Fantasy Hockey Injury Updates: Evgeni Malkin and Trent Frederic Return, Jamie Benn Still Out, Plus Alex Ovechkin Ties Record

Today, we will discuss a few injury updates, which are critical leading to the end of fantasy league playoffs. Every roster move could now make or break your entire season, so it is crucial to stay on top of players missing even one game, and to have a replacement for them or swapping them out with another player. It is truly crunch time for fantasy hockey. 

We also cover some of the biggest news in the NHL, which is of course the goal scoring record. There are now two players who share this record, and we will break down this thrilling moment. 

Let's get right into it!

Evgeni Malkin Injury Update

Geno finally returned for the Penguins in today's game vs. the Dallas Stars, where he scored an assist.

Geno missed four games with an upper body injury, and was on a hot streak before being absent from the ice, even scoring and playing over 20 minutes in his last game played. It's over for the Penguins' hope of a playoff berth, but this is huge for Malkin owners in fantasy going into the finals next week.

Malkin is a driving force on the Penguins, getting top six minutes, and top unit powerplay time along with Sidney Crosby. His elite deployment and lethal scoring ability make him a must play for your final round.

Malkin has 15 goals, 32 assists, and 14 powerplay points as a forward in 62 games played. He also has 108 shots on goal, 29 hits, and 47 blocked shots.

Jamie Benn Injury Update

The Stars' captain is still out, and missed a second consecutive game against the Penguins on Saturday. While considered not serious, and having already clinched a playoff spot, it could be likely that the Stars are not taking chances with their veteran captain and giving him some rest before postseason.

That's good news for the Stars, bad news for Benn owners, especially given the timing of this absence. It's nothing new that teams are resting stars before the playoffs as necessary, and as a precaution, which does make it quite difficult for those fantasy leagues who see their playoffs end in the final days and games of the regular season.

Benn has 16 goals, 29 assists, and eight powerplay points as a forward in 74 game played. He also has 120 shots on goal, 101 hits, and 44 blocked shots.

Trent Frederic Injury Update

That wasn't a typo. Let's remember that Frederic was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline, but hasn't suited up in his new sweater yet. Today, he was activated off of IR and is scheduled to return from his lower body injury. Frederic has missed 18 games, and is poised to make a physical impact on the Oilers roster in a bottom six role.

Frederic is a typical Bruin, including his physical style of play and grinder mentality. He will be a welcome addition to the Oilers who desperately need some sandpaper on their roster to protect the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who will be missing Saturday's game with a potential reaggravation to his previous injury. Obviously, this is also not good for the Oilers, or Draisaitl owners. More on this as information is available.

Frederic has eight goals, seven assists, and 44 penalty minutes as a forward in 57 games played. He also has 76 shots on goal, 153 hits, and 29 blocked shots.

A Record Shared

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored twice against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday in a historical night. He now sits tied with Wayne Gretzky for the goal scoring record at 894 goals. Wayne was in attendance, along with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to watch history unfold. Ovi now only needs one more goal to break the record, which could come as soon as Sunday's tilt against the New York Islanders.

The entire lineup for the Blackhawks remained on the ice after the game to shake hands and show respect for the great eight, after he was done celebrating with his own team. Ovi was seen skating to his family in attendance and giving them high fives through the glass. A wonderful show of respect from the Blackhawks, who were a part of history in Washington. 

Loud chants from the crowd of; “OVI! OVI! OVI!” drowned out the announcers until Ovi led his team off the ice and into the locker room to continue the celebration. All eyes will be on Ovi on Sunday, as it is likely he will break the record, or have 10 shots on goal trying to break it at any cost.

One respectable note as an outcome of this, was Ovi explaining to reporters postgame that he did not want the record breaking goal to be an empty netter. He wants his final goal of this goal scoring record chase to beat a goalie in net. Respect, Ovi, however breaking the record on an empty net scoring a hat trick would have been pretty cool, too, in my opinion.

Ovi has 41 goals, 27 assists, and 19 powerplay points as a forward in 60 games played. He also has 220 shots on goal, 102 hits, and 11 blocked shots.