This week in the NHL saw a significant number of injury updates that could greatly impact fantasy lineups as teams near the end of the regular season. The Buffalo Sabres are grappling with key absences as Josh Norris missed a game due to a mid-body injury, while Sam Lafferty was absent from practice. The Calgary Flames also faced setbacks with Mikael Backlund sidelined, while MacKenzie Weegar and Joel Farabee made their returns.

The Chicago Blackhawks are particularly hit hard, as Jason Dickinson is out for the season with a wrist injury, and Alec Martinez is day-to-day. In Detroit, the Red Wings are monitoring Elmer Soderblom, who will miss the upcoming game after re-aggravating an injury. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings’ Tanner Jeannot exited a game with an undisclosed injury, and Alex Turcotte is day-to-day.

Other notable mentions include the St. Louis Blues’ Colton Parayko, who is skating but not ready to return, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Erik Cernak, who also suffered an injury. The Vegas Golden Knights are managing Tomas Hertl's absence on a road trip, while Alex Pietrangelo is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. With the regular season winding down, these injuries could significantly affect playoff aspirations and fantasy rosters alike.

The Los Angeles Kings have recalled Samuel Helenius from the Ontario Reign as they struggle with a four-game losing streak and an overall decline in physicality. Despite Helenius' limited offensive output, he brings a physical presence with 80 hits this season, ensuring the Kings won't be easily pushed around. This move raises questions about the future of Tanner Jeannot, who has been ineffective with a 20-game goal drought.

Trevor Lewis, despite slumping metrics, remains in the lineup, indicating the Kings are sticking with veteran experience. Meanwhile, Brandt Clarke's playing time has dwindled since Drew Doughty's return, adding to the ongoing lineup scrutiny. Helenius's recall seems aimed at bolstering the bottom six, but it also highlights the Kings' broader struggles with lineup decisions and performance consistency.

As the NHL gears up for an exciting Sunday night, nine games are on the schedule, with a particular focus on the late matchups. The highlight is the nationally televised clash between the Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks, set to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. This game marks the fourth and final encounter of the season between these two teams, with the home side currently holding the advantage in their previous three meetings.

The Stars, with a record of 20-13-1, look to bounce back after a narrow 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks, struggling at 12-22-2, are on a three-game losing streak following a heavy 6-2 defeat in Buffalo. The Stars’ Jake Oettinger is projected to start in goal, while the Blackhawks will rely on Arvid Soderblom.

In another matchup, the Philadelphia Flyers face off against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena at 9:00 p.m. ET. The Kings, boasting a record of 20-10-5, previously defeated the Flyers 7-3 in their last encounter. With both teams coming off recent games, the Kings appear to be better positioned for success in this matchup, particularly with their solid goaltending.

Betting insights suggest taking the Stars on the puck line against the Blackhawks and favoring the Kings to cover against the Flyers, with favorable odds available across various sportsbooks. The night promises to be action-packed with potential for significant outcomes in the NHL standings.

The Los Angeles Kings secured a significant 4-3 overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers, marking their first meeting of the season and a crucial moment in their ongoing rivalry. Having faced the Oilers in the playoffs for the last three seasons, the Kings were eager to prove their growth and competitiveness, especially with the potential of facing the same opponent again in the playoffs. Kings forward Phillip Danault acknowledged the rivalry's intensity, while coach Jim Hiller emphasized the importance of focusing on the present rather than the past playoff failures.

This win not only tied both teams for second place in the Pacific Division but also suggested that the Kings might be closing the gap with the Oilers. The Kings have revamped their roster, adding seven new players since their last encounter, which included contributions from Warren Foegele and Tanner Jeannot. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their new lineups. Ultimately, Quinton Byfield's goal in overtime sealed the victory for the Kings, providing a much-needed boost as they aim to overcome their historical struggles against Edmonton.

Despite the excitement surrounding the win, Hiller maintained a measured perspective, indicating that the true significance of the game would be determined in the playoffs. This matchup was more than just another game; it served as a litmus test for the Kings' progress and resilience against a familiar foe, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling playoff series in the spring.

The Los Angeles Kings faced a significant challenge on Saturday as they took on the Edmonton Oilers, a team that has historically troubled them in the playoffs. With the Kings' previous three seasons ending in first-round exits against the Oilers, this matchup at Crypto.com Arena served as a crucial test for the Kings. Despite the weight of the rivalry, Kings forward Phillip Danault downplayed the importance of the game, emphasizing that regular-season performance doesn't dictate playoff outcomes. Coach Jim Hiller echoed this sentiment, stating that while the Oilers are a team they want to beat, they wouldn’t overemphasize the game.

However, the Kings' 4-3 overtime victory was anything but trivial. The win, highlighted by Quinton Byfield's decisive goal, not only tied the teams for second place in the Pacific Division but also indicated a potential shift in the balance of power between the two teams. The Kings have made significant changes since their last playoff encounter, adding seven new players, while the Oilers have seen ten departures. This transformation was evident as Kings players like Warren Foegele, who previously played for Edmonton, contributed significantly to the win.

Throughout the game, the intensity of the rivalry was palpable, with both teams exchanging leads and battling fiercely. The Kings rallied from behind twice, showcasing their resilience and determination. The matchup marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing rivalry, with the Kings aiming to overcome their historical struggles against the Oilers. As the season progresses, the implications of this victory could resonate into the playoffs, where the true test of the Kings' evolution will be revealed.