The Columbus Blue Jackets faced a tough 3-2 loss against the Ottawa Senators, affecting their playoff standings. With 10 games left, they are in a tightly contested race for the last Eastern Conference wild card spot, with only three points separating them from the competition. The absence of defenseman Dante Fabbro, who recently contributed three points in a prior game, posed a significant challenge. Rookie Denton Mateychuk stepped up to play alongside Zach Werenski, who continues to impress with his ice time and performance, potentially positioning himself for a Norris Trophy nomination. Meanwhile, captain Boone Jenner is showing leadership by scoring in four consecutive games, crucial for the Jackets as they push for playoff contention.

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.

Fantasy hockey enthusiasts should brace for an exciting slate with a four-game NHL lineup on March 24, 2025. Essential picks for both DraftKings and FanDuel have been highlighted, including goalies, centers, wings, and defensemen. Filip Gustavsson stands out as a solid goalie option against the Dallas Stars, especially given his excellent save percentage recently. For centers, Justin Danforth offers impressive offensive metrics at a budget price, while Lawson Crouse and key stacks like the Columbus Blue Jackets' top line could provide impactful value. Defensemen are also primed for big performances, with Zach Werenski and Moritz Seider among the recommended options.

Strategy focuses on finding low-owned players to differentiate lineups. The return of Sean Monahan for the Blue Jackets adds another layer of intrigue. DraftKings users should note the value in shot volume for goalies and consider stacking strategies with top performers. With injury news influencing player availability, staying updated is crucial for crafting optimal rosters.

With the NHL season heating up, fantasy hockey enthusiasts have a wealth of opportunities this Saturday, March 15. The eight-game slate features intriguing matchups that promise high-scoring potential. First up, the Florida Panthers' top line, led by Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, faces off against the Montreal Canadiens, known for their leaky defense. This trio boasts impressive metrics, with Barkov riding a hot streak and Reinhart contributing significantly on the power play.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks' second line presents an appealing option against the Chicago Blackhawks, who have struggled defensively. Despite recent quiet nights, their underlying stats indicate a potential breakout. Additionally, the Columbus Blue Jackets' line, featuring Adam Fantilli, is primed for success against a New York Rangers squad that has recently faltered defensively. Other players to keep an eye on include defensemen Jared Spurgeon and Jake Sanderson, both positioned to capitalize on favorable matchups. As for goalies, Kevin Lankinen and Filip Gustavsson are among the top picks, offering solid potential based on their recent performances and opposing offenses.

The NHL Awards race is heating up as March brings significant changes to the standings across the board. Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche has reclaimed the lead for the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP, edging past Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. MacKinnon is on a quest to become the first player since Alex Ovechkin to win consecutive MVP awards, alongside a potential Art Ross Trophy win. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski is making waves as the leading candidate for the Norris Trophy, fueled by a strong performance that supports the Columbus Blue Jackets’ unexpected playoff push.

Leon Draisaitl remains a strong contender for the MVP, with his impressive goal tally solidifying his standing in the race. Hellebuyck's contributions as a goaltender have not gone unnoticed, with a substantial support base still backing him for the Vezina Trophy. The Calder Trophy race is led by Macklin Celebrini, who continues to impress despite the tightening competition. Each award has its own narrative, with both individual achievements and team performance playing crucial roles in the outcomes.