Brandon shares his insights for the NHL DFS contests on February 25, 2025, emphasizing a twelve-game slate with teams like Utah, Buffalo, and Dallas holding the highest implied totals at 3.5. Goalkeeper options include Cam Talbot, who offers decent value despite a mixed recent performance, and centers Aleksander Barkov and Logan Cooley, expected to thrive against weak opposing defenses. Wingers like Tage Thompson and Mackie Samoskevich are highlighted for their favorable matchups, while defenseman Tony DeAngelo stands out with potential for high returns.

Oliver Kylington has made his much-anticipated return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup after being sidelined for 31 games due to an upper-body injury. In contrast, teammate Josh Manson will miss upcoming games due to his own injury.

Meanwhile, in Columbus, Zach Werenski is back on the ice for the Blue Jackets following a brief absence. The Florida Panthers welcomed Mackie Samoskevich back as well, though his return was cut short by a new upper-body injury.

The Nashville Predators' Jonathan Marchessault took a maintenance day, while Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils skated solo, indicating a positive trend in his recovery. However, he won't be available this week. The status of Jonas Siegenthaler remains uncertain after an injury in his last game.

In Philadelphia, Owen Tippett's absence will continue as he won't return for the Four Nations. The Pittsburgh Penguins are closely monitoring Sidney Crosby's condition as the team awaits more updates. Anthony Cirelli's situation for the Tampa Bay Lightning looks grim with no clear timeline for his return.

As teams gear up for the Four Nations tournament, the injury reports are a mixed bag, with some players returning while others are still a question mark, intensifying the stakes as the season progresses.

In an exciting matchup on Monday night, the Florida Panthers triumphed over the New York Rangers with a score of 5-3, thanks to Jesper Boqvist's two goals, including a pivotal go-ahead goal in the third period. The Panthers displayed a strong offensive performance, with contributions from Eetu Luostarinen, Aleksander Barkov, and Mackie Samoskevich, while Uvis Balinskis provided two assists. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was instrumental in the victory, making 33 saves throughout the game.

The Panthers took the lead in the second period when Boqvist capitalized on a loose puck, scoring as Rangers' goalie Igor Shesterkin struggled to regain position. However, the Rangers fought back, with Chris Kreider tying the game early in the third period with a power-play goal. New York's Filip Chytil and Ryan Lindgren also found the net, but it was not enough to secure a win. Shesterkin recorded 21 saves, while Adam Fox continued to impress with his 27th assist of the season.

In other NHL action, the Winnipeg Jets secured a solid 3-0 victory over the Nashville Predators, extending their winning streak to four games. Gabriel Vilardi shone with two power-play goals in the third period, while Connor Hellebuyck achieved his fifth shutout of the season. The Jets have shown resilience, bouncing back from a four-game losing streak to improve their record significantly.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken defeated the Utah Hockey Club 5-2, with a strong third-period performance that included three goals. Jaden Schwartz, Matty Beniers, and Jared McCann all contributed to the scoring surge, while goaltender Phillip Grubauer made 28 saves, showcasing the Kraken's depth and determination.

In a thrilling matchup, the Florida Panthers overcame the New York Rangers with a 5-3 victory, showcasing a strong performance from Jesper Boqvist, who netted two goals, including the decisive score in the third period. The game saw contributions from Eetu Luostarinen, Aleksander Barkov, and Mackie Samoskevich, with Uvis Balinskis providing two assists. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was pivotal, making 33 saves to secure the win.

The Panthers took control of the game after Boqvist's goal in the second period, which broke a two-game scoreless streak for the team. The Rangers, despite Chris Kreider's power-play goal that tied the game early in the third, struggled, marking their seventh loss in eight games. Filip Chytil and Ryan Lindgren also found the net for New York, while Igor Shesterkin managed 21 saves in goal.

Key moments included Boqvist's late-game rebound goal, marking his first multi-goal game of the season, assisted by his brother Adam Boqvist. Notably, Artemi Panarin reached a milestone by becoming the 14th player in Rangers history to record 500 points, achieving this in just 384 games, the fastest in franchise history.

Looking ahead, both teams are set to compete again on Thursday night, with the Rangers facing off against the Boston Bruins and the Panthers hosting the Carolina Hurricanes.

In a dominant performance, the Florida Panthers defeated the Minnesota Wild 6-1, with Matthew Tkachuk scoring twice and contributing to his impressive season tally of 13 goals.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves, while Aaron Ekblad added a goal and two assists. Marco Rossi scored the lone goal for Minnesota, who are struggling with injuries to key players.

Tkachuk's first goal came after a disallowed play, showcasing the Panthers' resilience and physicality, leading the NHL in hits.