JOEL ERIKSSON EK

Goalies are, by far, the most frustrating part of the experience, which is why they're part of the focus of this week's Trade Targets column. The big boon from playing with Kaprizov will come on the power play, anyway, and this is where Eriksson Ek has some hidden fantasy value because he's the pivot on Minnesota's top unit. Trade AwayDevon Toews, D, Avalanche (93% rostered)Toews is one of those players who's excellent in real life but not so much in fantasy. Coming into the season as a potential top-five goalie, Demko has been one of the most disappointing fantasy players this season. Demko's fantasy value may be at its lowest, but there's a ton of name recognition and he could still net a top-line forward or defenseman in a swap.

He's also performed well since Oct. 30 with eight points, 31 shots and 17 hits in 11 games while averaging 19:05. Phillip Danault, LA (Yahoo: 34%)In his first year with the Kings, Danault managed 27 goals and 24 assists supplemented by 194 shots, 74 hits and 49 blocks. And it's almost like he never missed five weeks, skating 19-plus minutes in both outings and contributing a goal with 11 shots. His numbers of late haven't been too encouraging, with just an assist, 11 shots, nine hits and eight blocks from the last two weeks. But as is a common theme in this column, the promise of a legitimate blueline power-play role — especially in deeper leagues — qualifies Ekholm as a recommendation.

Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and an assist for the Blues, who host Game 3 in St. Louis on Friday night. In between Kaprizov’s scores, Eriksson Ek thought he had a hat trick himself. Eriksson Ek broke Husso's scoreless streak at 69:33 when he scored on Minnesota's first on-target shot. After Justin Faulk was called for high-sticking, Husso left a juicy rebound of Jonas Brodin's slap shot out front that Gaudreau knocked in. Then, just 51 seconds into the second period, Eriksson Ek gave the Wild a 4-0 lead.

Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick and Joel Eriksson Ek scored twice for the Minnesota Wild, who snapped back at the St. Louis Blues with a 6-2 victory to even their first-round playoff series at one game apiece.

The Penguins won 4-3 in overtime with a goal by Malkin. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) (Jim Mone)Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has been suspended four games for cross-checking Nashville’s Mark Borowiecki in the face. The NHL's department of player safety announced the suspension Monday after holding a hearing with Malkin about the play. It was a physical game, especially at the net fronts in those areas where that took place. Malkin missed the first 34 games of the season rehabbing from knee surgery.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has been suspended four games for cross-checking Nashville's Mark Borowiecki in the face.

The Minnesota Wild are preparing to play in the NHL's Winter Classic for the first time.

Jordan Greenway scored twice and the Minnesota Wild beat the San Jose Sharks 5-2 for their eighth straight win.

Wild Golden Knights Hockey Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) defends against Vegas Golden Knights right wing Ryan Reaves (75) during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker) (David Becker)DENVER — (AP) — Vegas forward Ryan Reaves was suspended two games by the NHL on Monday for his roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct on Colorado's Ryan Graves during the Golden Knights' 7-1 loss in Game 1 of their second-round series Sunday. The league also noted Reaves' actions — the roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct — were "retaliation" for an earlier hit by Graves on Mattias Janmark. “Reaves and the Golden Knights acknowledged that, angered by the earlier hit, he takes this opportunity to send a message to Graves as payback,” the league said in the video. The Golden Knights had one day off following a grueling first-round series with Minnesota.

Vegas forward Ryan Reaves was suspended two games by the NHL for his roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct on Colorado’s Ryan Graves during the Golden Knights’ 7-1 loss in Game 1 of their second-round series Sunday.

Mattias Janmark notched his first career hat trick as the Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Minnesota Wild with a 6-2 win in Game 7 of their opening-round series.

Cam Talbot, who made 42 saves in his overtime shutout in Game 1, was way too busy in the net. The Golden Knights had a staggering 36-9 shots advantage after the first period. The Wild produced the strong start they promised, taking the lead just 2:16 into the game on one of the prettiest passes of the playoffs. Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer challenged that Wild were offside on the play, though, and the replay review confirmed it. SO MUCH FOR A DAY OFFThe Golden Knights were informed Wednesday they had nine positive tests for COVID-19, forcing them to delay their flight to Minnesota and scramble those affected into quarantine.

Reilly Smith capped a three-goal second-period surge by the Vegas Golden Knights with the go-ahead score in a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.

Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has stopped 63 of 65 shots from the Minnesota Wild over the first two games of their West Division playoff series.

LAS VEGAS — (AP) — Joel Eriksson Ek’s goal at 3:20 of overtime lifted the Minnesota Wild past the Vegas Golden Knights 1-0 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday. Wild goaltender Cam Talbot stopped all 42 shots he faced. Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury, the first goalie in NHL history to play in 15 consecutive postseasons, made 29 saves. After Vegas defenseman Alex Pietrangelo failed to clear the puck, Eriksson Ek was in the slot to send a shot that went off the skate of Golden Knights defender Alec Martinez and past Fleury. Talbot got some help from his skaters, too, as they registered 11 blocked shots to help keep the game scoreless.

Joel Eriksson Ek’s goal at 3:20 of overtime lifted the Minnesota Wild past the Vegas Golden Knights 1-0 in Game 1 of their first-round series.