Brett Howden delivered a thrilling overtime goal for the Golden Knights, securing a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, edging Vegas closer to the second round of the playoffs with a 3-2 series lead. The Golden Knights look to advance in Game 6 in St. Paul. William Karlsson and Mark Stone contributed with crucial goals, while Jack Eichel's two assists marked a resurgence after a quiet series.

For the Wild, Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy showcased their offensive prowess, with Kaprizov extending his point streak to five games and Boldy leading the postseason scoring charts. The game was punctuated by key moments, including a disallowed goal by Ryan Hartman following a successful offside challenge by Vegas. With this victory, the Golden Knights further established their playoff dominance, having won 41 consecutive games when scoring three or more goals.

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.

Kirill Kaprizov powered the Minnesota Wild to a commanding 5-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoffs series, scoring twice on power plays. This win puts the Wild ahead 2-1 in the series, with Kaprizov and Matt Boldy leading the charge. Boldy also scored, marking his fourth consecutive game with a goal. The duo has been instrumental, tied for the Stanley Cup lead in goals with four. Joel Eriksson Ek’s strong performance complemented their efforts, as he dominated faceoffs and helped the team excel on the penalty kill.

Despite the Golden Knights' attempts to pressure, the Wild's strategic play denied top players like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone any points. Minnesota's players managed to outshoot and outchance their opponents significantly. Kaprizov's prowess is evident as he becomes only the second player to achieve multiple points in three straight playoff games since 2000, showcasing the Wild's formidable first line as they aim to extend their playoff success.

Joel Eriksson Ek's return from injury has come at a pivotal moment for the Minnesota Wild as they prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the playoffs. Eriksson Ek, who has been a critical two-way force for the Wild, has demonstrated that he thrives under pressure, evidenced by his performance since returning. The 28-year-old center, who has a history of impactful playoff appearances, will be expected to lead the Wild's top line against Vegas star Jack Eichel.

During the regular season, Eriksson Ek showcased significant offensive growth, scoring 14 goals and 15 assists in just 46 games, which would have translated to a potential 20-goal season had he remained healthy. His return to the lineup strengthens the Wild's chances as they look to avenge their previous playoff loss to the Golden Knights in 2021.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off with 16 teams vying for the most coveted trophy in sports, featuring a blend of elite talent and exciting matchups. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a key player, having led the league in points this season. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the team aiming to overcome a historical playoff drought. The Florida Panthers, facing depth issues, acquired Brad Marchand to bolster their lineup. Iconic scorer Alex Ovechkin, even at 39, remains a formidable presence for the Washington Capitals. The Carolina Hurricanes will rely on Sebastian Aho, while the New Jersey Devils' hopes hinge on goalie Jacob Markstrom following Jack Hughes' injury. Players like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators and Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens could also play vital roles as the tournament unfolds.