Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney confirmed that forward Pavel Zacha underwent a minor procedure, while teammate Johnny Beecher is also facing potential surgery. On a positive note, Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog made a triumphant return to the lineup after nearly three years, logging 13:16 minutes with six hits, expressing satisfaction with his performance despite room for improvement.

Meanwhile, Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers has returned to the ice after a lengthy absence due to injury, expressing eagerness to contribute. On the injury front, St. Louis Blues’ Robert Thomas had a maintenance day but is expected to suit up. The status of Tampa Bay Lightning's Anthony Cirelli remains uncertain following an undisclosed injury, while the Winnipeg Jets are managing several player injuries, including Gabriel Vilardi and Nikolaj Ehlers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning faced a harsh 6-2 defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their playoff series, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy's struggles. Ryan McDonagh expressed disappointment with the team's start, while Victor Hedman emphasized the need to stop the bleeding after the Panthers scored four consecutive goals. Notably, Matthew Tkachuk made a strong return post-injury, scoring two goals, including one on a power play following a failed challenge. Despite the loss, coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the learning experience for many players during their first playoff game, underscoring the importance of moving on quickly to Game 2.

April 11, 2025, presents an exciting slate for NHL DFS players, with key matchups that could shape optimal lineups. The Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Detroit Red Wings, with Andre Vasilevskiy expected to be a pivotal choice in goal. Anthony Cirelli stands out as a center option, especially given his recent form against the Red Wings. Brendan Gallagher is highlighted as a must-play winger due to his current hot streak, making him a strong candidate for a goal.

On defense, Luke Hughes is rapidly gaining attention for his impressive performance, making him a valuable addition at a reasonable salary. The article also emphasizes top power plays and lineup stacks to capitalize on, providing essential insights for maximizing fantasy points. Players and teams should be monitored closely for last-minute news, particularly injury updates, which can dramatically affect DFS strategies.

Nikita Kucherov led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a commanding 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, showcasing his offensive prowess with a goal and two assists. The Lightning struck early, scoring four times in the first period, with Anthony Cirelli contributing two goals. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 14 saves, while Tristan Jarry of the Penguins was pulled after allowing four goals on just seven shots. The Penguins' troubles were compounded by the absence of Evgeni Malkin due to injury, although Sidney Crosby extended his point streak to eight games.

Kucherov's performance marked his fifth career season surpassing 100 points, further solidifying his status as one of the league's elite playmakers. His contributions were vital, especially after briefly leaving the ice due to an apparent injury, only to return and score the Lightning's fifth goal. This game highlighted Tampa Bay's offensive depth and Pittsburgh's struggles, particularly in net with Jarry's early exit.

The NHL regular season resumes with the latest power rankings spotlighting key fantasy hockey surprises. The Winnipeg Jets maintain their top spot, led by Mark Scheifele, who is poised for a career-high in goals. The Washington Capitals' Logan Thompson surprises as a top goaltender despite limited playing time. Dallas Stars' Logan Stankoven has seen a disappointing drop-off since a hot start, while the Toronto Maple Leafs benefit from stellar goaltending. The Vegas Golden Knights face injury challenges with William Karlsson on IR, and the Florida Panthers' Carter Verhaeghe struggles to match last season's goal tally. The Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman also sees a significant dip in production compared to last year.

Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning has emerged as a consistent fantasy asset, while Darcy Kuemper of the Los Angeles Kings surprises with his ranking among goalies. Minnesota Wild’s Marco Rossi continues to improve, while Carolina Hurricanes' Seth Jarvis maintains scoring consistency. On the flip side, the New Jersey Devils’ Stefan Noesen sees declining production, and Colorado Avalanche's Mackenzie Blackwood benefits from his trade. Detroit Red Wings’ Lucas Raymond is on track for a breakout season, while Calgary Flames' Yegor Sharangovich struggles to find his scoring touch. Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski stands out among defensemen, and Ottawa Senators' Jake Sanderson solidifies his role on the blue line. The Vancouver Canucks face frustration with Elias Pettersson's lack of scoring, while the New York Rangers' Chris Kreider surprises with limited assists.