NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: March 18, 2026, 4:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Picture & Injury Woes

The Edmonton Oilers face uncertainty as superstar Leon Draisaitl, who amassed 97 points across 65 games this season, is projected to miss the remainder of the regular schedule following a lower-body injury sustained Sunday. This development complicates Edmonton's standing as playoff projections shift, where teams like the San Jose Sharks still maintain possibilities for either a wild card berth or a Pacific Division title. Meanwhile, off-ice matters involve Jack Hughes demanding the return of the puck from his gold-medal-winning overtime goal, currently displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.