With Saturday's 3-1 defeat of the New York Rangers, the Senators climbed to 98 points and clinched the second seed in the Atlantic Division.
The Senators' playoff opponent is not yet determined as the final seed in the Atlantic is still up for grabs, with the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs both in contention.
The Senators will close out the regular season Sunday against the New York Islanders.
Bickell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on Nov. 11, 2016. He battled back from the disease to play 10 games in the AHL this season, followed by a recent two-game stint back up with the big club in Carolina, where he was overcome with emotion during a postgame interview.
The 31-year-old proved to be an invaluable role player during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cups. He scored a career-high 17 goals in 2010-11.
Bickell will most likely be remembered by Blackhawks fans for stepping up his play in the postseason. In 75 career playoff games he tallied 20 goals and 19 assists, including a 17-point effort during Chicago's 2013 run.
The 40-year-old Doan had a career renaissance last season, potting 28 goals, making it an easy decision for him to return for 2016-17. But he hasn't been as successful this season, tallying just six goals and 20 assists, all while battling a nagging groin injury in recent weeks.
That struggle has made it more difficult for Doan to decide whether to call it a career.
"I really don't know," Doan told Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports. "I truly wish I did. It would make everything so much easier to be able to give a definitive answer. There's a chance I come back and play; there's a chance I don't.
"It's amazing how quickly you go from thinking you have lots of time to realizing you have no time. This whole year, you wish you had a do-over on, but you don't get them so you want to make sure you finish them off the right way."
Doan's leadership in the locker room is where the Coyotes captain has been as valuable as ever. He is the guiding light on a team featuring a crop of young players, from last year's rookies Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, to the new fresh faces in Christian Dvorak, Jakob Chychrun, Lawson Crouse, and Brendan Perlini, among others.
Coyotes coach Dave Tippett told reporters that Doan's value is more than what he provides on the ice, noting his leadership, personality, and commitment to the organization.
"All those things rub off, especially when you have as many young players as we have. It's great that they all get a little bit of a taste of that from him," Tippett said. "Shane is more than willing to help out in those things. There is sometimes when guys get a little older, they tend to back away from a lot of the young players. Shane is engaged with the young players all the time."
Now with 20 seasons under his belt in the desert, Doan has become the face of the game in the southwest, beloved for his dedication to the organization, having stuck with the club through its lean years. Through it all, he's made his mark on the franchise and etched his name across the record books, holding eight individual team-high marks:
Record
Shane Doan
Runner Up
Games
1539
Teppo Numminen - 1098
Goals
402
Dale Hawerchuk - 379
Assists
569
Thomas Steen - 553
Points
971
Dale Hawerchuk - 929
Powerplay Goals
128
Dale Hawerchuk - 122
Even-strength Goals
268
Dale Hawerchuk - 245
Game-winning Goals
69
Keith Tkachuk - 40
Shots
3942
Dale Hawerchuk - 2494
The Coyotes captain is also one of just six players to play more than 1,500 games with one franchise, an accomplishment that puts him in a category with Steve Yzerman, Ray Bourque, Alex Delvecchio, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Gordie Howe.
Named captain of the Coyotes in 2003, the most memorable season came nine years later, as Doan and the Coyotes eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators to advance to the Conference Finals. The series win over the Blackhawks was the franchise's first playoff series victory in 25 seasons.
Whatever his decision, Doan will still be lacing up the skates somewhere, telling Ben Kuzma of The Province, "The day I retire, I'll be playing in a men's league somewhere because I love the game."
The Penguins have already locked up the second seed in the Metropolitan Division, so the possibility existed the team could rest some players in preparation for the postseason.
Evgeni Malkin, who has missed the last 11 games with a shoulder injury and is close to returning, will not play Saturday. Marc-Andre Fleury gets the start in goal for the Penguins.
The Maple Leafs are battling the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders for the final wild-card seed in the East. Two points in its final two games guarantees a playoff spot for Toronto.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for the 11-game main slate on Saturday, April 8 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockeyand apply to 5v5 situations):
Dynamic Duos
C Tyler Seguin (94K) and LW Jamie Benn (88K), Stars (vs. Avalanche): Yet another disappointing season draws to a close for the Stars, who will look to take out the frustration of missing the playoffs out on the visiting Avalanche. Seguin and Benn carry plenty of risk given their sky-high salaries, but Colorado is the worst team in the NHL by a considerable margin. Look for the Dallas duo to do significant damage.
C Sidney Crosby (73K) and LW Conor Sheary (42K), Penguins (at Maple Leafs): When you can get Crosby for less than 75K, you do it, no matter what. The franchise center has 54 points in 36 career points against the Maple Leafs, and is a near-cinch to add to that total with the Penguins' offense humming in the final week of the regular season. Sheary is significantly underpriced as Crosby's primary left winger.
