Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars relies on a strict routine before games, including a two-hour nap and a specific meal of pasta and salmon. Routines are common among NHL players to help them mentally prepare for games. These can include pre-game meals like Pavel Dorofeyev's pasta with Alfredo or Tomas Hertl's scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Other players have unique rituals, like Scott Wedgewood's tapping of the goalposts or Alex Pietrangelo’s adjusted schedule due to family life. Coaches also engage in routines, with Pete DeBoer's walk through Denver becoming a tradition. Game day preparations can change, but many players maintain a consistent dressing order. Enjoying a nap is key, as is maintaining a relaxed mindset to avoid overthinking, as expressed by goaltender Logan Thompson.

The NHL playoffs are heating up, especially with a four-game slate on April 26, 2025, featuring critical matchups and key fantasy hockey picks for daily fantasy players. The Tampa Bay Lightning trail the Florida Panthers 0-2, while the Toronto Maple Leafs lead the Ottawa Senators 3-0. In goal, Anthony Stolarz of the Toronto Maple Leafs has shown remarkable consistency with a 3-0 record and solid stats, making him a top pick against the Senators. For centers, Jack Eichel is expected to finally find the scoresheet after a slow start against the Minnesota Wild. Winger William Nylander’s point streak of four points in three games makes him a valuable asset, especially against the Senators.

Defensively, Alex Pietrangelo’s drop in salary on DraftKings makes him an attractive value pick as he looks to contribute offensively. The article also highlights stacks to consider, like Florida’s Verhaeghe, Barkov, and Reinhart, as well as Toronto’s Knies, Matthews, and Marner, which could yield high returns in the playoffs. Staying updated with injury news, such as Aleksander Barkov's status, is essential for crafting optimal lineups and maximizing points.

Tomas Hertl is set to return to the Vegas Golden Knights lineup after a two-week recovery from an upper-body injury sustained against the Tampa Bay Lightning. At the time of his injury, Hertl led the team with 31 goals, but Pavel Dorofeyev has since taken the lead with 33. Hertl's absence was notably felt on the power play, where he established a franchise record with 14 goals. The Knights have struggled in recent games, going scoreless on their last 10 power plays. Coach Bruce Cassidy emphasized the importance of Hertl's presence, hoping to reestablish the chemistry between him, Dorofeyev, and Brandon Saad. Meanwhile, Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo remain sidelined, with Nicolas Hague returning from an illness.

Canada's hopes for Cale Makar's participation in the upcoming game against Finland remain uncertain following his absence due to illness. Coach Jon Cooper indicated Makar was close to playing against the United States, but the decision was made to protect the player's well-being. Makar, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, missed practice leading up to the game and was a game-time decision. His absence leaves Canada without three of its top defensemen, including Alex Pietrangelo, who withdrew prior to the tournament.

In Makar's absence, Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars stepped in, logging just over 18 minutes on ice. The Canadian defense has faced significant challenges, having to adjust their lineup without key players. The team will be hoping for Makar's return against Finland in Boston, but as Cooper stated, his status will depend on further assessments.

Cale Makar, a key defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, will miss the highly anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off game between Canada and the United States due to illness. This marks a significant absence for the Canadian team, which is already without Alex Pietrangelo due to injury and Shea Theodore, who was hurt during a previous match. In Makar's place, Thomas Harley of the Dallas Stars will step into the lineup. The Canadians face a challenge as they navigate through these defensive setbacks in a critical match.