Toronto Maple Leafs' captain Auston Matthews, despite struggling with injuries and production this season, is showing signs of improvement with six points scored in the past week.

The Los Angeles Kings are looking to build on their recent momentum as they aim to defeat the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs, bolstered by the return of Drew Doughty and a scoring surge.

As the NHL regular season nears its conclusion, several teams and players are underperforming and must prove themselves before the playoffs.

The Buffalo Sabres, who are set to miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, need to demonstrate competitive spirit and clarity in their goaltending situation to improve team morale.

This extended playoff drought marks the longest active streak in professional sports, highlighting the challenges faced by the Sabres.

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman is under pressure to finish the season strong after a disappointing performance, especially following his eight-year, $66 million contract.

Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have also had a disappointing season, with key players like Alex Lafreniere and Adam Fox needing to elevate their performance as the season winds down.