The 2024-25 NHL fantasy hockey season concluded with standout performances from several players, leading to the distribution of prestigious awards. Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets dominated the fantasy landscape, likely clinching the Art Ross Trophy with a significant lead. Meanwhile, Darcy Kuemper's journey from adversity to top performance earned him the Fantasy Hart Trophy. The Fantasy Calder Trophy was awarded to Lane Hutson, who transformed his rookie season into a top-tier performance. Zach Werenski reclaimed the Fantasy Norris Trophy with impressive stats as a defenseman. Mackenzie Blackwood's rise with the Colorado Avalanche secured him the Fantasy Vezina Trophy, showcasing the impact of trades. Rickard Rakell emerged as the comeback player of the year, demonstrating great resilience.

Pittsburgh Penguins' head coach Mike Sullivan recently made a bold decision by starting rookie forwards Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen in a crucial game against the Ottawa Senators. Both players, with minimal NHL experience, have showcased offensive potential in the AHL, prompting Sullivan to give them a chance in key roles.

The real gamble, however, was opting to start goaltender Tristan Jarry for the fourth consecutive game. This comes on the heels of Jarry being pulled from his last two outings after allowing eight goals on just 19 shots. Sullivan's confidence in Jarry reflects the team's shaky performance in the nets and the lack of suitable alternatives in their bottom-six roster.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki's decisive shootout goal propelled the Vancouver Canucks to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night. Pius Suter was a standout, netting two goals, while Thatcher Demko returned with 22 saves in his first start since February. Timo Meier led the Devils with two goals, though they couldn't secure the win despite a late lead.

The shootout showcased a battle of nerves, with Lekkerimaki scoring on his first career attempt, sealing the win after Suter tied the game late in the third. The Canucks' relentless pursuit of a playoff spot in the Western Conference continues, while the Devils maintain their position in the Metropolitan Division.

Key moments included Markstrom's crucial save during overtime and Quinn Hughes leading all players in ice time, emphasizing his value on the defensive end. Both teams will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming games.

JJ Peterka shined with a goal and an assist, securing the decisive goal in the shootout, as the Buffalo Sabres triumphed over the Washington Capitals with a final score of 4-3. Alex Tuch and Tage Thompson also contributed to the Sabres’ victory, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen showcased his skills with 25 saves, crucially stopping three out of four shooters during the shootout, which allowed the Sabres to snap their three-game losing streak.

Peterka initiated the scoring early in the first period, marking his 11th goal of the season just 4:42 into the game. His assist on Thompson’s power-play goal in the second period helped the Sabres regain the lead at 3-2. On the other side, Tom Wilson was a standout for the Capitals, scoring twice, while Aliaksei Protas added a goal and an assist. Charlie Lindgren made 24 saves in goal for Washington.

In another thrilling matchup, the Montreal Canadiens bested the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in overtime, with Nick Suzuki netting a power-play goal just 48 seconds into the extra period. Suzuki’s performance also included two assists. Lane Hutson also had a notable night with a goal and two assists, while Cole Caufield, Kaiden Guhle, and Kirby Dach each contributed to the scoreline. Sam Montembeault made 16 saves as the Canadiens continued their strong run, winning five out of their last six games.

For Vancouver, J.T. Miller stood out with two goals and two assists, adding to the team's struggles as they fell to a record of seven losses in their last nine games. The Canucks welcomed back Captain Quinn Hughes from injury, who marked his return with two assists in his 400th career game.

Nick Suzuki propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks, scoring a power-play goal just 48 seconds into the extra period on Monday night. He also contributed two assists, showcasing his pivotal role in the game. Lane Hutson, another standout for the Canadiens, marked his presence with a goal and two assists, while Cole Caufield, Kaiden Guhle, and Kirby Dach also found the back of the net.

The Canadiens' win marked their fifth victory in six games and their eighth win in the last ten outings, with Sam Montembeault making crucial saves to secure the win.

On the opposing side, J.T. Miller shone for the Canucks with two goals and two assists, but his efforts were overshadowed by the team’s ongoing struggles, having lost seven out of their last nine games. Vancouver's goalie, Kevin Lankinen, faced 24 shots, managing 19 saves.

A notable moment was Quinn Hughes' return after a four-game absence due to injury, where he notched two assists in his 400th career game. Additionally, Jonathan Lekkerimaki impressed with his first career multi-point game after being recalled from the AHL.

The Canadiens quickly bounced back from an early two-goal deficit created by Vancouver, demonstrating resilience by scoring three consecutive goals. Montreal's Hutson set a new franchise record for the fastest defenseman to reach 30 points, achieving the milestone in just 42 games, surpassing Chris Chelios' previous record.