In a thrilling overtime showdown, Tim Stutzle found the back of the net just 46 seconds into the extra period, securing a 4-3 victory for the Ottawa Senators against the Chicago Blackhawks. Stutzle's decisive goal came on a deflected shot off his skate after a swift rush into the zone. Captain Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring for Ottawa with his 24th goal of the season, while David Perron and Josh Norris also contributed goals. For Chicago, Ryan Donato scored his 100th career goal and is currently on a scoring streak, marking his fourth goal in three games. Teuvo Teravainen and Craig Smith added to the Blackhawks' tally. Ottawa dominated faceoffs, winning 57.8%, and will face the New York Rangers next, while Chicago prepares to host Utah.

In a striking move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the Florida Panthers have acquired goaltender Vitek Vanecek from the San Jose Sharks, giving them additional depth in net. The Panthers traded 25-year-old forward Patrick Giles to secure Vanecek, who has struggled this season, posting a 3-10-3 record in 18 games. Vanecek joins a goaltending lineup that includes the two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky and Chris Driedger.

The Panthers recently shipped Spencer Knight to Chicago in a deal for defenseman Seth Jones, potentially indicating a shift in strategy as they aim for another deep playoff run. Vanecek's arrival marks his fourth NHL team as he continues to seek a stable role. Meanwhile, the Sharks gain a younger asset in Giles, who has seen limited NHL action but could contribute to their rebuilding efforts.

The Chicago Blackhawks are at a significant crossroads with goaltender Petr Mrazek, as the team's recent acquisitions and player development suggest a shift towards the future. The emergence of Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom as viable options has left Mrazek’s tenure in Chicago precarious. Reports indicate the Blackhawks are actively looking to trade Mrazek before the deadline, but they must navigate the challenge of doing so without salary retention, which complicates matters.

With a cap hit of $4.25 million and a year left on his contract, Mrazek could attract interest from non-playoff teams seeking to strengthen their goaltending for the next season. Despite his respectable .906 save percentage and improved performance last season, the Blackhawks' young and inconsistent roster limits Mrazek's playing time. Trading him before the deadline remains a possibility, but the Blackhawks might find it more feasible to wait until the summer for a more advantageous deal.

The Chicago Blackhawks are in a pivotal moment as they approach the trade deadline, having already engaged in a flurry of activity. With salary cap constraints complicating their options, the team grapples with the challenge of moving players like Petr Mrazek and Alec Martinez. Both players possess hefty contracts that make them difficult to trade, especially given the Blackhawks' current retention of salaries for Jake McCabe, Mikko Rantanen, and Seth Jones.

Mrazek, at $4.25 million AAV through next season, is seen as a 1B or backup goalie, while Martinez's $4 million AAV cap hit is burdensome for a third-pairing defenseman. With playoff contenders typically limited in cap space, the Blackhawks may need to wait until the offseason to effectively move these players, unless injury circumstances arise that create opportunities.

As NHL DFS action heats up on March 5, 2025, key players are positioned to make a significant impact in both GPP and cash-game contests. Goaltender Jordan Binnington (CHI) offers great value at $7.4K on DraftKings, especially against the struggling Los Angeles Kings. Fellow goalie Spencer Knight (CHI) also stands out at $7.2K, providing a dual opportunity for fantasy managers. At center, Ryan Donato (CHI) is noted for his recent scoring streak, boasting 22 goals this season, enhancing his appeal against the Ottawa Senators.

Meanwhile, Connor McMichael (WSH) is a must-pick at wing, capitalizing on a significant pricing discrepancy on DraftKings. Defenseman Philip Broberg (CHI), who showcases solid performance metrics, is another strong addition to lineups. This slate also includes various stacks and optimal plays designed to bolster fantasy success. Analyze matchups and lineup configurations carefully to maximize returns this evening.