NHL Hockey 8-Hour Briefing

Last updated: March 16, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff & Player Narratives

As the regular season winds down, speculation mounts regarding which projected wild card teams might mount an unexpected run this postseason, mirroring past bracket busters. Meanwhile, veteran players still pursuing their first championship are attracting fan focus, with Brent Burns topping the list of "Old Guys Without a Cup" candidates for the 2026 playoffs, setting up compelling storylines irrespective of this year's final outcome.