NHL News
Karel Vejmelka Earns Victory On Sunday
Utah Hockey Club goaltender Karel Vejmelka stopped 18 of the 19 shots he faced en route to defeating the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday evening. The shot remained quite even through most of the contest, but Vejmelka was able to step up when called on. His lone mistake came in the second frame when Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes scored on the power play. This was a nice bounce-back showing for Vejmelka, as he allowed three goals on just 21 shots during his previous game. Over his previous six contests, the 28-year-old has struggled to find consistency as he has held a 3-1-2 record with a 2.45 GAA and a .901 save percentage. Fantasy managers should expect Vejmelka to remain in the starting crease in their next contest on Tuesday evening against a potent Edmonton offense.
1 hour ago
Jordan Kyrou Tallies Three Points On Sunday
St. Louis Blues right wing Jordan Kyrou tallies three points during their victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday evening. In the opening frame, Kyrou would add the secondary assist on Brayden Schenn's opening goal. In the second period, Kyrou would tally another secondary assist, this time on Dylan Holloway's power-play goal. In the third period, Kyrou would tally his second power-play point with the primary assist on Jake Neighbours' 18th goal of the season. This was Kyrou's second-straight three-point outing. Over his last 11 contests, the 26-year-old has found the back of the net four times and added eight helpers. Through 68 games this season, Kyrou has tallied 56 points (27 goals) with 15 of his points coming on the power play. He remains a solid play in all standard leagues playing in the top-six of the St. Louis offense.
1 hour ago
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Dishes Out Three Helpers
Edmonton Oilers left wing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tallied three helpers during their 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Sunday evening. In the first period, Nugent-Hopkins tallied the primary assist on Corey Perry's power-play goal. In the second, Nugent-Hopkins would set up Viktor Arvidsson to score his ninth goal of the season. Then, in the final frame, Nugent-Hopkins would tally his third primary helper of the evening, this time on Connor McDavid's 25th goal of the season. This outing snapped a three-game scoreless streak for Nugent-Hopkins. Before this skid, the 31-year-old tallied six points (five helpers) over his last nine contests. In 66 games, the former first-overall selection has found the back of the net 16 times and added 26 assists. He should continue to be viewed as a solid DFS play in favorable matchups.
1 hour ago
Cale Makar Tallies Three Points On Sunday
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar tallied three points during their overtime victory over the Dallas Stars on Sunday evening. Makar would tally his first point with a primary assist on Martin Necas' power-play goal in the opening frame. In the second, Makar would dish out his second helper, this time the secondary assist on Valeri Nichushkin's strike. In overtime, Makar would power Colorado to the victory as he found the back of the net on a wrist shot. This outing snapped his brief three-game skid. Before this skid, Makar tallied 17 points (nine goals) over his last nine games. Through 68 total games this season, the 26-year-old has found the back of the net 25 times and added 53 helpers. Makar has tallied 31 of his points on the power play. He remains a must-start player in all leagues and a strong lineup anchor in DFS.
1 hour ago
Dmitry Kulikov Injured On Sunday
Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (upper body) sustained an injury during their loss to the New York Islanders on Sunday. Kulikov logged six minutes of ice time before exiting the contest. He did not get on the scoresheet before exiting and tallied two penalty minutes. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their next contest on Thursday evening against the Columbus Blue Jackets. If Kulikov were to sit out, the Panthers would need to promote a defenseman from their AHL affiliate. Leading up to Sunday, Kulikov tallied two points (one goal) over his past six games with 11 hits and seven blocked shots. Through 68 total contests this season, the 34-year-old has tallied 13 points (four goals) with 110 hits and 70 blocked shots.
1 hour ago
Igor Shesterkin Remains In Rangers Crease Sunday
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is set to play for the second consecutive day on Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers. He produced his fifth shutout of the season in Saturday's 4-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Shesterkin also defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in overtime on Thursday night, so he is in the midst of a very busy stretch and will make his third appearance in four days. Shesterkin has not won three consecutive starts since January when he had his season-best four-game winning streak. The 2022 Vezina Trophy winner boasts a 23-22-4 record for the season and has given up 2.79 goals with a .907 save percentage. Following a tough stretch, the Oilers are on a 3-2-0 run and are sure to present a stern test for Shesterkin on Sunday.
