SAT. MARCH 7
Must-start player: Nikolaj Ehlers, F, CAR (at CGY; 10 p.m. ET; CBC, SNW, SNP, FDSNSO)
The Carolina Hurricanes wing has five goals over a current three-game goal streak and nine points (six goals, three assists) in his past seven games. Ehlers, who had four points in his first 10 games with the Hurricanes, has 46 points (20 goals, 26 assists) in his past 52 games. The 30-year-old scored his 20th goal of the season in Friday’s 6-3 win against the Edmonton Oilers to give him nine 20-goal seasons in 11 seasons in the NHL. Ehlers has had at least three shots on goal in six consecutive games. Per NHL EDGE stats, Ehlers ranks highly among forwards in hardest shot (93.63 mph; 95th percentile), average shot speed (63.92; 97th percentile), long-range SOG (28; 98th percentile), long-range goals (two; 96th percentile), midrange SOG (55; 92nd percentile), midrange goals (seven; 89th percentile), 20-plus mph speed bursts (126; 88th percentile), total skating distance (167.74; 87th percentile), offensive zone time percentage (46.9; 97th percentile) and offensive zone starts percentage (42.0; 91st percentile). The Calgary Flames are winless in their last four games and have allowed 15 goals over that span. -- Chris Meaney
Under-the-radar player: Will Cuylle, F, NYR (at NJD; 3 p.m. ET; ABC, SN1, SN)
The New York Rangers wing had his second multigoal game of the season, and third of his career, against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. Cuylle, who is averaging 17:16 of ice time this season (compared to 15:05 per game last season), is a category coverage juggernaut; he is the only NHL player with at least 15 goals (15), 200 hits (213) and 60 blocks (60) this season. Cuylle has scored nine of his 15 goals and has 19 of his 31 points this season on the road. Cuylle could play alongside center Vincent Trocheck, who was not traded prior to Friday's deadline, and continue to see time on the team's top power play with Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox. Per NHL EDGE stats, Cuylle ranks highly among forwards in high-danger shots on goal (51; 89th percentile) and 20-plus mph speed bursts (102; 82nd percentile). -- Troy Perlowitz
Team to watch: Utah Mammoth (at CBJ; 7 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, Utah16)
The Utah Mammoth acquired defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, and he could make his debut at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. Prior to the trade, Utah was already allowing the fifth-fewest goals per game (2.77) and fifth-fewest shots on goal allowed per game (26.0) this season. Goalie Karel Vejmelka quietly leads the NHL in wins (29) this season, and Utah has scored six shorthanded goals (tied for eighth in League). Per NHL EDGE stats, the Mammoth ranked fourth in 20-plus mph speed bursts (1,633) and sixth in 22-plus mph speed bursts (87) prior to the Weegar trade. Weegar ranked in the 92nd percentile of 18-20 mph speed bursts (309) prior to the trade. Backup goalie Vitek Vanecek stopped 33 of 36 shots faced (.917 save percentage) in a 3-2 overtime loss to Columbus on Jan. 11. -- Pete Jensen
---
Read more: Fantasy picks/props
Read more: 'NHL Goal Chase' picks
