The Eastern Conference playoffs see the Toronto Maple Leafs leading the Ottawa Senators 3-0 in their series, showcasing their offensive prowess with multiple wins across close games. The Panthers have taken a 2-0 lead over the Lightning, capitalizing on their recent home advantage. The Capitals have a narrow series lead at 2-1 against the Canadiens, following an impressive Game 3 comeback. Over in the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets lead the St. Louis Blues 2-1, while the Dallas Stars are ahead 2-1 against the Colorado Avalanche. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are in a strong position against the Vegas Golden Knights, leading 2-1. The Kings have managed to edge out the Oilers and currently lead their series 2-1.

As the NHL playoffs heat up, the Ottawa Senators stand on the precipice of elimination against the Toronto Maple Leafs, aiming to stave off a sweep in front of their home crowd. Despite strong performances, including two overtime games, the Senators have yet to claim a victory in this series. In Eastern Conference action, the Florida Panthers have shocked the Tampa Bay Lightning by winning both games in their arena, putting the Lightning in a tight spot.

Over in the West, the Minnesota Wild lead their series against the Vegas Golden Knights, with Kirill Kaprizov shining as a top scorer. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are looking to even their series against the Dallas Stars, who boast a strong performance, highlighted by Tyler Seguin's game-winning overtime goal. The playoffs continue to deliver intense matchups and thrilling moments.

The NHL is currently investigating the Ottawa Senators for a peculiar incident during warm-ups before Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Senator Nick Cousins reportedly shot a puck towards Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz. This playful yet contentious act drew a fine of $25,000 for the Senators and $2,083.33 for Cousins, highlighting the league's strict stance on player conduct during warm-ups. Coach Travis Green, known for his humor, acknowledged the act while emphasizing the competitive gamesmanship involved, as Cousins and Stolarz share a past as teammates. Despite Ottawa’s aggressive shooting strategy, they have struggled to score, averaging only two goals per game, which has led to speculation about their playoff viability.

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators in Game 3, led by captain Auston Matthews and defenseman Simon Benoit, who scored the game-winner just 1:19 into the extra period. Benoit, who has had a modest offensive record during the regular season, expressed joy in scoring such a pivotal goal, highlighting the excitement of playoffs where unique heroes can emerge. Matthews praised Benoit for his significant contributions, noting his dual impact on both offense and defense. The Maple Leafs now lead the series 3-0, with a chance to sweep in the next game.

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.