14 hours ago
John Gibson Still Out On Sunday
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (lower body) will be unavailable for a sixth consecutive game on Sunday against the St. Louis Blues. At the start of the week, reports indicated that Gibson had been cleared to return to the lineup, but the Ducks have continued to navigate the 2024-25 season without him. Gibson has a 9-10-2 record for the campaign, allowing 2.82 goals with a .910 save percentage. Lukas Dostal, who is sporting a 20-17-5 record, has received heavy usage during Gibson's absence and will make another start in Sunday's contest.
14 hours ago
Nick Bjugstad Returns For Utah Sunday
Utah Hockey Club center Nick Bjugstad (upper body) is expected to return to action on Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks. He was activated from Injured Reserve on Friday and will take over from Liam O'Brien (lower body), who has been ruled out for four weeks. Bjugstad has missed five games, having last played on March 1. The veteran forward has seen his play decline in 2024-25, as Bjugstad has managed only 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 53 appearances. However, he is averaging 1.7 hits per game for the season and will bring physicality to the lineup in a fourth-line role.
14 hours ago
Filip Chytil Questionable For Sunday
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil (upper body) made an early exit against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday's tilt against the Utah Hockey Club. The team has not provided any updates on Chytil, who has scored six points (two goals, four assists) in 15 games since his move to Vancouver. If Chytil is unable to play against the Blackhawks, Jonathan Lekkerimaki is likely to rejoin the lineup. Lekkerimaki has been excelling in the minors, tallying 19 goals and 28 points in 32 AHL appearances this season, but he has been quiet in the NHL so far. In 15 career NHL appearances, Lekkerimaki has recorded three points (two goals, one assist) with 22 shots.
14 hours ago
Jiri Kulich In Concussion Protocol
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich is in concussion protocol after leaving Saturday's victory against the Vegas Golden Knights early. He sustained the injury from a hit by Vegas forward Brett Howden. It appears that Kulich will be sidelined for some time, starting with Monday's matchup against the Boston Bruins. Josh Norris (undisclosed) and JJ Peterka (lower body) are also nursing injuries, although one of them may be ready to return on Monday and fill Kulich's spot in the lineup. Both players are considered day-to-day.
15 hours ago
Adam Pelech Out On Sunday
New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (lower body) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Florida Panthers. He is a no go against the reigning Stanley Cup champions due to a lower-body injury. Adam Boqvist (upper body) also remains out, meaning Mike Reilly (heart) is poised to re-enter the lineup. Reilly was diagnosed with a heart condition early in the season and has not played since Nov. 1. The 31-year-old has made 11 appearances in 2024-25, going scoreless with 15 shots and a plus-one rating. The Islanders will partner Reilly with Scott Mayfield on the third defensive pairing.
15 hours ago
Zach Hyman A Game-Time Call Sunday
Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (undisclosed) is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup against the New York Rangers. The 32-year-old played only 10:36 against the New York Islanders on Friday and has been left nursing an undisclosed injury. However, Hyman participated in Sunday's morning skate, which suggests that he may be able to play against the Rangers. Hyman had a big three-point performance last weekend against the Dallas Stars, but these are his only points this month. He has posted 22 goals and 37 points in 61 games across the year.
15 hours ago
Quinton Byfield Scores In Sixth Straight Contest
Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield found the back of the net for the sixth-straight time on Saturday evening during their victory over the Nashville Predators. Byfield would be the lone goal scorer in this contest. He would find the back of the net on a wrist shot during overtime to power Los Angeles to the victory. The former second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft has now scored at least one goal in each of his past six contests. During this stretch, the 22-year-old has found the back of the net six times with one of them coming during 4-on-5 play. During this stretch, he has tallied 13 shots on goal and held a strong +5 rating. Through 65 games this season, Byfield has found the back of the net 17 times and added 23 helpers. He remains a solid option in all standard formats while he continues this impressive stretch.
