NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 4:57 AM ET
NHL Playoffs & Standings
The NHL's playoff race intensified across the league espn.com with 14 games on the schedule, featuring the Bruins-Capitals matchup as a highlight. The Oilers secured a favorable postseason path espn.com in the standings, positioning themselves well for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, early indications suggest a potential Stars-Oilers showdown could preview the conference finals espn.com, adding intrigue to the final weeks of the regular season as teams battle for positioning.
Player News & Suspensions
Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension espn.com for a knee-on-knee hit that ended Auston Matthews' season, raising concerns about player safety. In positive news, Knights captain Mark Stone returned from a five-game absence espn.com with an upper-body injury and immediately impacted the game, contributing to a 6-2 victory over the Penguins. Additionally, the NHL rescinded the major penalty espn.com given to Avalanche's Nathan Mac Kinnon against the Oilers, allowing the star center to avoid further disciplinary action.
Contract & Business News
The Sharks extended Ty Dellandrea's contract espn.com with a two-year, $3.25 million agreement, solidifying their forward lineup for the upcoming seasons. In international expansion, the Blackhawks and Senators will play two games espn.com in Germany next season as part of the NHL's Global Series. The Hurricanes added three minority stakeholders espn.com to their ownership group, while the NHL confirmed the Senators will not forfeit espn.com their 2026 first-round draft pick related to a canceled trade involving Evgenii Dadonov.
Fantasy Hockey & Women's Hockey
With fantasy playoffs approaching, analysts recommended specific pickups espn.com from each team to help managers secure titles in the postseason. Experts shared strategic insights espn.com for lineup optimization and winning strategies in fantasy hockey leagues. In women's hockey, the Professional Women's Hockey League announced a national TV broadcast espn.com for a Detroit game, expanding the league's reach and visibility as it continues to grow its audience.