Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, along with teammate Sam Reinhart and Tampa Bay Lightning's Anthony Cirelli, have been named finalists for the prestigious Frank J. Selke Trophy. This award recognizes the NHL's top defensive forward, with Barkov seeking to capture it for a second consecutive year, which would place him alongside legends like Patrice Bergeron. Reinhart has had an impressive season, leading the Panthers in total points and making significant contributions on the penalty kill.

Reinhart's five short-handed goals make him the first player to achieve this feat in back-to-back seasons since Mike Richards. Both Barkov and Reinhart represent a strong duo, marking the first time teammates have been Selke finalists since the famous pairing of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Meanwhile, Cirelli's outstanding plus-30 rating and ability to contribute on both ends of the ice have earned him a spot among the league's best defensive forwards.

Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney confirmed that forward Pavel Zacha underwent a minor procedure, while teammate Johnny Beecher is also facing potential surgery. On a positive note, Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog made a triumphant return to the lineup after nearly three years, logging 13:16 minutes with six hits, expressing satisfaction with his performance despite room for improvement.

Meanwhile, Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers has returned to the ice after a lengthy absence due to injury, expressing eagerness to contribute. On the injury front, St. Louis Blues’ Robert Thomas had a maintenance day but is expected to suit up. The status of Tampa Bay Lightning's Anthony Cirelli remains uncertain following an undisclosed injury, while the Winnipeg Jets are managing several player injuries, including Gabriel Vilardi and Nikolaj Ehlers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning faced a harsh 6-2 defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their playoff series, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy's struggles. Ryan McDonagh expressed disappointment with the team's start, while Victor Hedman emphasized the need to stop the bleeding after the Panthers scored four consecutive goals. Notably, Matthew Tkachuk made a strong return post-injury, scoring two goals, including one on a power play following a failed challenge. Despite the loss, coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the learning experience for many players during their first playoff game, underscoring the importance of moving on quickly to Game 2.

April 11, 2025, presents an exciting slate for NHL DFS players, with key matchups that could shape optimal lineups. The Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Detroit Red Wings, with Andre Vasilevskiy expected to be a pivotal choice in goal. Anthony Cirelli stands out as a center option, especially given his recent form against the Red Wings. Brendan Gallagher is highlighted as a must-play winger due to his current hot streak, making him a strong candidate for a goal.

On defense, Luke Hughes is rapidly gaining attention for his impressive performance, making him a valuable addition at a reasonable salary. The article also emphasizes top power plays and lineup stacks to capitalize on, providing essential insights for maximizing fantasy points. Players and teams should be monitored closely for last-minute news, particularly injury updates, which can dramatically affect DFS strategies.

Nikita Kucherov led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, showcasing his offensive prowess with a goal and two assists. The Lightning struck early, scoring four times in the first period, with Anthony Cirelli contributing two goals. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 14 saves, while Tristan Jarry of the Penguins was pulled after allowing four goals on just seven shots. The Penguins' troubles were compounded by the absence of Evgeni Malkin due to injury, although Sidney Crosby extended his point streak to eight games.

Kucherov's performance marked his fifth career season surpassing 100 points, further solidifying his status as one of the league's elite playmakers. His contributions were vital, especially after briefly leaving the ice due to an apparent injury, only to return and score the Lightning's fifth goal. This game highlighted Tampa Bay's offensive depth and Pittsburgh's struggles, particularly in net with Jarry's early exit.