Tonight's NHL slate features eight exciting matchups, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. ET with four games, including Boston against Buffalo and Chicago facing Tampa Bay. The Kraken are at a disadvantage, playing their third game in four nights. Goalies to watch include Logan Thompson, who recently signed a lucrative extension and boasts an impressive record, and Andrei Vasilevskiy, who is looking to bounce back against a struggling Blackhawks team. Notable forwards like David Pastrnak are making headlines, while Trevor Zegras has recently regained form after injuries.

Key value plays tonight involve Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who is on an offensive roll, and Reilly Smith, contributing significantly to the Rangers' recent success. The matchup between the Bruins and Sabres is particularly favorable for Boston, who have been on a hot streak. Expect fireworks as the teams vie for crucial points in the playoff race.

Mason McTavish scored two goals for the second consecutive game, leading the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators, ending Nashville's five-game winning streak. McTavish has found the net five times in the last three games, showcasing his offensive prowess. Teammates Jansen Harkins and Trevor Zegras contributed to the scoreline, with Zegras achieving three points in three games following a lengthy injury layoff. Pavel Mintyukov added to the tally, while Lukas Dostal made a significant impact in goal, stopping 31 shots.

The Predators saw goals from Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O'Reilly, with Filip Forsberg registering two assists and extending his point streak to ten games. Notably, Forsberg's streak ties him with teammate Jonathan Marchessault for the second-longest in franchise history along with Roman Josi and Matt Duchene's records from previous seasons. The Ducks reached the notable milestone of 20 wins in just 49 games this season, outperforming their previous year's pace by six games.

Injuries are taking a toll across the NHL as several key players are sidelined. Anaheim Ducks' Brock McGinn recently underwent ACL surgery and is expected to miss 7-9 months. Isac Lundestrom's status remains day-to-day due to a lower-body injury while Trevor Zegras has returned from a meniscus tear. The Boston Bruins placed Mark Kastelic on IR, while the Dallas Stars welcomed Roope Hintz back to their lineup, but Mason Marchment remains out. In Nashville, Cole Smith has been activated from IR. The New York Islanders are dealing with Noah Dobson's absence due to a lower-body injury, with no return date set.

Meanwhile, goaltender Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators was seen at practice but didn’t skate, and Ryan Poehling of the Philadelphia Flyers is recovering from a head injury. Toronto Maple Leafs' Connor Dewar and Max Pacioretty have also missed time due to injuries, with the team hopeful about John Tavares’ potential return to skating soon. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz continues to make progress after a knee procedure, and Vancouver Canucks are monitoring several players, including Noah Juulsen and Kevin Lankinen, who missed a game due to illness.

In a decisive matchup, the Florida Panthers triumphed over the Anaheim Ducks with a score of 5-2, showcasing a powerful offensive display and strong defensive play. Sam Reinhart ended a three-game goal drought, netting his 28th goal of the season, tying him with Toronto’s William Nylander for second in the league. Carter Verhaeghe contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, while Evan Rodrigues, Sam Bennett, and Uvis Balinskis also found the net. Notably, Mackie Samoskevich and Tomas Nosek each registered two assists, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves to secure the win for the Panthers.

The Panthers' early momentum was noticeable, as they scored three goals in the first period alone. A critical moment came when Verhaeghe intercepted a pass from a Ducks defenseman, turning it into a goal that extended Florida's lead to 3-1 just before the first intermission. Anaheim’s fine performances from Frank Vatrano and Mason McTavish were not enough to turn the tide, as they both managed to score but fell short against Florida's relentless offense. The Ducks’ goaltender Lukas Dostal faced 29 shots, managing to stop 24 of them, but Florida’s firepower proved overwhelming.

The Vancouver Canucks are actively exploring trade options for star players Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller as the team finds itself in a precarious position. While the Canucks aspire to maintain their competitive standing in the NHL, the prospect of trading one or both players appears to be the most viable solution. Various teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, and Minnesota Wild, have expressed interest in acquiring either player, with the Rangers particularly keen on Miller.

Amidst these discussions, the Canucks are weighing their options carefully. The Sabres have shown interest in Pettersson, with a potential deal involving key players like Owen Power and Dylan Cozens, while the Wild could offer Marco Rossi. The Red Wings seem hesitant to part with their top prospects but are still in the mix. Comparisons to past franchise-altering trades, such as Joe Thornton's move from the Bruins to the Sharks, highlight the significance of this moment for Vancouver.