NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 8:40 AM ET
Pacific Division Race
The Ducks' playoff odds surged after a 4-2 victory over Seattle, with Anaheim now controlling their destiny for the Pacific Division title. The win moved them within two points of Vegas with three games remaining, including a season finale against the Golden Knights that could decide the division crown.
Wild Card Picture
Boston's 3-1 win over Toronto, while Colorado's regulation loss to Nashville. The Bruins now hold a three-point cushion over Pittsburgh for the final Eastern wild card spot with four games left.
Playoff Matchups Taking Shape
Washington's 5-2 dismantling of Philadelphia against the Rangers, while Carolina's overtime win over Detroit for home-ice advantage in the first round. The Hurricanes now trail Florida by one point for the Atlantic's second seed.
Draft Lottery Implications
Montreal's 4-3 shootout loss to Ottawa at 12.5% for the top pick, while Arizona's 6-1 blowout of San Jose. The Coyotes remain tied with Chicago for the league's worst record at 22-47-9.
Western Conference Standings
Minnesota's 2-1 victory over St. Louis, while Edmonton's 5-3 win over Vancouver in the Pacific. The Oilers now sit just one point back of the Golden Knights with a game in hand.
Eastern Conference Battle
Tampa Bay's 4-2 win over Buffalo over Florida in the Atlantic, while New York's 3-2 shootout victory over New Jersey for the Metro's third seed. The Islanders remain three points out of a wild card spot.
Scoring Race Updates
Connor McDavid's two-assist performance to 128 points, while Auston Matthews' hat trick against Boston of the NHL lead. The race for the Art Ross Trophy remains tight between McDavid and Mac Kinnon, separated by just two points.
Goaltending Highlights
Ilya Sorokin's 42-save shutout of New Jersey to .926 on the season, while Thatcher Demko's 35-save effort against Edmonton. Both netminders are now among the top five in goals-against average.