Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason clarified comments he made post-game regarding goalie Jet Greaves, asserting that he and GM Don Waddell are fully aligned in their strategies. Greaves, who recently shone with a stellar performance against the Buffalo Sabres, has been a topic of discussion as his AHL success has raised questions about his earlier call-up.

Evason insisted there’s no friction in their communication, noting he has never asked for a player to be called up that Waddell declined. With the Jackets on the brink of playoff elimination, Evason emphasized that recent decisions were solely based on necessity, particularly due to injuries to starter Elvis Merzlikins.

Boston Bruins' coach Joe Sacco confirmed that defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward Mark Kastelic are both out for the season, which could significantly impact the team's playoff chances. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are dealing with Shayne Gostisbehere, who missed a recent game due to an upper-body injury. On the Columbus Blue Jackets front, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has also missed a game due to injury.

In New York, the Islanders' Ilya Sorokin is uncertain for the remainder of the season following a lower-body injury. However, fellow defenseman K’Andre Miller has returned to the Rangers' lineup after a brief absence due to illness. The Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk expects to soon resume skating, aiming for a timely return ahead of the playoffs.

The Penguins are facing a tough period, losing Tommy Novak, Blake Lizotte, Noel Acciari, Matt Nieto, and Rutger McGroarty for the season. Lastly, Jakob Chychrun of the Capitals was a late scratch due to illness, highlighting the ongoing injury challenges faced by teams as they approach critical late-season games.

As the NHL season kicks off, fantasy enthusiasts can dive into a thrilling 10-game slate on April 1, 2025. With teams like Ottawa, Anaheim, and Vegas boasting high implied totals, strategic lineup construction is key. Notable goalie picks include Elvis Merzlikins, showcasing potential for positive regression despite recent struggles, and Adin Hill facing the Edmonton Oilers. Among forwards, Aleksander Barkov and Nikita Kucherov lead the charge with solid recent performances, while Alexander Wennberg offers exceptional value.

For defensemen, Jackson LaCombe is highlighted for his impressive form, making him a valuable asset against the San Jose Sharks. Keep an eye on injury updates and news to make informed decisions, and utilize RotoBaller's tools for enhanced analysis and lineup optimization.

The Columbus Blue Jackets showcased their grit in a thrilling 7-6 shootout victory against the Vancouver Canucks, reclaiming their playoff position in the Eastern Conference. After a rocky start, falling behind 3-0, the Jackets rallied with a stunning three-goal streak in the second period and managed to tie the game multiple times, eventually prevailing in the shootout. This resilience thrilled captain Boone Jenner, who emphasized the character of the team, while goalie Elvis Merzlikins proved pivotal, making crucial saves to secure the win.

Defenseman Dante Fabbro expressed the heart-pounding excitement of the match, highlighting the importance of overcoming early deficits, a recurring challenge for the Jackets. Rookie Denton Mateychuk shone brightly, contributing significantly to the offense with a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, Kiefer Sherwood of the Canucks continued his breakout season with a stellar performance, further intensifying the rivalry. The Blue Jackets now look to maintain their momentum as they head into upcoming games.