The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to capitalize on a recent five-win streak as they embark on a crucial three-game road trip, starting with a clash against the heavily favored Florida Panthers. Currently sitting at 29-32-10, the Penguins find themselves six points behind the playoff-contending Montreal Canadiens, who have three games in hand. This situation has heightened the urgency for the Penguins, who are striving to elevate their playoff chances with only 11 games remaining this season. The Penguins, while having moved past the Philadelphia Flyers in the standings, are still closer to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Tonight's matchup against the Panthers not only tests their momentum but could also define their fighting spirit in the final stretch of the season.

The Washington Capitals triumphed over the Florida Panthers with a 6-3 victory, boosting their record to 47-15-8. Alex Ovechkin contributed with two assists, while Dylan Strome set a new career-high with 68 points this season. The Capitals showcased a dynamic offense, scoring early and often, with notable performances from Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson each finding the net.

Despite a flurry of goals in the first period, which ended tied at 3-3, the Capitals pulled ahead in the second with quick strikes from Wilson, Strome, and Andrew Mangiapane. Logan Thompson's 33 saves helped secure the win, despite Vitek Vanecek's struggles in goal for Florida. Both teams failed to convert on their power plays, leaving the game at the mercy of even-strength play.

This Saturday in the NHL, 14 thrilling matchups await, with playoff positions and draft lottery implications at stake across the league. The Canucks look to reclaim their wild card position against the Rangers, while the Flyers are focused on strengthening their draft lottery standing against the Stars, who are eyeing the Central Division title. The Sabres face the Wild in a potential playoff seeding battle as the season winds down.

The Blackhawks, eliminated from contention, will clash with the Blues, who are hopeful for a favorable playoff run. The Flames and Islanders vie for wild card spots, while Carolina and Los Angeles look to solidify their playoff positions. Highlighting the day, the Panthers and Capitals face off in a likely preview of a playoff matchup, with Ovechkin chasing history. Later, the Oilers host the Kraken, and the Bruins battle the Sharks, with both teams in precarious playoff positions. A full day of action promises to be pivotal as teams jockey for postseason positioning.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Columbus Blue Jackets fell to the Florida Panthers 1-0 in overtime, continuing a challenging stretch for the Jackets. Despite generating offensive chances, they struggled to convert, resulting in their fifth consecutive game without a win.

The Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov secured the victory with a power play goal just 29 seconds into overtime, following a delay-of-game penalty by Kirill Marchenko. Columbus captain Boone Jenner expressed frustration over their inability to score, noting the stellar performance of goalie Elvis Merzlikins who made 27 saves. The Jackets had a potential goal by Jenner overturned for a kicking motion, illustrating their tough luck.

With playoff hopes dwindling, every point is crucial. The Jackets will look to rebound against the Pittsburgh Penguins in their next game, a team they recently edged in a shootout earlier this year.

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.