Injury updates are crucial as the NHL season progresses. New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic is set for a significant recovery following knee surgery, sidelining him for the start of training camp. Meanwhile, Jesper Bratt has chosen to address a long-standing shoulder issue by opting for surgery this offseason, which could impact his performance early in the season.

On the ice, Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights left a recent game after a hit from Edmonton Oilers' Viktor Arvidsson, raising concerns over his condition as the Golden Knights seek to solidify their roster for the upcoming season. Coaches are also making headlines, with the Anaheim Ducks announcing Joel Quenneville’s return as head coach. This decision comes after a thorough review of his past, reflecting a commitment to both performance and accountability.

The final week of the NHL regular season is upon us, and with only five games slated for lighter days, fantasy managers must be strategic with their lineups. Key teams to monitor include the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and Tampa Bay Lightning, which could yield valuable players still available on the waiver wire.

Several lesser-rostered skaters have begun to shine recently. Andrei Kuzmenko of the Los Angeles Kings has found a rhythm alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, generating five goals and six assists in his last ten games. Viktor Arvidsson of the Edmonton Oilers is ramping up production, contributing to the team amid injuries to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Ryan McLeod from Buffalo is also on fire, averaging better than a point per game. Meanwhile, young talents like Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks and Rutger McGroarty of the Pittsburgh Penguins are stepping up as possible streamers for fantasy teams.

As playoffs approach, expect veteran players on contending teams to rest, while younger players get more ice time. This dynamic is crucial for fantasy managers who need to balance star power with active performers. Keeping an eye on these shifts will be key in maximizing your fantasy roster as the season winds down.

Jeff Skinner's late second-period goal propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, marking the Oilers' third consecutive win. The game saw Leon Draisaitl exit early due to an undisclosed injury, casting a shadow over the Oilers' playoff aspirations. Connor Brown and Viktor Arvidsson also scored for Edmonton, while Calvin Pickard made 27 saves to secure the win. The Oilers remain in contention for home-ice advantage in the playoffs, trailing the Los Angeles Kings by just two points.

In contrast, the Sharks continue to struggle, now winless in their last four games and languishing at the bottom of the NHL standings. Jack Thompson and Tyler Toffoli managed to score for San Jose, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Oilers' offensive output. The Oilers will look to maintain their momentum in an upcoming clash against the Kings, while the Sharks aim to regroup against Seattle.

Daily Fantasy Hockey is back, and with a nine-game slate on April 3, 2025, fantasy hockey enthusiasts have a plethora of options to consider. Top implied team totals are led by the Edmonton Oilers at 4.2, followed closely by the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars. In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy emerges as a solid pick against the Ottawa Senators, boasting strong recent performance despite some underlying concerns. For offensive picks, Leon Draisaitl and Nazem Kadri are expected to shine, with favorable matchups against struggling defenses.

Value plays and stack options abound, with players like Viktor Arvidsson and Joel Farabee also anticipated to make a significant impact. The importance of monitoring player statuses and injury updates cannot be overstated, as they can heavily influence lineup decisions. Utilize RotoBaller's DFS tools to optimize your strategy and stay ahead in your contests.

In a hard-fought battle, the Edmonton Oilers triumphed over the New York Rangers with a score of 3-1, concluding their four-game road trip on a high note. Viktor Arvidsson netted the pivotal goal early in the third period, followed by contributions from Connor McDavid and Corey Perry, both of whom have been instrumental in the Oilers' recent success. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a standout performance with three assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.

The Rangers struggled defensively, allowing the Oilers to capitalize on critical moments, including a power-play goal from Perry. Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves but couldn't contain Edmonton's offensive onslaught. Will Cuylle's goal briefly tied the game, yet it wasn't enough to secure a victory at home, marking New York's third consecutive loss at Madison Square Garden.