The jersey number saga of Dylan Guenther and Jack McBain reflects the competitive nature of NHL roster dynamics. Upon joining the Arizona Coyotes, McBain aimed to claim his lifelong number 11, but was met with resistance as the club had reserved it for Guenther, their 2021 ninth overall pick who had aspirations to make an immediate impact. In a humorous twist, McBain settled on number 22, although Guenther teased that it 'wouldn't be my next choice.' Their friendship and light-hearted banter underscore the camaraderie often found among teammates navigating the pressures of professional hockey.

Interestingly, Guenther’s connection to number 11 is rooted in childhood nostalgia, inspired by a previous teammate's choice. McBain's situation is further likened to that of Mikko Rantanen, who had to negotiate with Jack Roslovic for number 96, highlighting the traditions and expected gifts associated with jersey number exchanges in the league. Yet, in this case, Guenther humorously declared that he wouldn't be gifting McBain a Rolex for not taking his number. Their playful exchanges not only entertain fans but also reveal the unique dynamics that come with being young professionals in the NHL.

Lawson Crouse, Jack McBain, and Josh Doan have formed a compelling checking line for the Utah Hockey Club, offering significant energy and physicality despite their struggles earlier this season. Coach André Tourigny’s decision to unite them has led to a shift in their play style, emphasizing relentless forechecking and a commitment to retrieving the puck. Their motto, 'If you have the puck, we’re coming to get it back,' exemplifies their aggressive approach, resulting in impressive statistics: over 35% of the team’s hits and shots during their time on the ice in a recent game against the Detroit Red Wings.

This trio has been accountable not only for generating scoring chances but also for maintaining a solid defensive presence, showcasing their ability by achieving a top-four goal differential among forward combinations. Their collective effort has led to eight goals and 21 points across 20 games, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success as they embrace their roles on the ice.

NHL DFS enthusiasts are gearing up for a thrilling night with a 9-game slate on both DraftKings and FanDuel on March 6, 2025. Key players will be pivotal in lineups, especially high-scoring forwards and strategically chosen goaltenders. As the season progresses, matchups against teams with favorable defensive metrics will be crucial for success. Connor Hellebuyck stands out as a prime goalie choice against the Philadelphia Flyers, while forwards like Jack McBain could provide excellent value at lower costs, especially against the Detroit Red Wings. Notable mentions also include Zach Hyman, who promises offensive fireworks facing the Montreal Canadiens.

Building competitive lineups is about striking the right balance between stars and value plays. For instance, stacking players like McDavid, MacKinnon, and Hyman can maximize scoring potential. Defensemen like Marc Del Gaizo and Alexandre Carrier are also on the radar for those seeking budget-friendly picks with high upside. Pay attention to injury updates and news as they can shift player values significantly, providing an edge in DFS tournaments.

Jack McBain of the Utah Hockey Club has been fined $4,166.67 for a high-sticking incident involving Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher. The NHL announced the fine, which is the maximum permitted under the collective bargaining agreement. The foul occurred just 16 seconds into the second period during a game where the Canadiens triumphed over Utah with a score of 5-3.

The fined amount will be directed towards the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The Canadiens are currently enjoying a strong run, having posted a record of 10 wins, 2 losses, and 1 overtime loss in their last 13 games. This positions them just two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, with a game in hand.

This coming Thursday, Montreal (21-18-4) will face the Dallas Stars (28-14-1) as they continue their pursuit of a playoff position.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was pivotal for the Edmonton Oilers, scoring the decisive goal early in the second period during their 4-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Connor McDavid and Connor Brown contributed significantly with two assists each, aiding the Oilers in extending their impressive record of winning eight out of their last eleven games and twelve out of their last sixteen. In goal, Stuart Skinner showcased his skills by making 26 saves, ensuring the Oilers maintained control throughout the match.

On the other side, Jack McBain managed to score for Utah, but the team is now facing a tough stretch with five consecutive losses. Their leading scorer, Clayton Keller, was notably absent as a late scratch. Rookie goalie Jaxson Stauber made a commendable 34 saves in defeat. Despite the loss, Logan Cooley managed to assist on a goal, marking his points in eight of the last nine games and extending his road point streak to eleven games, the longest currently in the NHL.

For the Oilers, McDavid's two assists allowed him to extend his points streak to twelve games, accumulating 23 points during this stretch. This marks the fourteenth time McDavid has had a streak of eleven games or more, with his personal best being seventeen games in 2022. The Oilers took a commanding 3-1 lead with two goals scored just twenty seconds apart early in the second period, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Looking ahead, Utah will face the Calgary Flames on Thursday night, while the Oilers will host the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night, both teams eager to solidify their standings as the season progresses.