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.

Injury updates shake the league as several star players are sidelined. Colton Dach of the Chicago Blackhawks is day-to-day with a hyperextended elbow, while the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Daniil Tarasov is out with illness. Dallas Stars’ Thomas Harley is taking a maintenance day. Major concerns surround the Edmonton Oilers as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could be out for up to a week with lower-body injuries, leaving their playoff preparation in jeopardy.

In other news, New Jersey Devils forwards Ondrej Palat and Curtis Lazar have also faced injury setbacks, prompting the recall of Nolan Foote. The New York Islanders lack updates on Mathew Barzal and Semyon Varlamov, while Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen’s status is in limbo as he’s now week-to-week. The St. Louis Blues keep an eye on Oskar Sundqvist, who was given a maintenance day.

In the latest round of NHL injuries, key players are facing setbacks just as the season approaches its climax. Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson returned to the crease after a seven-game absence but forward Nikita Nesterenko missed practice, leaving his status uncertain. Chicago Blackhawks' Colton Dach underwent x-rays for an upper-body injury, while Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson is sidelined for three to four weeks due to a similar issue.

Edmonton Oilers' superstar Connor McDavid left the game in the second period after taking a hit to the ribs. His immediate exit raises concerns, especially as the Oilers are gearing up for the playoffs. Goaltender Stuart Skinner also entered concussion protocol late in the game. Coach Kris Knoblauch has yet to provide updates on both McDavid and Skinner's conditions. Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl's minor injury is being managed cautiously, with the team opting for a day-to-day approach to ensure his full health when the playoffs arrive.

The Chicago Blackhawks bolstered their lineup with the activation of forward Craig Smith from injured reserve ahead of their match against Edmonton. Smith, who had missed time due to a back injury, returned to action on a line alongside Lukas Reichel and Pat Maroon. In his first season with Chicago, Smith has tallied six goals and five assists over 30 games played.

Additionally, the Blackhawks made roster moves by assigning defenseman Artyom Levshunov and forward Colton Dach to the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL. Levshunov, who was the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, had just returned after recovering from a fractured foot. Interim coach Anders Sorensen praised Levshunov for his progress during practices, emphasizing the swift pace of the NHL game.

Nikita Kucherov propelled the Tampa Bay Lightning to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks with a game-winning goal just 58 seconds into overtime, adding to his two assists during regulation. Jake Guentzel also contributed with a goal and an assist, marking a shift in momentum for the Lightning, who ended a two-game losing streak. Nick Paul and Mitchell Chaffee joined the scoring for Tampa Bay, while Victor Hedman tallied two assists. Chicago's Louis Crevier and Frank Nazar each delivered a goal and an assist, with Colton Dach also finding the net. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks extended their point streak to four games with a record of 1-0-3.

The game was marked by a remarkable comeback, as the Blackhawks had initially taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the second period. However, a late goal from Paul in the second period swung the momentum back in favor of Tampa Bay. Guentzel's tying goal with just 3.3 seconds left in regulation proved pivotal, leveling the score and propelling the game into overtime. The Lightning dominated the shots with a staggering 40-14 advantage, showcasing their offensive prowess.