HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing

NHL Hockey 24 Hours

×
4 articles summarized · Last updated: v550
You are viewing an older version. View latest →

Last updated: March 18, 2026, 1:30 PM ET

Playoff Races & Star Injuries

The Eastern Conference playoff picture intensified as Penguins star Sidney Crosby returns to the lineup Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes following a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics, immediately impacting the race for the final wild-card spot. Meanwhile, Western Conference contenders face a major blow as Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl is likely out for the remainder of the regular season after suffering an injury Sunday; Draisaitl’s absence is significant given his 97 points accumulated over 65 games this campaign. This flurry of injury news directly influences the final draft lottery standings calculations following Tuesday's slate of games as playoff projections shift.

Post-Olympic Headlines

Away from the immediate NHL schedule concerns, Team USA forward Jack Hughes demands the puck he used to score the gold-medal-winning overtime goal, currently displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. This request follows the conclusion of the Winter Games, where Hughes secured the ultimate prize for the Americans after his dramatic final shot.