NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 8:53 PM ET
NHL Hockey
Playoff Outlook& Key Moves
The NHL's playoff picture remains fluid, with the Boston Bruins-Capitals rivalry dominating Saturday's 14-game slate, as projected by ESPN analysts. Meanwhile, defensive stalwart Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension espn.com for a knee-on-knee hit that ended Auston Matthews' season, significantly altering Toronto's playoff prospects. Forward Ty Dellandrea signed a two-year, $3.25 million extension espn.com with the San Jose Sharks, bolstering their depth ahead of a potential deep run. Colorado Avalanche captain Mark Stone returned from injury espn.com to lead Vegas past Pittsburgh 6-2, demonstrating his pivotal role in the Knights' playoff push.
International Expansion & Financial Updates
The NHL continues its global footprint, with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators scheduled to play two games in Germany espn.com next season as part of the NHL Global Series. This move underscores the league's strategy to expand its international footprint and tap into new markets. In a separate financial development, Tom Dundon sold a portion of the Carolina Hurricanes espn.com to three new minority owners, signaling potential shifts in team ownership dynamics.
Playoff Projections & Fantasy Strategy
Updated projections suggest the Edmonton Oilers face a challenging path to the Stanley Cup, with ESPN analysts outlining their potential postseason matchups. The league's playoff guide offers tips and lineup strategies for fantasy hockey enthusiasts aiming to secure a championship. Notably, the NHL rescinded a game misconduct espn.com against Colorado's Nathan Mac Kinnon, reversing his penalty against the Oilers and potentially impacting the Avalanche's playoff positioning.
Player Transactions & League Updates
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) secured a national TV audience espn.com for its Detroit game, marking a significant step in promoting women's professional hockey. The league also confirmed the Ottawa Senators will not forfeit their 2026 first-round draft pick, resolving a dispute stemming from a canceled 2022 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov.
"NHL playoff watch: Bruins-Capitals espn.com the highlight of a 14-game slate." ESPN NHL. "Gudas gets 5-game ban for knee hit to Matthews." ESPN NHL. "Sharks sign Dellandrea to 2-year, $3.3M extension." ESPN NHL. "Blackhawks, Sens will play 2 games in Germany." ESPN NHL. "Knights get Stone back from injury, top Penguins." ESPN NHL. "Avs' Mac Kinnon: NHL rescinded major penalty." ESPN NHL. "Hurricanes add three new minority stakeholders." ESPN NHL. "PWHL Detroit game set for national TV audience." ESPN NHL. "Playoff guide: Tips, tricks, lineup strategy to win your league." ESPN NHL. "NHL: Senators will not forfeit '26 1st-round pick." ESPN NHL. "NHL playoff watch: Projections for the Oilers' postseason path." ESPN NHL. "Power Rankings: A pickup from each team for the fantasy hockey playoffs."