Troy Stecher, a seasoned defenseman, embarks on another journey to capture the elusive Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. After narrowly missing out last season, the Oilers are poised to face the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs. Stecher is among several former University of North Dakota players aiming for playoff glory, including a trio with the Ottawa Senators: Shane Pinto, Jake Sanderson, and Tyler Kleven. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes, featuring Tyson Jost and Jackson Blake, also enter the fray against New Jersey. Brock Nelson, freshly traded to the Colorado Avalanche, will battle the Dallas Stars, adding to the competitive landscape of the playoffs.

The NHL Star Power Index highlights players making significant waves in the league. This week's standout performances include rookie Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, who scored a hat trick in an 8-7 overtime loss, making him the first 18-year-old in Sharks history to achieve this feat. Celebrini has been on a scoring spree, contributing considerably to his team's efforts. Meanwhile, despite the Boston Bruins' struggles this season, David Pastrnak shines, reaching the 100-point mark for the third consecutive season and scoring a natural hat trick against the Hurricanes. Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators continues to impress with a career-high in points, while Vegas Golden Knights' goaltender Adin Hill has been a reliable force in net, contributing to the team's playoff push.

In a standout performance, Anton Forsberg secured his third shutout of the season, making 40 saves as the Ottawa Senators blanked the Florida Panthers 3-0. The Senators scored early with Jake Sanderson netting a goal, followed by Drake Batherson tipping in a shot from Dylan Cozens. Despite the Panthers' attempts to break through, they were unable to find the net and have now suffered back-to-back shutout losses, struggling without key players like Matthew Tkachuk.

With this victory, Ottawa bolstered their playoff hopes, moving to 12 games above .500. Forsberg’s impressive play was crucial, especially after a close moment that nearly had Florida scoring but was ruled out due to a high stick. Ottawa's next matchup is against the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Panthers are set to face the Detroit Red Wings, seeking to halt their four-game losing streak.

Linus Ullmark was instrumental in the Ottawa Senators' 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, halting the latter's four-game winning streak. Despite Tampa Bay's aggressive offense in the third period, Ullmark's 31 saves secured the win for Ottawa. Jake Sanderson scored the first goal of the game via a power play, followed by a rebound goal from Brandon Hagel for Tampa Bay, which kept the game competitive. The Senators managed to take an early lead with a goal from Shane Pinto.

Brady Tkachuk missed the game due to an upper-body injury, raising concerns about his availability for future matchups. The Lightning's inability to capitalize on multiple power play opportunities was particularly notable, as they struggled to find the back of the net. Ullmark's standout performance, especially a crucial save against Jake Guentzel late in the second period, proved pivotal in maintaining the Senators' lead and securing the win.

Linus Ullmark's stellar performance, with 31 saves, propelled the Ottawa Senators to a narrow 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, halting Tampa's four-game winning streak. Ullmark showcased his skill by denying multiple attempts in the final moments of the game, particularly thwarting Jake Guentzel's late second-period shot that could have tied the match.

Jake Sanderson netted his second consecutive goal, contributing to the Senators' lead, while Ryan McDonagh's assist facilitated Brandon Hagel's goal for Tampa Bay, adding intrigue to the matchup. Ottawa's Shane Pinto managed to score early, taking advantage of Tampa's defensive lapses. Notably, the Senators played without captain Brady Tkachuk, who is dealing with an upper-body injury. The Senators and Lightning are poised for their next games, with Ottawa hosting the Florida Panthers and Tampa visiting the Buffalo Sabres.