The NHL Star Power Index highlights players gaining significant attention around the league, with Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights at the forefront. Eichel has accumulated a career-best 90 points this season, including a hat trick against the Minnesota Wild. His performance has been pivotal in leading the Golden Knights to the top of the Pacific Division, showcasing a four-game point streak with 10 points.

Dallas Stars’ Jason Robertson is also making headlines, having scored 32 goals and recently netting a natural hat trick in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile, Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers has stepped up as a key playmaker during injuries to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, registering crucial assists in recent games. Lastly, Mackenzie Blackwood has shown his worth with the Colorado Avalanche, boasting a remarkable save percentage and multiple shutouts, emerging as a reliable goaltender as the playoffs approach.

Contract negotiations are heating up as the Florida Panthers and center Sam Bennett appear poised for an extension that could approach $60 million, a promising development for both the franchise and Bennett's fantasy owners. Meanwhile, Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan's future remains uncertain, with his contract expiring this season. The New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres are among the teams monitoring the situation closely. In addition, the NHL is rife with rumors regarding top RFAs, including Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard, who could command around $10 million after a strong season, while Noah Dobson of the New York Islanders may be pursuing an $8 million deal after switching agents.

Further complicating the landscape, several teams are evaluating their rosters as injuries plague franchises like the Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche. With numerous RFAs coming into play, the outcome of the playoffs could significantly impact contract discussions across the league.

In a thrilling overtime finish, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2, ending a rough stretch of six losses in their last seven games. Evan Bouchard stood out, scoring the game-winner and contributing an assist, while Leon Draisaitl continued his scoring prowess with a goal and an assist, marking his 46th goal of the season. Connor McDavid also played a crucial role, assisting twice in the match.

The Canadiens, who had a five-game winning streak snapped, saw Cole Caulfield and Joel Armia find the net, but fell just short in the end. Notable performances included Stuart Skinner, who made 26 saves for the Oilers, outpacing Sam Montembeault’s 29 saves for Montreal. Both forwards Draisaitl and Caulfield showcased their scoring skills, being the only players in the NHL with over 20 even-strength and 10 power-play goals this season.

The Edmonton Oilers snapped a tough streak with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens, thanks to Evan Bouchard's game-winning goal. Leon Draisaitl continued his exceptional form, contributing a goal and an assist, while Connor McDavid also shone with two assists. The Oilers had been struggling, losing six of their previous seven games, making this win crucial for their playoff hopes.

Despite the defeat, Montreal's Cole Caufield showcased his scoring prowess, earning a spot in the franchise's history with three four-game goal streaks this season. The Canadiens remain in the hunt for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but this loss halted their five-game winning streak. Stuart Skinner made 26 saves for Edmonton, while Sam Montembeault stopped 29 shots for Montreal.

Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner each contributed a goal and an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Edmonton Oilers 4-3, breaking a three-game losing streak. Alongside them, William Nylander and Bobby McMann found the back of the net, while Auston Matthews provided two assists. Joseph Woll stood strong in goal, stopping 45 shots, while Stuart Skinner halted 24 for the Oilers. Notable was Nylander's milestone of 30 goals this season, marking his fourth consecutive season hitting this mark.

Defensively, Evan Bouchard's ninth goal was a highlight for the Oilers, as he became their second-fastest defenseman to reach 50 career goals. Despite a late scare when Leon Draisaitl thought he had tied the game, a successful offside challenge thwarted Edmonton's momentum. With this victory, Toronto has maintained dominance over Edmonton, boasting a 12-2-2 record in their last 16 matchups.