The NHL playoff race is heating up as the season enters its final month. In the Eastern Conference, seven teams are within six points of the last playoff spot, while three teams in the West are just two points away from the second wild card. Key matchups and player performances will be pivotal in the approaching weeks.

This week, teams like the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres face challenging schedules, while players like Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry continue to shine. Carlsson has recorded five goals and 15 points in the last 15 games, showcasing his potential as a second overall draft pick. Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl is on a scoring streak, hitting the 100-point milestone.

With injuries affecting teams like the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins, the depth of each roster will be tested. As the last games approach, teams must strategize effectively to secure a playoff spot.

As the NHL's trade deadline passed, a whopping 47 players and 28 draft picks were exchanged in 24 transactions, with the focus shifting to the playoff push. The Jets, Capitals, and Golden Knights all secured wins, while the Canucks and Blues gained crucial ground in the Western Conference Wild Card race.

The Panthers made headlines by acquiring Brad Marchand from the Bruins, reinforcing their lineup as they aim for back-to-back championships. Meanwhile, the Stars signed Stanley Cup champion Mikko Rantanen to an eight-year extension, solidifying their aspirations as they vie for the top spot in the Central Division.

Highlights from Friday's games included Kyle Connor reaching the 80-point milestone, while Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson led the Capitals to a comeback victory. With the playoff race heating up, teams are gearing up for an intense final stretch.

In a closely contested matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks faced the Ottawa Senators and fell short in overtime, losing 4-3. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks showcased resilience, coming back multiple times during the game. Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring early for Ottawa, but Ryan Donato's goal leveled the game, followed by Teuvo Teravainen and David Perron giving Chicago a temporary lead.

However, Ottawa responded with a one-time goal from Josh Norris, regaining the advantage. The final moments were marked by a controversial goal from Tim Stutzle, initially questioned for goaltender interference, but ultimately upheld after video review. This defeat frustrated Chicago players, who believed they played well but felt the calls didn't favor them.

As the NHL regular season winds down, savvy fantasy managers are eyeing the playoff push and ways to maximize their rosters. With many teams inactive at times, identifying the most active squads can provide a tactical edge. The New Jersey Devils lead the charge with seven games in March when others are off, making their players highly valuable.

The Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, and Toronto Maple Leafs also show promise with six games each. For those looking to bolster their rosters, players like Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton from the Utah Hockey Club and Ryan Donato from the Chicago Blackhawks offer intriguing options for scoring boosts. As the season intensifies, even underperforming players like Stefan Noesen from the Devils can regain form with increased ice time.

The Chicago Blackhawks faced off against the St. Louis Blues, looking to redeem themselves after a painful loss during the Winter Classic. The match started strong for Chicago, with Craig Smith and Ryan Donato scoring in quick succession to lead 2-0. Donato, in particular, showcased his scoring prowess, extending his impressive streak to 19 goals this season.

However, the second period was a setback for the Blackhawks, who were heavily outshot and fell behind 3-2. Yet, the team demonstrated resilience, regaining composure to tie the game through Alec Martinez and later Teuvo Teravainen's efforts. A thrilling back-and-forth exchange ensued, leading to overtime where neither team scored. The game culminated in a dramatic shootout, with the Blues edging out the Blackhawks after ten rounds.

Despite the loss, Chicago's performance was encouraging, particularly the way they bounced back after a tough second period. The team's next challenge awaits after a two-week break due to the Four Nations Faceoff, where Teravainen will represent Team Finland.