Yesterday
Artemi Panarin Extends Point Streak To Eight Games
New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin tallied a goal and an assist during their victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday evening. In the second period, Panarin found the back of the net during 5-on-5 play. Later in the third period, Panarin would tally the primary helper on Vincent Trocheck's 19th goal of the season. This outing extended his point streak to eight games. During this impressive stretch, the 33-year-old has found the back of the net six times and added six helpers. He has averaged 3.5 shots on goal per game and tallied two of his helpers on the power play. Through 65 total contests this season, Panarin has earned 71 points (29 goals) with 22 of them coming on the power play. He remains a must-start player in all formats and a top option in DFS.
Yesterday
Pyotr Kochetkov Shuts The Door On Flyers On Saturday
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov stopped all 26 shots he saw on Saturday evening during their victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Hurricanes held the slight advantage in the shot total but Kochetkov was able to step up when called on. This outing also extended his win streak to five games. During this impressive stretch, Kochetkov has held a stellar .948 save percentage with a 1.19 GAA. He only allowed two or more goals twice during this stretch. Through 40 games this season, Kochetkov has held a 25-11-3 record with a .907 save percentage and a 2.37 GAA. Fantasy managers should continue to expect him and Frederik Andersen to alternate starts in the Carolina crease. His next start will likely be against the Los Angeles Kings next weekend.
Yesterday
Anthony Cirelli Strikes Twice On Saturday
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli scored two goals during their 6-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Saturday evening. Cirelli scored his first goal in the second period on a deflection. Later in the third frame, Cirelli would score an empty-netter which put the game out of reach. This was a much-needed breakout outing for Cirelli as he entered Saturday with a seven-game scoreless drought. However, the 27-year-old tallied seven points (two goals) over his last eight contests before that skid. Cirelli continues to play on the top forward unit in Tampa Bay, providing him with high scoring chances. Through 64 total contests this season, he has tallied 47 points (22 goals). He remains a solid option in DFS in favorable matchups and a viable play in deeper formats.
Yesterday
Alex Ovechkin Scores Goal, Adds Assist In Victory
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin tallied two points during their victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. Ovechkin tallied the primary helper on Dylan Strome's opening goal. Later in the third period, Ovechkin would find the back of the net, which put him just eight goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's record. During this contest, Ovechkin logged four total shots on goal with two hits. Over his previous 11 contests, the future Hall of Famer has found the back of the net eight times and added four helpers. During this stretch he averaged an impressive 4.1 shots on goal per game. Through 51 total games this season, Ovechkin has scored 34 goals and 21 helpers with nine of his goals coming on the power play. He remains a must-start player and a top option in DFS as he continues to chase history.
Yesterday
Connor Dewar Scores Twice On Saturday
Pittsburgh Penguins center Connor Dewar found the back of the net twice during their victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday afternoon. Dewar scored his first goal in the opening frame on a wrist shot. Later in the third period, Dewar would score the empty-netter to put the game out of reach. Dewar has found the back of the net at least once in each of his previous two games. The Penguins acquired Dewar at the trade deadline, and he has performed quite well during his first four contests in Pittsburgh. During these games, he has tallied three goals with eight hits, three blocks, and a +4 rating. The 25-year-old has been deployed on the third offensive line, which has provided him with scoring opportunities. He could be worth a look in deeper formats as he continues this productive stretch,
Yesterday
Jiri Kulich Sustains An Upper-Body Injury Saturday
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (upper body) failed to complete Saturday's matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. He was injured in the second period when Kulich absorbed a big hit from Vegas forward Brett Howden. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters that Kulich was doing "pretty good" after the game. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be healthy enough to play when Buffalo returns to action on Monday against the Boston Bruins. Kulich has amassed 12 goals and 19 points in 49 games during his rookie campaign.
Yesterday
Tyler Myers Set To Return Against Blackhawks
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (undisclosed) is expected to return to action on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. He didn't play on Wednesday versus the Calgary Flames due to an undisclosed injury. On Friday, Myers was back in practice, and he will likely replace Elias Pettersson in the Canucks defense on Saturday. Myers plays a solid two-way game and has done a little bit of everything in 2024-25. With 61 games played, he is sitting on 21 points (four goals, 17 assists), 67 shots, 108 blocks, and 73 hits. In Saturday's game, Myers will be reunited with Marcus Pettersson on the second defensive pairing.
Yesterday
Karel Vejmelka
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