NHL fantasy flag-planting for 2025-26 centers on proven stars and high-upside youngsters, led by Kucherov’s consistent scoring and premier power play production. A mix of veteran accuracy, breakout potential with new line dynamics, and goaltending depth across Utah and Colorado shapes a balanced ESPN standard lineup. The format favors multi-category contributors and reliable workloads, with opportunities for rookies like Rinzel to surprise and veterans like Bouchard to anchor blue-line production.

Key stories include Dorofeyev benefiting from Marner’s Vegas arrival, Suzuki’s top-line chemistry with Caufield, Tuch’s goals plus blocks, Cuylle’s Rangers breakout path, and steady goaltending upside from Vejmelka and Blackwood. It’s a bold blend of floors and ceilings designed for 2025-26 fantasy success.

Stuart Skinner will start for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 against the Vegas Golden Knights due to Calvin Pickard's day-to-day injury status. Skinner has struggled recently, notably with a 6.11 goals-against average in prior outings, but he demonstrated resilience in last season's playoffs. Coach Kris Knoblauch expressed confidence in Skinner's ability to rise to the occasion, recalling how Skinner previously helped propel the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights face injuries to key players like Brayden McNabb and Brandon Saad, but they will welcome back leading goal scorer Pavel Dorofeyev for this crucial matchup. The Oilers lead the series 2-0, and Game 3 is pivotal for both teams as they vie for a spot in the next round.

Pavel Dorofeyev, a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights with 35 goals this season, will miss Game 6 against the Minnesota Wild due to an undisclosed injury. Coach Bruce Cassidy announced that Dorofeyev is day-to-day and will be replaced by Victor Olofsson, who has contributed 15 goals this season. Olofsson is expected to step in on the power play, showcasing Vegas' depth as they aim to close out the first round of the Western Conference series. Despite the absence of Dorofeyev, the team remains confident, emphasizing that they are not overly dependent on any single player.

In his last game, Dorofeyev's injury occurred late in a tight 3-2 overtime victory over the Wild, where he started on the top line alongside Jack Eichel and William Karlsson. Mark Stone has taken over his spot, and the reshuffled lines have shown promise, outshooting Minnesota significantly in their previous matchup. The Golden Knights currently lead the series 3-2, with a potential Game 7 looming if the Wild even the odds.

Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars exemplifies the structured habits many NHL players adopt to prepare for games. His routine includes a two-hour nap, a specific meal of pasta and salmon, and reviewing pregame notes. This habitual framework helps players enter the right mindset, whether it involves their dressing order or warm-up methods. Other players like Pavel Dorofeyev and Mikko Rantanen also share culinary preferences that reflect their game-day rituals, emphasizing the importance of comfort food.

Furthermore, the psychological aspects of these routines are notable. Players like Scott Wedgewood engage in specific on-ice actions before each period, while coaches such as Pete DeBoer have their own pregame traditions. Such rituals, while sometimes seen as superstitions, are core to their game-day preparations, ensuring they maintain focus and readiness for performance.