As the fantasy season nears its climax, maximizing your roster becomes paramount, especially with crucial head-to-head matchups on the horizon. This week, some players are primed for significant contributions due to favorable schedules. While stars like Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane from the Detroit Red Wings have been performing well, their limited two-game week makes lesser-known players more attractive for filling rosters.

For instance, Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings, currently riding a goal-scoring streak, boasts a high availability and faces multiple matchups this week. Similarly, Nick Schmaltz and Mason McTavish are also noteworthy options, offering the potential for high returns. Managers should consider streaming players from teams like the Bruins, Lightning, and Maple Leafs who have a more favorable schedule.

Jordan Greenway participated in the morning skate with the Buffalo Sabres, returning from a mid-body injury sustained on December 15. Coach Lindy Ruff stated that Greenway's return would depend on his progress and physical readiness, with no set date established. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames placed Kevin Bahl on injured reserve, with an estimated recovery of a few weeks. The Chicago Blackhawks welcomed Connor Murphy back after he missed 13 games due to a groin injury, while Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars faces a longer absence of several weeks for recovery. The Ottawa Senators will be without Nick Cousins for six to eight weeks following a knee injury. Additionally, Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken is expected to miss five to seven weeks post-surgery for a sports hernia.

The Washington Capitals faced a disappointing 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, marking the team’s second visit to the Canadian Tire Centre in just 14 days. The loss dropped the Capitals to a 34-11-6 record this season, concluding a season-long road trip with a 3-1-1 tally. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren recorded 30 saves in a game that saw numerous lead changes.

In a thrilling back-and-forth affair, both teams exchanged goals, with significant contributions from players like Connor McMichael, who scored to end an 11-game goal drought, and Dylan Strome, who tied the game late in the third period. On the Senators’ side, Josh Norris shined with two goals, including a highlight-reel penalty shot.

Ottawa Senators’ Nick Cousins has been fined $2,083.33 for elbowing Buffalo Sabres’ Jacob Bryson during a game on January 9, 2025. This is the maximum fine permitted by the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, and the amount will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred early in the third period of the Senators’ match against the Sabres, which ended in a decisive 4-0 victory for Buffalo. Cousins, who has five goals and seven assists in 38 games this season, received a minor penalty for the elbowing infraction.

Currently, the Senators are struggling, having lost four consecutive games and holding a record of 19-18-3 as they aim to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Brandon Saad showcased his scoring prowess with a hat trick, leading the St. Louis Blues to a decisive 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators. The game took place on Friday night, with Jordan Binnington earning his 18th career shutout, making 20 saves to secure the win. The Blues have now won four of their last five games, demonstrating a strong performance throughout the match.

Brayden Schenn contributed to the scoring frenzy with his seventh goal of the season. Saad opened the scoring late in the first period and continued to dominate, netting two more goals to complete his hat trick. Ottawa's Anton Forsberg faced 25 shots, making 21 saves, but could not prevent the loss.