The Colorado Avalanche suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of their playoff series, but the highlight was undoubtedly the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog after 1,032 days away from the ice. His immediate impact was felt when he leveled former teammate Mikko Rantanen just seconds into the game, igniting the crowd at Ball Arena.

Valeri Nichushkin showcased his importance to the Avalanche’s championship aspirations with a stunning goal, demonstrating his offensive prowess despite recent injuries. Both goaltenders, Mackenzie Blackwood and Jake Oettinger, exhibited high-level performances, though Blackwood ultimately succumbed to a late OT goal from Tyler Seguin.

Jon Irvin provides valuable insights for today’s NHL DFS contests, focusing on standout picks for DraftKings and FanDuel as the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs ramp up. With the absence of all four original U.S.-based teams, the slate features exciting matchups including the STL/WPG and COL/DAL series.

Key picks highlighted include goalie Darcy Kuemper, who has dominated the Oilers this season, along with centers like Pierre-Luc Dubois, who has been a consistent producer at home. Irvin emphasizes the importance of finding value picks to stay competitive in DFS formats, recommending players like Gabriel Landeskog, returning from injury, and defenseman Brett Kulak, who has been effective in limited ice time.

The Los Angeles Kings are redefining player development, pushing boundaries with a substantial investment in specialized coaching and support staff. With a roster of over 20 development professionals, including a toughness coach, strength trainers, psychologists, and nutritionists, the Kings aim to enhance player performance. This commitment has paid off, as evidenced by matching franchise records for wins and points this season, securing home-ice advantage in the playoffs.

Director Glen Murray emphasizes the importance of providing players with top-notch resources, stating that this investment is crucial for optimizing performance. The Kings have adopted a holistic approach, blending sports science, nutrition, and psychological support to foster the best possible environment for players. This meticulous attention to player wellbeing and readiness stands as a precedent for other teams in the NHL.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off with 16 teams vying for the most coveted trophy in sports, featuring a blend of elite talent and exciting matchups. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a key player, having led the league in points this season. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the team aiming to overcome a historical playoff drought. The Florida Panthers, facing depth issues, acquired Brad Marchand to bolster their lineup. Iconic scorer Alex Ovechkin, even at 39, remains a formidable presence for the Washington Capitals. The Carolina Hurricanes will rely on Sebastian Aho, while the New Jersey Devils' hopes hinge on goalie Jacob Markstrom following Jack Hughes' injury. Players like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators and Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens could also play vital roles as the tournament unfolds.

The 2024-25 NHL fantasy hockey season concluded with standout performances from several players, leading to the distribution of prestigious awards. Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets dominated the fantasy landscape, likely clinching the Art Ross Trophy with a significant lead. Meanwhile, Darcy Kuemper's journey from adversity to top performance earned him the Fantasy Hart Trophy. The Fantasy Calder Trophy was awarded to Lane Hutson, who transformed his rookie season into a top-tier performance. Zach Werenski reclaimed the Fantasy Norris Trophy with impressive stats as a defenseman. Mackenzie Blackwood's rise with the Colorado Avalanche secured him the Fantasy Vezina Trophy, showcasing the impact of trades. Rickard Rakell emerged as the comeback player of the year, demonstrating great resilience.