The final week of the NHL regular season is upon us, and with only five games slated for lighter days, fantasy managers must be strategic with their lineups. Key teams to monitor include the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, and Tampa Bay Lightning, which could yield valuable players still available on the waiver wire.

Several lesser-rostered skaters have begun to shine recently. Andrei Kuzmenko of the Los Angeles Kings has found a rhythm alongside Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, generating five goals and six assists in his last ten games. Viktor Arvidsson of the Edmonton Oilers is ramping up production, contributing to the team amid injuries to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Ryan McLeod from Buffalo is also on fire, averaging better than a point per game. Meanwhile, young talents like Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks and Rutger McGroarty of the Pittsburgh Penguins are stepping up as possible streamers for fantasy teams.

As playoffs approach, expect veteran players on contending teams to rest, while younger players get more ice time. This dynamic is crucial for fantasy managers who need to balance star power with active performers. Keeping an eye on these shifts will be key in maximizing your fantasy roster as the season winds down.

The Buffalo Sabres secured a convincing 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, sweeping their season series with an impressive total of 17 goals scored against Ottawa this season. Despite their last-place standing in the Eastern Conference, the Sabres had a dominant performance, with Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin contributing early goals. Linus Ullmark's solid goaltending, including 17 saves, helped maintain Buffalo's lead throughout the match.

Tyler Kleven's goal for Ottawa was not enough, as the Sabres continued to capitalize on their chances, showcasing their offensive depth. With Brady Tkachuk sidelined due to injury, the Senators struggled, especially on the power play, going 0-for-4. Buffalo's Ryan McLeod capped off the scoring with a short-handed empty-netter, further cementing their victory.

The Winnipeg Jets faced an unexpected defeat against the Buffalo Sabres, losing 5-3 despite dominating most of the game. Jets head coach Scott Arniel praised the team's offensive effort but acknowledged the standout performance of Sabres goalie James Reimer, who recorded 33 saves. The Jets' backup Eric Comrie struggled, stopping just 12 of 16 shots, as Buffalo capitalized on their opportunities with goals from Ryan McLeod and others, even after being outshot overall.

Buffalo's scoring was highlighted by a power-play goal and effective plays from hometown players, creating a challenging night for Winnipeg. Despite the loss, the Jets remain on the brink of clinching a playoff spot with just one point needed. Colin Miller and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Jets, but their efforts fell short against a well-organized Sabres defense and key saves from Reimer.

The Buffalo Sabres stunned the Winnipeg Jets with a 5-3 victory, led by Ryan McLeod’s stellar performance of a goal and three assists. The Sabres, despite being at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, showcased resilience after a previous loss to the Minnesota Wild. J.J. Peterka, Rasmus Dahlin, Tyson Kozak, and Alex Tuch also found the net for Buffalo. Meanwhile, Winnipeg, needing just one point to secure a playoff spot, saw goals from Nino Niederreiter, Colin Miller, and Nikolaj Ehlers, falling short in their first game of a four-game homestand.

The game featured several momentum swings, starting with Peterka’s early goal giving Buffalo a lead, only for Niederreiter’s equalizer, which had a touch of luck, to keep the Jets in the fight. Dahlin's brilliant strike before the second intermission put the Sabres ahead again. Kozak's timely goal was countered quickly by Miller, but Tuch’s late strike seemed to seal the game despite Ehlers’ efforts to bring Winnipeg back. McLeod’s empty-net goal capped off a remarkable victory for the Sabres, who are determined to finish the season strong.