In a thrilling matchup, Kirill Marchenko's hat trick propelled the Columbus Blue Jackets to an impressive 8-4 victory against the Nashville Predators. This win not only showcased Marchenko's scoring prowess, bringing his season total to 31 goals, but also marked the Blue Jackets' resurgence in the playoff race, bolstering their chances of securing a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Blue Jackets scored first, breaking a nine-game streak of conceding the opening goal, and demonstrated their offensive depth, with contributions from Sean Monahan and Adam Fantilli, both of whom notched two goals apiece. The team is now looking to reclaim playoff positioning, currently sitting just outside the wild-card spots, aided by a recent uptick in their performance against weaker opponents.

The NHL season has unveiled an array of fantasy surprises and disappointments. Among the notable fantasy revelations, Anaheim's Jackson LaCombe has emerged as a potential 50-point defenseman, boosting his value as a top power-play anchor. Conversely, Boston's Jeremy Swayman has struggled mightily, suggesting he should be avoided in most leagues. Buffalo's JJ Peterka has proved to be a rising star, averaging 0.85 points per game, complementing the top line impressively.

Carolina's Shayne Gostisbehere has established himself as a power-play specialist, while Columbus’ Sean Monahan reclaims his role as a top-line center. Calgary's rookie goalie Dustin Wolf is solidifying his status as a Calder candidate. The Blackhawks see Connor Bedard as their only consistent forward amidst underwhelming performances from others. Colorado's Valeri Nichushkin has shown he can be a fantasy stalwart when healthy, while Dallas' Thomas Harley faces potential regression without Miro Heiskanen.

Detroit's Patrick Kane is bouncing back, making him a mid-round pick next draft season, while Edmonton's Stuart Skinner appears to be off fantasy radars after a disappointing season. Florida's Mackie Samoskevich could be a sleeper if he earns a top-six role next year. LA’s Darcy Kuemper and Minnesota's Filip Gustavsson are both proving their worth as top netminders. Meanwhile, Montreal’s Nick Suzuki showcases durability and offensive capability, while Nashville’s Steven Stamkos hints at a possible bounce-back next season.

The Columbus Blue Jackets staged a remarkable comeback against the New York Islanders, securing a 4-3 victory in a shootout that keeps their playoff hopes alive. Despite a late goal by Kyle Palmieri being disallowed for goaltender interference, the Blue Jackets showcased resilience, breaking a six-game losing streak. Key contributions came from Elvis Merzlikins, who not only stopped 31 shots but also provided an assist, and Sean Monahan, who returned from injury with two assists. Zach Werenski logged significant ice time, showcasing his endurance and importance on the team.

This victory positions the Blue Jackets in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders and Rangers are closely matched, with Columbus just trailing behind. The Blue Jackets now prepare for a challenging back-to-back against the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators, needing to capitalize on their momentum.

Sean Monahan's return from injury is a significant boost for the Columbus Blue Jackets. After missing 28 games due to a wrist sprain, the center is set to make his comeback against the New York Islanders. Before his injury, Monahan was a key contributor, scoring 41 points in just 41 games, showcasing his offensive prowess. His experience, having played for teams like the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens, brings valuable depth to the Blue Jackets lineup.

Monahan, who signed a lucrative five-year deal worth $27.5 million in July, has a rich career history, accumulating 579 points over 805 games. His performance will be closely monitored as he aims to reintegrate seamlessly and help the Blue Jackets improve their standings.

Columbus Blue Jackets are set to welcome back Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson as they strive for a playoff spot with just 13 games remaining in the season. Both players have been cleared to play following injuries that kept them sidelined for significant periods, with Monahan set to rejoin the top line alongside Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko.

The Blue Jackets have faltered recently, suffering six consecutive losses and desperately need a turnaround. Coach Dean Evason expressed confidence in Monahan and Gudbranson's ability to contribute immediately. Notably, Monahan's return could revitalize a struggling power play that has dropped significantly in effectiveness during his absence, from ninth in the league to 24th.