Troy Terry of the Anaheim Ducks suffered an injury during a recent game, colliding with teammate Frank Vatrano and leaving in the third period without an update on his status. Meanwhile, Jacob Trouba of the New York Rangers missed his game due to a lower-body injury and is currently day-to-day. In Carolina, Jordan Staal also missed his game with a lower-body issue. For the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid is not traveling on their road trip, but coach Kris Knoblauch is optimistic about his return before the regular season concludes. Leon Draisaitl has returned to the lineup as the Oilers prepare for a crucial stretch. Additionally, Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild is working towards a comeback, but his return may not be imminent, as he will consult with his doctors to determine the next steps.

Recent injury updates in the NHL highlight the uncertain status of key players across various teams. Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba left a game due to a lower-body injury, raising concerns for the Ducks' defensive lineup. Meanwhile, Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary has avoided a serious leg injury, providing some relief for the Flames as they assess his condition. Carolina Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov made a timely return from an upper-body injury, eager to shake off rust after missing several games. Coach Rod Brind’Amour noted that William Carrier continues to be sidelined, missing over 30 games with a lower-body issue. Additionally, the New Jersey Devils are watching Luke Hughes closely, who is day-to-day with an unspecified injury.

In other notable news, the Columbus Blue Jackets activated Cole Sillinger from IR, while the Edmonton Oilers face a potential setback with goaltender Stuart Skinner expected to miss time due to a head injury. Star forwards Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are also out, testing the Oilers' depth. The Vancouver Canucks seem to be on the verge of parting ways with Brock Boeser, indicating potential changes as they look to rebuild. The Chicago Blackhawks provided an update on Alec Martinez, whose progress is steady but he remains unavailable due to an earlier injury. As teams navigate these injury challenges, the next games will be critical for many rosters.

Aliaksei Protas celebrated his first NHL hat trick while the Washington Capitals triumphed over the Anaheim Ducks with a score of 7-4, marking their fifth consecutive win. Alex Ovechkin showcased his playmaking abilities with three assists, inching closer to becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, now only nine goals behind Wayne Gretzky's 894. Pierre-Luc Dubois contributed significantly with one goal and two assists. The Ducks tied the game at 4-4 before the Capitals surged ahead with three goals in the final minutes, including a decisive empty-netter from Protas.

Key performances also came from Frank Vatrano, Drew Helleson, and Pavel Mintyukov, each providing a goal and an assist for Anaheim. However, it was Protas’ standout performance that caught the spotlight, as he recorded his fifth multi-goal game in the last 37 outings. The Capitals' offensive depth was highlighted by contributions from Nic Dowd and Anthony Beauvillier, while Logan Thompson made 25 saves in net. The Capitals look to continue their momentum against the Kings on Thursday, while the Ducks prepare for a match against Utah.

The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are already making significant moves. The Colorado Avalanche stunned the league by trading Mikko Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes, who are betting on their acquisition despite no contract extension in place. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have been reshaping their roster, trading captain Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko, while reacquiring J.T. Miller. The Chicago Blackhawks responded to Seth Jones' trade demand by acquiring goaltender Spencer Knight from the Florida Panthers, focusing on building for the future. Even the Boston Bruins are beginning their retool with a trade for Trent Frederic.

NHL executives suggest that the summer may hold even more surprises with projected salary cap increases leading to a sellers' market. In the coming days, teams are expected to make moves, particularly concerning players like Rantanen and Sidney Crosby, whose futures remain uncertain. Carolina might flip Rantanen if they sense he won't sign long-term, while Crosby seems committed to helping the Penguins through their transition. Brad Marchand's future is also in limbo as he enters free agency. The Tampa Bay Lightning have the potential to make an unexpected splash, and the landscape of the East remains wide open.

Urho Vaakanainen has emerged as a significant contributor to the New York Rangers' defensive lineup, particularly since his trade from the Anaheim Ducks. Despite injuries hampering his early career, he has shown promise since joining the Rangers, playing 20 games with a +2 rating and five assists. His performance has complemented Will Borgen, another recent addition, to create a more mobile and structured defense, allowing the Rangers to stabilize their defensive play.

Acquired in exchange for Jacob Trouba, Vaakanainen's style suits the Rangers’ defensive schemes under coach Peter Laviolette, focusing on reliable, defense-first play. His ability to consistently make the first pass and play sound defensively has helped the team maintain a ten-game point streak, showcasing his impact as a steadying force on the blue line.