EA Sports is unveiling the Team of the Season (TOTS) for the 2024-25 NHL season, spotlighting the top-performing players of the current season. Unlike the Team of the Year, which has a defined cut-off, TOTS focuses strictly on this season's statistics. The initial reveal features notable stars like Connor Hellebuyck, Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitl, and Nathan MacKinnon, all boasting exceptional overall ratings of 94. MacKinnon, Kucherov, and Draisaitl are leading the league in scoring, while Makar and Werenski lead among defensemen. Hellebuyck shines in goal, topping wins and save percentage.

Four of these players—MacKinnon, Kucherov, Makar, and Hellebuyck—also made it to the Team of the Year, emphasizing their consistency. Additionally, EA Sports commemorated Alex Ovechkin for his historic 895th career goal, highlighting that he has been instrumental in scoring over 216 million goals in the NHL gaming series from NHL 07 to NHL 25.

Alex Ovechkin has officially eclipsed Wayne Gretzky's legendary 894-goal record, prompting discussions about his potential career total and who might challenge him in the future. With five games left in the season and another year on his contract, Ovechkin could realistically reach over 930 goals before retirement, which would set an incredibly high bar for any future contenders.

Among the candidates, Auston Matthews stands out as a serious challenger given his scoring prowess, including two 60-goal seasons. However, injury concerns may hinder his ability to reach Ovechkin's heights. Leon Draisaitl, currently a consistent 50-goal scorer, has also signed a long-term deal but took longer to accumulate his goals than Ovechkin and Matthews. David Pastrnak, while impressive, faces challenges from the changing dynamics of the Bruins. Finally, junior hockey prospect Gavin McKenna has potential but the transition to the NHL remains uncertain. Overall, while Ovechkin has set an incredible precedent, the future of goal scoring in the league is still ripe with possibilities.

Kevin Fiala achieved the milestone of scoring his 30th goal of the season, contributing to the Los Angeles Kings' convincing 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Darcy Kuemper delivered a stellar performance, making 27 saves and securing his fifth shutout of the season. The Kings are now in a strong position for the playoffs, needing assistance from the Vegas Golden Knights to seal their spot.

In a match that saw the Kings take control after a scoreless first period, Fiala scored the opening goal midway through the second period on a rebound from an Alex Laferriere shot. Andrei Kuzmenko and Trevor Lewis also found the back of the net, showcasing the Kings' offensive prowess. Meanwhile, the Oilers faced challenges without their star player, Leon Draisaitl, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury.

Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Norris is reportedly skating on his own, leading to optimism about his return before the end of the season. Meanwhile, teammate Tyson Kozak has been sidelined due to a hip strain, projected as week-to-week. In Carolina, Andrei Svechnikov is being held out as a precaution, while Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars participated in practice but remains doubtful for today's matchup against Pittsburgh. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss some time but could be back for the playoffs, joining Connor McDavid, who has missed six games due to a lower-body injury. The New Jersey Devils' Cody Glass has been playing through a nagging injury but will now take time off to recover.

Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers is sidelined with a lower-body injury but is expected to return well before the playoffs commence. Leading the NHL with 52 goals this season, Draisaitl's absence will be felt as the Oilers prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings. Draisaitl previously missed time due to an undisclosed injury, but this current ailment is unrelated. The team remains optimistic, with head coach Kris Knoblauch highlighting Draisaitl's history of playing through pain.

Meanwhile, Connor McDavid is also out due to a lower-body injury sustained in a recent game. Despite these setbacks, the Oilers have shown resilience, winning three consecutive games and maintaining a solid record over the last ten matches. The upcoming playoff matchup against the Kings is anticipated, with Edmonton looking to secure home-ice advantage in the first round.