while also trading away some contracts. Ryan Donato, a player of interest for many teams, remains with the Blackhawks as they look to build for the future. The team's management has emphasized the importance of Donato's leadership and performance this season, setting a high price that ultimately led to his retention. Meanwhile, Chicago parted ways with Peter Mrazek and Craig Smith, acquiring promising young center Joe Veleno from Detroit. In a surprising move, the Hawks also took on Shea Weber's contract, acquiring him alongside other depth pieces to manage their salary cap effectively. Overall, the deadline was seen as a step forward for the team's rebuilding efforts, with a focus on developing young talent while maintaining a competitive atmosphere.