NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 9:47 AM ET
NHL Playoff Race Intensifies
The Anaheim Ducks pushed toward Pacific Division contention espn.com after a crucial weekend performance, while the Edmonton Oilers solidified their postseason positioning espn.com in a tight Western Conference race. With 14 games scheduled across the league Saturday, the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals delivered the marquee matchup espn.com as teams jockey for playoff positioning. The Ducks' late-season surge has them within striking distance of the division title, while the Oilers continue to build momentum with their core group of young stars.
League Discipline Decisions
The NHL Department of Player Safety handed Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas espn.com a five-game suspension for a knee-on-knee hit that ended Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews' season. Meanwhile, Avalanche superstar Nathan Mac Kinnon had his game misconduct rescinded espn.com following an incident against the Oilers, providing relief to Colorado as they push for playoff positioning. The league continues to emphasize player safety through consistent disciplinary measures.
Team Transactions and Business News
The San Jose Sharks secured Ty Dellandrea with a 2-year, $3.3M extension espn.com, adding depth to their forward core for next season. In international hockey news, the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators will play two games in Germany espn.com as part of the NHL's Global Series expansion. The Hurricanes welcomed three new minority stakeholders espn.com, strengthening ownership as they continue their successful run, while the NHL confirmed the Senators will not forfeit espn.com their 2026 first-round pick related to a 2022 trade dispute.
Player Returns and Fantasy Strategy
Golden Knights captain Mark Stone returned from a five-game absence espn.com with an upper-body injury and immediately impacted the game, recording two assists in a 6-2 victory over the Penguins. As the NHL regular season winds down, fantasy hockey enthusiasts sought strategic advice espn.com for their playoff runs, with analysts recommending specific pickups based on current player performance trends. Meanwhile, the Professional Women's Hockey League gained national exposure espn.com as PWHL Detroit announced its game would be broadcast on national television, marking a significant milestone for the women's game.