The Nashville Predators have officially been eliminated from playoff contention following a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. With 62 points and a record of 27-37-8, the Predators can now only reach a maximum of 82 points in the remaining games. This marks the second time in three seasons they will miss the playoffs, following last year's absence after a nine-year streak. Filip Forsberg expressed disappointment, and Ryan O'Reilly noted that the team felt eliminated for a while. The Predators will face the Vegas Golden Knights next.

The NHL season heats up with a six-game slate, showcasing key matchups and stellar players. The Nashville Predators' first line shines against the Anaheim Ducks, with Steven Stamkos on a four-game scoring streak, supported by Ryan O'Reilly. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes, led by Sebastian Aho, display potent scoring against the Detroit Red Wings. The Edmonton Oilers, featuring Connor McDavid, face the New York Islanders, while the Winnipeg Jets' line is expected to perform well against the Dallas Stars.

Defensemen such as Shayne Gostisbehere and Evan Bouchard present significant upside, given their roles in potent power-play units. In goal, Karel Vejmelka and Mackenzie Blackwood are highlighted as top picks, thanks to favorable matchups. Be sure to monitor injury updates before finalizing your fantasy lineup.

The Buffalo Sabres have struggled profoundly since their last playoff appearance in 2011, losing key talents like Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, who have since flourished elsewhere. The Sabres sit tied with the New York Jets for the longest playoff drought across the major North American sports leagues. Despite having a solid draft position and assembling promising young talent, their development has faltered, leading to poor performance. Compounding these issues are frequent coaching changes and a failure to cultivate a winning culture. Former players attribute their success after leaving Buffalo to joining teams with established winning environments, highlighting the Sabres' ongoing struggle to transform into a competitive franchise.

Ryan O’Reilly, the veteran center for the Nashville Predators, is one of a diminishing number of NHL players who opt not to wear a visor, despite the potential risks. Family members frequently urge him to don the protective gear, particularly after close calls with pucks and sticks. O’Reilly, however, remains steadfast in his decision, citing a long-standing habit among hockey players. He shares that while he has sustained minor facial injuries, the comfort of playing without a visor outweighs the risks for him.

Other players like Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars and Zach Bogosian from the Minnesota Wild also forgo visors, echoing similar sentiments regarding personal comfort and the sport's culture. The NHL has seen significant eye injuries in the past, which may contribute to the ongoing conversation about player safety. Despite the league implementing rules requiring newer players to wear visors, those who established themselves before the rule continue to play without them, highlighting a divide between tradition and modern safety standards.

Ryan O'Reilly remains one of the few NHL players who defy the current safety trend by opting not to wear a visor, despite numerous close calls with sticks and pucks. The Nashville Predators forward is aware of the risks, having experienced injuries that could have been mitigated by facial protection. His resistance stems from a long-standing habit and a belief that wearing a visor might detract from his tough persona on the ice.

Alongside O'Reilly, notable players like Jamie Benn and Zach Bogosian also play without facial protection, reflecting an old-school mentality. Their comments reveal a reluctance to conform to modern safety protocols, despite the league’s history of serious eye injuries. This cultural debate within the NHL highlights the balance players must strike between safety and their established identities.