NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: March 18, 2026, 7:32 PM ET

NHL Playoff Picture & Player Returns

Pittsburgh faced Carolina on Wednesday with significant playoff implications after Sidney Crosby returned to the lineup following a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics, setting up a high-stakes divisional battle. The Penguins are currently fighting to secure a wild-card spot, making this contest essential for their postseason aspirations, according to current playoff projections. Elsewhere, the Hall of Fame confirmed it would not award Jack Hughes the puck from his gold-medal-winning goal at the Milan Cortina Games, stating the souvenir was not his to own.