NHL.com’s fantasy team continues its daily “NHL Goal Chase” series, where fans attempt to build streaks by selecting one goal-scorer each day. Pete Jensen, Chris Meaney, and Troy Perlowitz have shared their picks for the upcoming games on March 3.
Jensen has chosen Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks for the game against the Montreal Canadiens. Celebrini is currently ranked 15th in NHL goals with 29 and tied for fifth in even-strength goals at 24. At just 19 years old, he holds fifth place in points (83 in 58 games) and eighth in shots on goal (202). During the 2026 Olympics, Celebrini led all players with five goals and was second in points with ten over six games while representing Canada. As the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, he has helped keep San Jose competitive for a playoff spot and is considered a contender for the Hart Trophy. The Sharks have shown significant improvement this season, recording 29 wins in 58 games compared to only 20 wins over last season’s full schedule of 82 games. According to NHL EDGE statistics, Celebrini ranks highly among forwards for hardest shot, average shot speed, midrange goals and shots on goal from various distances. Last season as a rookie against Montreal, he registered two points—one goal and one assist—and eight shots on target across two matchups.
Jensen’s previous pick, Zach Werenski of Columbus Blue Jackets, did not play due to illness; his current streak stands at zero with a season-high streak of three.
Chris Meaney has selected Tage Thompson from the Buffalo Sabres for their game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Thompson ranks second league-wide in five-on-five goals (24) this season and leads since early last season with 57 such goals over 137 games. He tops Buffalo’s charts with 32 goals (tied for eighth overall), as well as leading in points (63) and shots on goal (214). Over his past 32 appearances, Thompson has recorded at least one point in all but five contests; during that span he is tied fourth for total goals (20) and sits eighth in points (41). Recently, he scored ten times across fifteen matches and collected eight points during a seven-game scoring streak. NHL EDGE stats show Thompson leads all forwards with attempts exceeding 90 mph (29), is tied third league-wide for midrange goals (14), and places fifth among forwards for hardest shot this year at nearly 98 mph. He also rates highly among peers in several other shooting categories including high-danger opportunities. The Golden Knights have struggled defensively lately—allowing four or more goals in half their last ten outings—and are seventh-worst by average goals allowed per game since January.
Meaney’s previous selection was Mavrik Bourque of Dallas Stars who did not score; his current streak is zero with a personal best this season of two.
Troy Perlowitz’s choice is Brandon Hagel from Tampa Bay Lightning facing Minnesota Wild. Hagel leads Tampa Bay both in multigoal performances (six) and game-winning tallies while ranking second behind Nikita Kucherov across multiple categories: total goals (28), even-strength markers (24), road scoring output (15), and total shots taken (162). In his latest appearance versus Buffalo Sabres Saturday night he set a personal high with eight shots on net; so far this campaign he’s averaging above three shots per game—a career first if maintained through year-end. Hagel also contributed offensively during Canada’s Olympic run by scoring once over six matches played there. Last year marked career peaks for him: most overall goals scored at both regular strength levels combined.
Currently skating alongside Anthony Cirelli and Jake Guentzel on Tampa’s second line plus serving on their secondary power-play unit alongside Victor Hedman,
Hagel boasts impressive advanced metrics: sixth-best leaguewide combining high-danger/midrange zone finishes
(26); further ranking within top percentiles among forwards
for speed bursts,
high-danger attempts,
and efficiency from multiple ranges according to NHL EDGE data.
Perlowitz’s last pick was William Nylander from Toronto Maple Leafs who found the net once; Perlowitz now holds an active four-game streak—the longest so far this season.
For additional analysis regarding fantasy picks or future betting angles as well as insights into other daily contests within “NHL Game Zone,” readers can find more information directly via related links provided by NHL.com.
