This week in the NHL saw a significant number of injury updates that could greatly impact fantasy lineups as teams near the end of the regular season. The Buffalo Sabres are grappling with key absences as Josh Norris missed a game due to a mid-body injury, while Sam Lafferty was absent from practice. The Calgary Flames also faced setbacks with Mikael Backlund sidelined, while MacKenzie Weegar and Joel Farabee made their returns.

The Chicago Blackhawks are particularly hit hard, as Jason Dickinson is out for the season with a wrist injury, and Alec Martinez is day-to-day. In Detroit, the Red Wings are monitoring Elmer Soderblom, who will miss the upcoming game after re-aggravating an injury. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings’ Tanner Jeannot exited a game with an undisclosed injury, and Alex Turcotte is day-to-day.

Other notable mentions include the St. Louis Blues’ Colton Parayko, who is skating but not ready to return, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Erik Cernak, who also suffered an injury. The Vegas Golden Knights are managing Tomas Hertl's absence on a road trip, while Alex Pietrangelo is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. With the regular season winding down, these injuries could significantly affect playoff aspirations and fantasy rosters alike.

The Calgary Flames are in a heated battle for an NHL playoff spot as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. Currently sitting at 33-25-11, they are trailing just one point behind St. Louis and holding three games in hand over them. The Flames have shown resilience, winning three consecutive games, including a dramatic overtime victory against the New York Islanders. Veteran forward Blake Coleman emphasized the importance of every point, likening the current intensity to playoff hockey.

Calgary's success is partly attributed to their veteran leadership, with key players like Jonathan Huberdeau, who recently scored his team-leading 27th goal, and captain Mikael Backlund nearing a return from injury. Head coach Ryan Huska has praised the team's understanding of their playing style and the strong goaltending duo of Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar, who have kept the team's spirits high despite challenges. As they prepare to face the Seattle Kraken and the Dallas Stars at home, the Flames are determined to secure their playoff position.

Nazem Kadri clinched the game for the Calgary Flames with an overtime goal, leading them to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders. Matt Coronato made his mark in his first professional game on Long Island, scoring twice, while Jonathan Huberdeau added a goal and two assists, including the tying goal with under three minutes remaining. The Flames extended their win streak to three games, showcasing strong performances from goalie Dan Vladar, who made 26 saves.

For the Islanders, despite losing their three-game win streak, they remain unbeaten in their last five games (3-0-2), with standout contributions from Bo Horvat, who scored the first goal, and rookie Kyle MacLean, who also found the net. Goaltender Marcus Hogberg faced 31 shots, with key saves in crucial moments, including a breakaway attempt by Morgan Frost.

In an intense matchup, the Calgary Flames staged a thrilling comeback to defeat the New Jersey Devils 5-3, thanks to Jonathan Huberdeau's late goal that turned the tide with just over three minutes remaining. The Flames demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming a two-goal deficit in the third period with strong contributions from Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, Daniil Miromanov, and Nazem Kadri, each finding the back of the net. Rookie goaltender Dustin Wolfe was pivotal, making 26 saves to secure the victory.

Nico Hischier of the Devils extended his point streak with a goal and an assist, but it wasn't enough as the team faced its first regulation loss of the season when leading entering the third period. The game highlighted the Flames' playoff aspirations, particularly as they look to secure a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.