NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 6:57 AM ET
NHL Hockey
Suspensions & Playoff Projections
The NHL handed down a significant penalty as defenseman Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension for a knee-on-knee hit to Auston Matthews, ending the Toronto Maple Leafs star's season and drawing a swift response from the Department of Player Safety. This decision, detailed in ESPN's report, underscores heightened scrutiny on dangerous hits targeting the head/neck area. Meanwhile, Edmonton's playoff path remains a focal point, with projections indicating the Oilers face a challenging Western Conference gauntlet if they secure a top-four seed, potentially requiring a deep run through the Central Division rivals and Colorado before a potential Stanley Cup Final berth.
International Games & Roster Moves
The NHL's Global Series continues to expand, as the Chicago Blackhawks will play two games in Germany next season, joining the Ottawa Senators in a strategic move to grow the game internationally. Concurrently, the San Jose Sharks secured forward Ty Dellandrea on a two-year, $3.25 million extension, a move aimed at solidifying their bottom-six depth ahead of the playoffs, according to ESPN's coverage.