NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 6:38 PM ET
NHL Playoff Picture
The NHL's playoff race intensified with a 14-game slate Saturday espn.com headlined by the Bruins-Capitals matchup, while the Oilers' postseason path espn.com continues to take shape. Edmonton's positioning could lead to a potential conference finals preview espn.com against the Stars, with updated Stanley Cup projections showing a crowded Western Conference field. The draft lottery standings remain fluid as teams jockey for position in the final weeks.
Player News and Discipline
Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews' season ended prematurely after Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension espn.com for a knee-on-knee hit. The NHL Department of Player Safety determined the hit warranted the ban, marking a significant blow to Toronto's playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Nathan Mac Kinnon had a major penalty rescinded espn.com after the league reviewed his game misconduct from Tuesday's contest against Edmonton, providing the Avalanche star with crucial availability for Colorado's stretch run.
Transactions and Extensions
The Sharks bolstered their forward depth by signing Ty Dellandrea espn.com to a two-year, $3.25 million extension. The 24-year-old forward has shown steady development since being acquired in a trade with Dallas, and the extension provides San Jose with cost-controlled talent for their rebuild. The Blackhawks and Senators are set to play two games in Germany espn.com next season as part of the NHL's Global Series expansion, marking the league's continued push into European markets.
Team Developments
The Hurricanes announced the addition of three new minority stakeholders espn.com as owner Tom Dundon sold a portion of the franchise to expand the ownership group. The move comes as Carolina positions itself for sustained success after recent playoff appearances. In a separate league matter, the Senators avoided losing their 2026 first-round pick when the NHL decided not to forfeit the selection espn.com related to the canceled 2022 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov between Vegas and Anaheim.
On-Ice Results
The Knights received a significant boost with captain Mark Stone's return from a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury. Stone's presence was immediately felt as Vegas topped the Penguins espn.com 6-2 on Thursday, demonstrating the impact of having their leader back in the lineup. The victory keeps Vegas firmly in the playoff hunt in the competitive Western Conference.
League and Business Updates
The Professional Women's Hockey League announced that a Detroit game will air nationally espn.com in the United States, marking another step in the PWHL's efforts to grow its television footprint and exposure. The broadcast represents continued momentum for women's professional hockey as the league builds on its inaugural season success. Fantasy hockey players preparing for the postseason can find playoff preparation tips espn.com and lineup strategies espn.com to maximize their chances in the fantasy playoffs, with specific pickup recommendations for each NHL team.