Rangers’ scoring drought remains the story as three straight home shutouts keep bettors and fantasy managers anxious. They generate chances but finish isn’t there. Panarin repeatedly passes instead of shooting; Mika Zibanejad leads the team in shots with just one goal so far, and top forwards have only two goals in five games.

Vaakanainen’s benching and a reshuffled fourth line sparked more zone time, and Matthew Robertson’s steady play argues for a longer stay when Susie returns. A Hartford Wolf Pack call-up could be the spark, while the club drills on puck luck and net-front presence ahead of a key Leafs test.

Leafs explode to a convincing win over Nashville as Auston Matthews reclaims his stride, Finishing with decisive strides, strong board work, and two empty-netters that underscore his 200-foot impact. Nylander re-emerges with chemistry on Matthews’ wing, while Max Domi adds veteran pace and a crisp setup. Rookie Easton Cowan absorbs punishment but shows a high motor that could sharpen Toronto’s balance as Primo steadies the crease.

Toronto’s pace dominates from the drop, aided by a coach’s timely timeout that refocused the group and forced the Predators into mistakes. The Leafs’ schedule-soft start is paying dividends, giving Matthews and Co. a chance to stack wins and confidence. On Thursday, a Ranger test looms, demanding continued physicality from Cowan and tighter defense from the backend.

Fantasy managers should note Matthews’ resurgence, Domi’s playmaking touch, and Primo’s growing comfort as Toronto seeks consistency in a month featuring several winnable tilts. With Canucks on the radar and Rangers next, rostering Leafs assets remains appealing but requires monitoring Nylander’s integration and Cowan’s bite at 4th line minutes.

Holiday hangovers aside, the Sportset crew distills a wild start to the NHL season with a focus on fantasy implications. Lane Hudson’s eight-year, roughly $70M deal in Montreal signals a long runway for a rising defenseman, while Calgary’s goalie shuffle—Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar—keeps rostering honest bets. Florida’s depth and Bobrovsky’s form anchor a study in goaltending leverage, and Buffalo’s blunt front-office philosophy colors how to value Dylan Cousins and Josh Norris. Leafs chatter centers Matthews, Marner and Nylander as they chase cohesion and consistent production.

Across the pond, the Rangers’ sturdy defense and tight crease structure contrast with Toronto’s unsettled top six, creating a mix of sell-high and hold targets for fantasy managers. The show roars through players, teams, and contracts that will shape shots on goal, quality looks, and the risk-reward calculus for weekly lineups.