NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 17, 2026, 11:30 PM ET
NHL Playoff Races & Player Milestones
The Edmonton Oilers suffered a major blow as star forward Leon Draisaitl, who registered 97 points through 65 games, is now expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a lower-body injury sustained Sunday, complicating their push for playoff positioning. Elsewhere in the standings battle, the San Jose Sharks remain mathematically alive for both a wild card spot and the Pacific Division title, though playoff projections are tightening across the league as draft lottery scenarios solidify. Meanwhile, Detroit’s Patrick Kane moved into sole possession of fourth place all-time among U.S.-born goal scorers after netting two tallies, which helped power the Red Wings to a convincing 5-2 road victory over Calgary yesterday evening.
International Accolades & Hall of Fame Disputes
Away from immediate league action, Team USA gold medalist Jack Hughes confirmed his desire to reclaim the overtime puck from the Hockey Hall of Fame, currently displaying the artifact in Toronto as part of its collection. Hughes’s pursuit of the puck stands in contrast to the ongoing regular season struggles and injury concerns facing NHL clubs as they finalize their postseason rosters during this critical stretch.