Last updated: March 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET
Eastern Conference Playoff Race Heats Up
The Penguins star Sidney Crosby is slated to return to the lineup for a critical matchup against the Hurricanes on Wednesday, providing a massive boost to Pittsburgh's playoff push after he missed time following a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics. This contest carries immediate weight as the Penguins attempt to close the gap in the standings, with current playoff projections showing a tight race in the East; however, the Atlantic Division contender faces immediate adversity as Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, who has accumulated 97 points in 65 games, is now expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a Sunday lower-body injury.
Player Milestones & Hall of Fame Requests
While the playoff picture solidifies in the NHL, Team USA hero Jack Hughes is publicly campaigning to retrieve the puck from his gold-medal-winning overtime goal, which is currently being displayed by the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. The immediate focus for teams like the Penguins remains on securing wins, especially as key offensive contributors like Draisaitl face extended absences, making Crosby's immediate impact against Carolina all the more necessary for Pittsburgh's postseason aspirations.