This week in the NHL saw a significant number of injury updates that could greatly impact fantasy lineups as teams near the end of the regular season. The Buffalo Sabres are grappling with key absences as Josh Norris missed a game due to a mid-body injury, while Sam Lafferty was absent from practice. The Calgary Flames also faced setbacks with Mikael Backlund sidelined, while MacKenzie Weegar and Joel Farabee made their returns.

The Chicago Blackhawks are particularly hit hard, as Jason Dickinson is out for the season with a wrist injury, and Alec Martinez is day-to-day. In Detroit, the Red Wings are monitoring Elmer Soderblom, who will miss the upcoming game after re-aggravating an injury. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings’ Tanner Jeannot exited a game with an undisclosed injury, and Alex Turcotte is day-to-day.

Other notable mentions include the St. Louis Blues’ Colton Parayko, who is skating but not ready to return, and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Erik Cernak, who also suffered an injury. The Vegas Golden Knights are managing Tomas Hertl's absence on a road trip, while Alex Pietrangelo is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. With the regular season winding down, these injuries could significantly affect playoff aspirations and fantasy rosters alike.

Tomas Hertl of the Vegas Golden Knights, who has been pivotal for the team with 31 goals this season, will miss a crucial three-game road trip due to an injury sustained during the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This injury was confirmed by general manager Kelly McCrimmon, who stated that tests are being conducted to evaluate the extent of the damage. Hertl's recent performance included a hat trick against the Detroit Red Wings and has contributed significantly to the team's effort to clinch the Pacific Division title. The Golden Knights currently hold a solid five-point lead over the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.

The injury resulted from a hit by defenseman Emil Lilleberg, which sparked concerns over player safety in the league. Head coach Bruce Cassidy described it as a senseless hit, especially given Hertl's defenseless position at the time. The Golden Knights hope to maintain their winning streak amid this setback as they head into games against the Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks, and Nashville Predators.

The Detroit Red Wings suffered a disappointing 6-3 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights, marking their ninth loss in regulation out of the last eleven games. Despite a strong performance from Patrick Kane, who recorded a goal and two assists, the Red Wings struggled defensively, allowing multiple goals during critical moments. Lucas Raymond opened the scoring for Detroit with a power play goal, but the team could not maintain momentum against a relentless Golden Knights offense.

With only 13 games remaining in the season, their playoff aspirations are dwindling rapidly. The Red Wings now find themselves five points behind the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The upcoming schedule includes tough matchups against the Utah Hockey Club and Colorado Avalanche, adding pressure to turn their fortunes around quickly.

The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a tough challenge against the Vegas Golden Knights, suffering a 5-2 defeat that ended their four-game road winning streak. The Leafs struggled defensively, allowing multiple odd-man rushes and three goals in the first period alone. Head coach Craig Berube expressed concern about the team’s transition game, which was exploited by Vegas. Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll was pulled after allowing three goals, with backup Anthony Stolarz taking over. Despite goals from Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the lack of defensive support proved costly.

Matthew Knies sought redemption in a pre-game fight with Zach Whitecloud, following a previous injury caused by Whitecloud. Matthews broke a goal drought, scoring his 23rd goal of the season, which could boost his confidence as he navigates a challenging year. The Leafs currently sit tightly contested at the top of the Atlantic Division alongside the Florida Panthers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a tough challenge against the Vegas Golden Knights, suffering a 5-2 defeat that ended their four-game road winning streak. The Leafs struggled defensively, allowing multiple odd-man rushes and three goals in the first period alone. Head coach Craig Berube expressed concern about the team’s transition game, which was exploited by Vegas. Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll was pulled after allowing three goals, with backup Anthony Stolarz taking over. Despite goals from Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the lack of defensive support proved costly.

Matthew Knies sought redemption in a pre-game fight with Zach Whitecloud, following a previous injury caused by Whitecloud. Matthews broke a goal drought, scoring his 23rd goal of the season, which could boost his confidence as he navigates a challenging year. The Leafs currently sit tightly contested at the top of the Atlantic Division alongside the Florida Panthers.