Merilainen's last NHL start was against the Florida Panthers, where he faced a tough outing in a 7-2 loss, highlighting the challenges young goalies can encounter in the league.

Matthew Tkachuk's departure has left a significant void in the Flames' roster, contributing to their current struggles in scoring and overall team performance.

Sam Bennett is a pending free agent, but there is speculation that he will re-sign with the Florida Panthers, making it difficult for the Avalanche to find adequate replacements for Mikko Rantanen if he departs.

Rybinski, recalled by the Capitals, was originally selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL draft, highlighting the Panthers' role in his early career development.

Paul Maurice praised Barkov's extraordinary performance, highlighting his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. He noted that Barkov's efforts were particularly impressive given the challenges he faced earlier in the week, including travel and illness. Maurice emphasized the rarity of a player with Barkov's combination of speed, size, and skill, underscoring the impact special players have on both fans and teammates.