Oliver Kapanen continues to show glimpses of his talent and seems to be leaving his March slump in the rearview. In a recent matchup, Kapanen recorded a goal and an assist in the Montreal Canadiens’ decisive 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators, marking a significant turnaround for the player.

This performance was particularly noteworthy as Kapanen was one of three players on the Canadiens to achieve both a goal and an assist during the game. Prior to this, he had struggled, managing only two points—both goals—in nine contests since the beginning of the month until March 19. His recent resurgence, with three points over his last four outings, suggests he may be regaining his form.

As of now, Kapanen has accumulated 35 points in 71 games this season, a statistic that reflects both his potential and the challenges he has faced. Despite his top-six role within the team, observers note that Kapanen remains a low-end fantasy asset, indicating that while he has talent, consistency has been a concern.

Fans and analysts alike are keen to see if Kapanen can maintain this upward trajectory. His ability to contribute significantly to the team’s performance could be crucial as the season progresses. The Canadiens’ coaching staff will likely monitor his development closely, hoping that this recent success can translate into sustained performance.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Kapanen’s form impacts the Canadiens’ playoff aspirations. With the team needing every point they can muster, Kapanen’s contributions will be vital in the coming games. Observers are optimistic that if he continues to build on this momentum, he could become a key player for the Canadiens as they push towards the postseason.

The post Oliver Kapanen Shines in Canadiens’ 4-1 Victory appeared first on News Canada.

Mathieu Olivier is quietly becoming a significant asset for the Columbus Blue Jackets, showcasing his potential as an under-the-radar player in the NHL. With an average annual value (AAV) of just $3 million, he presents a cost-effective option for fantasy managers looking for value in a challenging season.

In recent games, Olivier has demonstrated his offensive capabilities, scoring eight points in his last ten outings. This performance is particularly noteworthy given that he is currently rostered in only 25% of Fantrax leagues, suggesting that many fantasy players may be overlooking his contributions.

Olivier plays as a center/right wing, averaging 14:25 of ice time per game, which indicates that he is receiving a fair amount of responsibility on the ice. His role on an active Columbus depth line allows him to capitalize on opportunities that may arise during games, making him a player to watch as the season progresses.

Finding forward help can feel impossible at this point in the season, but Olivier’s recent form suggests he could be a solution for teams in need of depth scoring. His ability to produce points while maintaining a low profile in fantasy leagues makes him an intriguing option for savvy managers.

As the Columbus Blue Jackets continue to navigate the season, Olivier’s performance will be critical in determining his future role within the team. If he can maintain his scoring pace, it may not be long before he garners more attention from both fans and fantasy players alike.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in his role or performance expectations, but the current trajectory suggests that Mathieu Olivier is a name worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks.

The post Mathieu Olivier: The Under-the-Radar Asset for Columbus Blue Jackets appeared first on News Canada.