Daily Faceoff Morning Report — 04/26/22
The Daily Faceoff Morning Report will be released on weekdays, recapping the key news and events from the day before.
We will highlight injuries that will affect today’s games, hot streaks, cold streaks, and anything relevant for everyone from the casual hockey fan to the Fantasy Hockey grinder.
Blackhawks defeat Flyers 3-1
The lone game in the NHL on Monday saw the Chicago Blackhawks top the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1. Jonathan Toews (C) scored two points (1G / 1A) for the Blackhawks to give him six points (1G / 5A) in his last five games. Considering Toews missed the entirety of last season with an injury, he has quietly put together a respectable season. After showing some initial rust after returning and scoring just 20 points (4G / 16A) in his first 46 games, he has racked up 17 points (8G / 9A) in his last 23 outings. In those 23 games, Toews is averaging 0.74 points per game which is on par or better than two of his previous five seasons. Toews will be 34 at the beginning of next season, and it will be interesting to see what kind of production he is capable of when starting a season healthy and not having to play catch up. Alex DeBrincat (LW, RW)’s production, on the other hand, has been anything but quiet. He scored his 41st goal of the season, tying his previous career-high and setting a new career-high in points with 77 (41G / 36A).
4️⃣1️⃣ goals and counting for Alex DeBrincat (@Brinksy97)!
📺: @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/CLqyKVUD2q pic.twitter.com/qfowISLXsd
Kevin Hayes (C) scored the lone goal for the Flyers to give him 22 points (7G / 15A) in 26 games since returning from injury last month. Travis Konecny (RW) assisted on the goal to extend his point streak to six games (3G / 4A / 7PTS). Hayes and Konecny were both mentioned as attractive streaming targets this week in fantasy hockey.
Plenty to be decided on Tuesday
The Dallas Stars host the Vegas Golden Knights in a game that can finally decide which teams are headed to the playoff in the Western Conference. No matchup has held more weight all season. After blowing a two-goal lead late in the third period and losing in a shootout, the Golden Knights will face elimination on Tuesday. If the Dallas Stars can defeat the Golden Knights in regulation, they will officially clinch a playoff spot. Earlier today reports confirmed that Vegas’ goaltender Robin Lehner (G) will indeed undergo season-ending surgery after conflicting reports denying the claim for much of last week.
Scoring lead and the race for 100
The race for first place looks like it will come down to Connor McDavid (C) and Jonathan Huberdeau (LW). At this time of year, it’s not uncommon for players to receive some extra rest before the playoffs, so it will be interesting to see if that could play any part in the final outcome. Also, take note of the final four players on the list as they will be pushing and motivated to reach 100 points for the first time in their careers.