NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 10:42 AM ET
Stanley Cup Playoff Picture
The Edmonton Oilers' postseason path continues to crystallize espn.com as they hold a comfortable lead in the Pacific Division, while the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche emerge as their most likely Western Conference finals opponents. The Stars' 4-1 win over the Oilers on Tuesday has fueled speculation espn.com about a potential conference finals preview, with both teams showing the depth and goaltending to make deep runs. Meanwhile, the Avalanche successfully appealed espn.com Nathan Mac Kinnon's game misconduct from Tuesday's loss to Edmonton, with the league rescinding the penalty after reviewing the goalie interference call that sparked controversy in Colorado.
Injury Updates and Returns
Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone made his triumphant return espn.com Thursday night, notching an assist in a 6-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing five games with an upper-body injury. The timing couldn't be better for Vegas, which is positioning itself as a dark horse contender. In contrast, Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews left Thursday's game espn.com against Anaheim after absorbing a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, with the Leafs calling it a "dirty play" that could have significant implications for Matthews' availability heading into the fantasy hockey playoffs.
Trade Deadline Fallout
The NHL trade deadline's final week produced mixed results espn.com across the league, with the Avalanche emerging as perhaps the biggest winners after adding depth pieces while keeping their core intact. However, questions remain about whether any team can truly be considered "unbeatable" heading into the postseason. The Bruins continued their dominance espn.com at home, winning their 13th straight in Boston as Charlie McAvoy scored the overtime winner and then rushed off for emergency dental work after losing additional teeth in the physical contest against Los Angeles.
League and Business Moves
The NHL upheld Ottawa's draft position espn.com, deciding against stripping the Senators of their 2026 first-round pick despite their involvement in the canceled 2022 trade between Vegas and Anaheim involving Evgenii Dadonov. In Carolina, owner Tom Dundon sold espn.com minority stakes to three new investors, though the Hurricanes' controlling interest remains unchanged. On the business side, the Utah Mammoth locked up star forward espn.com Nick Schmaltz with an eight-year, $64 million extension, avoiding free agency and securing a cornerstone player for the franchise's future.
Women's Hockey Expansion
The Professional Women's Hockey League announced a national television deal espn.com that will bring PWHL games to U.S. audiences, marking a significant step forward for the women's game. The Detroit franchise will host the league's first nationally televised game espn.com, creating a potential showcase opportunity. Meanwhile, the PWHL's Ottawa Charge explores partnership options espn.com with the NHL's Senators as their current home undergoes renovations that would reduce capacity, highlighting the growing synergy between men's and women's professional hockey operations.