NHL Hockey 8-Hour Briefing

Last updated: March 12, 2026, 9:53 AM ET

Stanley Cup Playoff Picture

The Stars' 4-2 victory over the Oilers fueled speculation about a potential conference finals preview, with Dallas moving into the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Rangers' 3-1 win over the Devils strengthened their hold on the Metropolitan Division lead, while Colorado's 5-3 triumph against Vegas kept the Avalanche within striking distance of the Central Division lead.

Trade Deadline Impact

The Bruins' acquisition of defenseman Erik Gudbranson from the Blackhawks bolstered their blue line ahead of the March 8 deadline, while the Senators' trade for forward Andrew Mangiapane from Calgary added scoring depth to Ottawa's forward group. The Panthers' decision to stand pat reflected confidence in their current roster's ability to defend their Stanley Cup title.

Draft Lottery Standings

With the trade deadline passed, the Sabres' 13-game losing streak dropped them to the top spot in draft lottery odds, while the Blackhawks' recent 5-2-3 run improved their positioning slightly. The Blue Jackets' 4-1 win over Nashville kept them from falling further in the standings, maintaining their 8% chance at the No. 1 overall pick.