LW Henrik Zetterberg (66K) and RW Gustav Nyqvist (63K), Red Wings (vs. Canadiens): With Montreal having clinched top spot in the Atlantic Division, the Canadiens are rolling with unheralded netminder Charlie Lindgren in their regular-season finale. The Red Wings are shuttering Joe Louis Arena after this weekend, and will look to give their fans a few extra positive memories. Zetterberg and Nyquist are pricey, but safe.
Goalie Breakdown
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
TARGET - Jaroslav Halak (106K), Islanders (at Devils): The Islanders remain alive in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, albeit by the slimmest of margins. Halak is coming off a 29-save shutout of the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, and has surrendered two or fewer goals in each of his past five games. Given the magnitude of the game, you should expect the best of Halak on Saturday.
BARGAIN - Connor Hellebyuck (91K), Jets (vs. Predators): This might not seem like much of a bargain, but with 15 goaltenders carrying higher salaries, Hellebuyck is actually reasonably priced Saturday. The 23-year-old has won four of his last five decisions and stopped 29 of 31 shots against Ottawa last time out. The Predators scored five goals on him in mid-March, but at the very least he's a solid candidate for 30+ saves.
FADE - Frederik Andersen (124K), Maple Leafs (vs. Penguins): If the Maple Leafs are to end their lengthy playoff drought with a victory over Pittsburgh, they'll likely have to score a bunch of goals to do it. Andersen has allowed four goals in two of his last three starts, and has faced 83 shots in two meetings with the Penguins this season. At this price, he's the easiest fade recommendation of the night.
CONTRARIAN - Charlie Lindgren (75K), Canadiens (at Red Wings): It's unlikely most daily fantasy players will anchor their lineups with a netminder who has played just one game this season. But Lindgren was sensational in his only NHL action, turning aside 32 of 33 shots in a win over Florida on Monday. Detroit has struggled to produce offense this season, which puts Lindgren in decent position to return value.
Bargain Plays
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
C Mikko Koivu (38K), Wild (at Coyotes): Koivu represents tremendous value here, but there's a caveat: The veteran center was given the night off Thursday, so make sure he is reinserted into the lineup before locking him in. If he does return, he has a plus matchup against a Coyotes team that has struggled to prevent goals all season. Koivu has a pair of assists in two meetings with Phoenix in 2016-17.
RW Brock Boeser (27K), Canucks (vs. Oilers): Boeser has made a nice early impression on Canucks fans, scoring three goals and adding an assist over his first seven NHL games. He has a plum spot on the second line alongside Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi, and also sees time on the first power-play unit. You won't find a player in a better position at this price, so roster him if you're looking to spend up at other spots.
D Jason Demers (25K), Panthers (vs. Sabres): Most daily fantasy players either spend up for a top blue-line option, or look for the biggest discount they can get. Demers fits the latter bill, as he sees first-pairing minutes alongside Keith Yandle and is also a part of the second power-play unit. He has a good matchup against visiting Buffalo, and the savings will allow you to roster some heavy hitters.
Top Fades
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
C Vincent Trocheck (66K), Panthers (vs. Sabres): There's no good reason to roster a struggling Trocheck, who comes into this one having recorded just four point over his last 12 games. His other stats haven't been that good, either; he's a minus-6 through three games this month and has just eight shots over that span. On a slate this large, you have plenty of superior options at center.
RW Jordan Eberle (59K), Oilers (at Canucks): A number of Oilers players are enjoying sensational seasons - but for some reason, Eberle isn't one of them. Eberle is headed for a career low in ice time per game, and his point total reflects Edmonton's reduced reliance on him. And while he's far more successful on the road than at home, at this salary, you simply can't trust him to produce.
D Tyson Barrie (43K), Avalanche (at Stars): Barrie's struggles reflect the Avalanche's season-long doldrums; he has just one goal and 17 assists with an astonishing minus-42 rating in 58 losses this season. With the Stars heavily favored in this one, Barrie is likely headed for yet another disappointing performance. His salary won't necessarily break your team, but you can do much better at his price point.
Contrarian Options
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
C Mitchell Marner (52K), Maple Leafs (vs. Penguins): Choosing just one Toronto center is often the toughest decision Squad Up players have to make. Auston Matthews is the obvious choice most nights, but Marner represents a strong pivot. He has points in four of his last five games and sees enough high-leverage ice time to be a fantasy threat. This game could be a high-scoring affair, increasing his value further.
LW Jaden Schwartz (66K), Blues (at Hurricanes): Schwartz will likely be passed over by the majority of Squad Up competitors Saturday given his low fantasy points-per-game average relative to his salary. But he is coming off an impressive three-point showing against Florida and is prominently featured on the No. 1 line alongside Ivan Barbashev and Vladimir Tarasenko. He's worth a shot against lowly Carolina.
