The NHL season has unveiled an array of fantasy surprises and disappointments. Among the notable fantasy revelations, Anaheim's Jackson LaCombe has emerged as a potential 50-point defenseman, boosting his value as a top power-play anchor. Conversely, Boston's Jeremy Swayman has struggled mightily, suggesting he should be avoided in most leagues. Buffalo's JJ Peterka has proved to be a rising star, averaging 0.85 points per game, complementing the top line impressively.

Carolina's Shayne Gostisbehere has established himself as a power-play specialist, while Columbus’ Sean Monahan reclaims his role as a top-line center. Calgary's rookie goalie Dustin Wolf is solidifying his status as a Calder candidate. The Blackhawks see Connor Bedard as their only consistent forward amidst underwhelming performances from others. Colorado's Valeri Nichushkin has shown he can be a fantasy stalwart when healthy, while Dallas' Thomas Harley faces potential regression without Miro Heiskanen.

Detroit's Patrick Kane is bouncing back, making him a mid-round pick next draft season, while Edmonton's Stuart Skinner appears to be off fantasy radars after a disappointing season. Florida's Mackie Samoskevich could be a sleeper if he earns a top-six role next year. LA’s Darcy Kuemper and Minnesota's Filip Gustavsson are both proving their worth as top netminders. Meanwhile, Montreal’s Nick Suzuki showcases durability and offensive capability, while Nashville’s Steven Stamkos hints at a possible bounce-back next season.

Fantasy hockey managers face a challenge as Gabriel Vilardi is sidelined with an upper-body injury, impacting his significant role on playoff-bound teams. Currently, he is rostered on 72% of ESPN fantasy teams, making him the most influential player in head-to-head matchups. With 92 NHL players appearing on over 40% of playoff rosters, those seeking replacements must navigate a competitive landscape.

Tom Wilson and Jake Walman have emerged as valuable assets, with Wilson boasting 69% rostered status and a notable goal contribution, while Walman, who transitioned from the Sharks, finds himself thriving with the Oilers. Additionally, Mackenzie Blackwood's trade to the Avalanche significantly boosted his value, now appearing on nearly 68% of playoff teams. For deeper leagues, analyzing roster trends and identifying players like Cole Perfetti, who might assume Vilardi's power-play duties, can be critical as managers strive to maintain their playoff positions.

In an intense matchup, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Boston Bruins 7-2, showcasing dominant offensive prowess. A notable moment unfolded when Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper and Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman nearly engaged in a fight, igniting tensions after a collision involving Bruins forward Marat Khusnutdinov. The incident provoked a series of penalties, highlighting the competitive spirit on the ice.

Both goalies received minor penalties for leaving their creases, a decision that reflected the officials' desire to maintain order. Kings coach Jim Hiller expressed relief over the scuffle's prevention, emphasizing the importance of keeping star players healthy. This game also marked the Kings' impressive home record, reinforcing their status as a formidable team in the league.

The Los Angeles Kings secured a dominant 7-2 victory against the Boston Bruins, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, the game was nearly marred by an on-ice confrontation involving goaltenders Darcy Kuemper and Jeremy Swayman in the second period. Following a hit on Kuemper, he retaliated against Bruins forward Marat Khusnutdinov, leading to a goaltender interference penalty. Swayman stepped in to defend his teammate, leading to both goalies dropping their gloves but ultimately being separated by officials.

This near fight highlights the intense competitive spirit in the NHL, especially between teams with significant playoff aspirations. The Kings' success is in part due to Kuemper's outstanding performance, as he remains unbeaten in regulation in his last 14 home starts. Despite the fans on social media expressing disappointment over the lack of a fight, Kings' coach Jim Hiller was relieved that neither goalie sustained injuries, understanding their importance to the team's success.

This week, the NHL's Three Stars showcased extraordinary performances from three players, with Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings earning the top spot. Kuemper achieved a stunning .987 save percentage over three games, allowing just one goal and securing two shutouts, leading the Kings to a five-game winning streak. Jesper Bratt from the New Jersey Devils claimed the second star after tallying nine points in three games, becoming only the third player in franchise history to achieve three points in three consecutive games. Lastly, Brandon Montour of the Seattle Kraken rounded out the trio by contributing six points, including a historic overtime goal that marked the fastest in NHL history.