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 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.

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.