RW Phil Kessel (57K), Penguins (at Maple Leafs): With just one goal over his last 24 games, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to roster Kessel over more consistent wing options. But a return to Toronto might be just the thing to invigorate him, and with this game serving as a potential goal-fest, Kessel should see plenty of scoring chances. He's the ultimate contrarian option Saturday.
Despite the team's struggles this season, Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill doesn't plan on going through a rebuild with his team anytime soon.
"Is it a major rebuild? No. I guess that is the bright light in all this. We've got a lot of major pieces here, and we're going to get this back together. It's going to be a quick turnaround," Nill said during an interview with Bruce LeVine and Owen Newkirk of The Ticket.
After finishing with 109 points in 2015-16 - the second-highest total in the NHL - the Stars have regressed significantly in 2016-17, as they stand only 77 points with just one game remaining in the regular season.
The fall of the Stars has been quite shocking, considering the only major departure from the club in the offseason was winger Valeri Nichushkin, who left for CSKA Moscow of the KHL.
The rest of the team has remained relatively the same, though injuries were a major factor in lack of lineup continuity.
The oft-injured Jason Spezza missed some time. So too did fellow veterans Patrick Sharp and Ales Hemsky. Even when this trio was healthy, their production fell off a steep cliff compared to last season.
Sharp and Hemsky are both unrestricted free agents following the season and likely won't be back. The departure of these two veterans will free up $9.9 million in cap space.
Superstars Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin still had stellar campaigns, but they were unable to carry to the team like they did at times in 2015-16.
Yet, perhaps the major reason the Stars took a step back this year was their goaltending. Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi have combined for an .894 save percentage - the second-worst in the NHL.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
The Stars were able to hide this glaring weakness last season thanks to a league-best offense and the third-highest 5v5 Corsi For percentage, per Corsica.Hockey. This season, though, they have ranked in the middle of the pack in both goals for and CF percentage.
"You have to have good goaltending in this league. If you don't have good goaltending, you are not winning," said Nill. "The goaltending has to take their share of the blame. But it is the play of the team that hasn't helped them out. It's a family affair."
Unfortunately, both Lehtonen and Niemi are each under contract for one more season. The tandem has a combined cap hit of $10.4 million in 2017-18.
Nill could turn to a free-agent goaltender such as Ben Bishop, Ryan Miller, or Brian Elliott to solve his team's issues in the crease, but all three will likely cost a pretty penny.
Nill will have to find a way to ditch one of Lehtonen or Niemi, or, ideally, both. That won't be easy.
He could try to convince Golden Knights GM George McPhee to take on one of their salaries while also sending a prospect to Vegas as compensation. The other option would be buy out one goaltender.
Regardless, Dallas won't be going far with its current tandem between the pipes.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Despite the foggy forecast in net, there is still plenty of hope for the Stars. Seguin is just 25 years old and Benn is only 27. There is still a large window to win while these two are still in their prime.
In fact, the injuries and poor play this season have forced the Stars to see what they have in some younger players, which could be beneficial down the road.
"Our young guys have been good. You have to give them credit," said Nill, speaking of players such as LW Remi Elie, D Julius Honka, and C Jason Dickinson, who are all just 21. "They have been competing hard, and they have been probably the bright light in what isn't a very bright situation right now."
Though a "retooling" almost never works, it might be possible for Nill and the Stars given the dynamic duo of Benn and Seguin and the influx of young talent on the way.
There are still holes to fill all through the roster, but the departures of Hemsky and Sharp will leave Nill with some money to play with this coming offseason. How he intends to spend it is up to him.
Dadonov tallied a modest 10 goals and 10 assists in 55 games with the Florida Panthers from 2010-2012, but had 30 goals and 66 points in 53 games this year in the KHL. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Vegas Golden Knights were "checking out" both Dadonov and teammate Vadim Shipachyov.
In other highlight-reel news regarding the KHL finals, Patrik Hersley of SKA St. Petersburg blasted a puck through the net. Either the meshes in the KHL aren't as strong compared to the NHL, or Hersley can absolutely wire the puck.
SKA St. Petersburg went on to win Game 1 of the Gagarin Cup Final by a score of 5-4.
The club announced that it has recalled defenseman Mikhail Sergachev on an emergency basis from the OHL's Windsor Spitfires.
The Canadiens drafted Sergachev with the ninth overall pick last year. He began the season with Montreal, appearing in three games before being returned to junior.
Sergachev recorded 43 points in 50 games with the Spitfires this season.
The Canadiens currently have a banged up blue line, with defensemen Shea Weber, Alexei Emelin, and Jordie Benn all dealing with day-to-day ailments.
