Daily Fantasy Hockey is back, and with a nine-game slate on April 3, 2025, fantasy hockey enthusiasts have a plethora of options to consider. Top implied team totals are led by the Edmonton Oilers at 4.2, followed closely by the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars. In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy emerges as a solid pick against the Ottawa Senators, boasting strong recent performance despite some underlying concerns. For offensive picks, Leon Draisaitl and Nazem Kadri are expected to shine, with favorable matchups against struggling defenses.

Value plays and stack options abound, with players like Viktor Arvidsson and Joel Farabee also anticipated to make a significant impact. The importance of monitoring player statuses and injury updates cannot be overstated, as they can heavily influence lineup decisions. Utilize RotoBaller's DFS tools to optimize your strategy and stay ahead in your contests.

The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated Ryan McDonagh’s milestone 1,000th NHL game with an emphatic 8-0 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. The Lightning showcased their offensive prowess with a season-high goal count, while also emphasizing defensive strategies. Coach Jon Cooper noted that a strong focus on playing well in their own zone contributed significantly to the win.

Nikita Kucherov had a stellar four-point performance, bringing his season total to 105 points, just behind Nathan MacKinnon for the league lead. Andrei Vasilevskiy earned his sixth shutout of the season, underlining the team’s defensive efforts. McDonagh, celebrated for his defensive contributions, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the team’s overall success.

However, the night marked a sour experience for Mikhail Sergachev, who faced his former team in his first game back at Amalie Arena since being traded. Despite the strong fan support and a heartfelt tribute, Sergachev struggled defensively, finishing with a minus-3 rating in a challenging loss for Utah.

Brandon Halverson, the Lightning's goaltender, is set to make his first NHL start against the Utah Hockey Club after a long delay of over seven years since his debut. He was called up from AHL Syracuse following Jonas Johansson's family emergency. Coach Jon Cooper praised Halverson's journey and resilience, noting that this opportunity is richly deserved. Halverson has been a standout in the AHL with a 2.32 goals-against average and a commendable save percentage of .913, making him the team's No. 1 goaltender after a successful season in Syracuse.

After experiencing injuries and even working on a farm at one point in his career, Halverson's return to pro hockey began with an ECHL contract with Orlando, where he excelled and earned his way back to the NHL. He has been a backup this season behind Andrei Vasilevskiy and will also serve as Vasilevskiy’s backup when the team faces off against Vegas soon after. Halverson's story is a testament to perseverance and the unpredictability of a professional athlete's journey.

The Tampa Bay Lightning secured a 2-0 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, thanks to a stellar performance from goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who recorded his sixth shutout of the season and 39th career shutout. Nikita Kucherov opened the scoring with a breakaway goal, and Jake Guentzel added an empty-netter, giving him the league lead in power-play goals. The Lightning have now won eight of their last nine home games, while the Flyers have struggled, suffering back-to-back shutouts and losing seven of their last eight games.

Vasilevskiy faced 21 shots, demonstrating excellent form as he ties Jocelyn Thibault for 49th on the all-time shutout list. The Flyers, despite a four-minute power play opportunity, were unable to capitalize and went 0 for 5 on the night, extending their power play drought to 0 for 23. Kucherov has been particularly effective at home against the Flyers, recording points in ten consecutive games against them. With this victory, Tampa Bay continues to establish itself as a formidable force heading into the latter part of the season.

This week saw stellar performances from NHL stars, leading to the selection of the Three Stars presented by GEICO. Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning earned the top honor after a remarkable week, stopping 71 of 73 shots, achieving a 0.67 GAA and a .973 save percentage, contributing to his team's eight-game winning streak. Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars was the second star, dominating with nine points, including a career-high four assists in one game, while Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens rounded out the trio with a total of seven points, helping his team in their quest for a playoff spot.