NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 18, 2026, 11:30 AM ET
NHL Playoff Race Intensifies Amid Injury Concerns
The Eastern Conference playoff picture remains volatile as the Penguins face off against Carolina espn.com midweek, with projections showing Pittsburgh fighting to overtake the Hurricanes for a final spot, while teams like the Sharks see the possibility espn.com of clinching either a wild card berth or the Pacific Division title. Adding significant pressure to Western Conference contenders, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl, who had amassed 97 points in 65 games, is likely to miss the remainder espn.com of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury on Sunday, a massive blow to the Oilers' positioning. Further compounding injury concerns, Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach exited Sunday’s game against the Ducks following a high hit from Jeffrey Viel, leaving the team to assess an upper-body ailment, even as the Capitals moved to bolster their roster by signing prospect Cole Hutson espn.com to a three-year deal after his NCAA season concluded.
Star Player Milestones & Future Planning
In personal achievements, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane scored twice in a 5-2 win espn.com over Calgary to secure sole possession of fourth place on the all-time goals list for NHL players born in the United States, marking a historic moment for the American star. Off the ice, the Blackhawks confirmed their commitment to future talent by agreeing to a three-year entry-level contract espn.com with Sacha Boisvert, widely regarded as one of their premier prospects. Separately, New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes expressed his desire to retrieve his gold-medal-winning overtime puck from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, stating he wants the keepsake back espn.com for personal reasons.
International Hockey & League Structure
Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the future structure of international play, confirming that Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague are set as the three host cities for the return of the World Cup of Hockey in February 2028, though he remained non-committal on whether Russia and its contingent of NHL players would receive an invitation, stating only that time will tell on Russian participation espn.com. Meanwhile, fantasy managers were advised on immediate roster optimization, with the Monday guide suggesting weekly adds such as Blake Coleman and Troy Terry espn.com based on favorable matchups for the upcoming schedule. As the postseason nears, fan interest is also focusing on veteran players seeking their first championship, with Brent Burns leading the list of 'old guys without a Cup' candidates espn.com for whom fans should be rooting in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, though this year's bracket busters remain an unknown quantity in current projections who might make a surprise run espn.com.