Bedard’s Resurgence with the Blackhawks
The return of [Bedard] to the Chicago Blackhawks lineup has been a game-changer, showcasing his talent and impact on the ice. Since coming back from a fractured jaw suffered on Jan. 5, the 18-year-old center has already made his presence known with one goal and two assists. Leading NHL rookies with 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) and the Blackhawks with 127 shots on goal, [Bedard] has been a key player despite his six-week absence. The Hurricanes (32-17-5), the Blackhawks’ opponents at PNC Arena (7 p.m. ET; BSSO, NBCSCH), are on a hot streak, winning four of their last five games and currently sitting second in the Metropolitan Division. [Player]’s impressive record of 417 points in 796 games ranks him sixth in Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers history. — Tracey Myers, staff writer
Lightning Regroup After Tough Loss
Following a humbling 9-2 defeat to the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to bounce back as they face the Ottawa Senators at Amalie Arena (7 p.m. ET; BSSUN, NHLN, SN, TVAS). The Lightning’s three-game home winning streak came to an abrupt end, causing them to slide from third place in the Atlantic Division to a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 30-21-5, the Lightning are determined to regain their momentum after going 6-4-0 in their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Senators (22-27-2) are struggling to make a playoff push, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by 16 points for the second wild card spot. The upcoming matchups against the Lightning and the Panthers will test the Senators’ resilience as they fight for a postseason berth. — Jon Lane, staff writer
Kane’s Point Streak Continues for Red Wings
[Player] is on fire for the Detroit Red Wings (28-20-6) as they prepare to face the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena (3:30 p.m. ET; ESPN). With a goal and an assist in a recent victory over the Calgary Flames, Kane has extended his point streak to four games, tallying two goals and four assists since returning from a lower-body injury on Feb. 10. The 35-year-old forward is on the verge of reaching a significant milestone, needing just one assist to join an elite group of United States-born players with 800 assists in their NHL careers. The Kraken (23-21-10) are aiming to build on their recent road success, coming off a 4-1 win against the Boston Bruins. — Mike G. Morreale, senior draft writer
Monday Matchups:
Anaheim Ducks at Buffalo Sabres (12:30 p.m. ET; BSSD, BSSC, MSG-B)
Dallas Stars at Boston Bruins (1 p.m. ET; BSSW, NESN, SNW, SNE, SN1, SN360)
Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Louis Blues (1 p.m. ET; ESPN, SNO)
Vancouver Canucks at Minnesota Wild (2 p.m. ET; BSWI, BSN, SNP)
Detroit Red Wings at Seattle Kraken (3:30 p.m. ET; ESPN)
Edmonton Oilers at Arizona Coyotes (4 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, SNO, SNE, SN1, TVAS)
Winnipeg Jets at Calgary Flames (4 p.m. ET; SNW, TSN3)
Vegas Golden Knights at San Jose Sharks (4 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, NBCSCA)
Chicago Blackhawks at Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m. ET; BSSO, NBCSCH)
Ottawa Senators at Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m. ET; BSSUN, NHLN, SN, TVAS)
These matchups promise an exciting day of NHL action, with teams battling for crucial points as the season progresses.