NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 1:40 PM ET
NHL International Expansion
The Blackhawks and Senators will play two games in Germany next season as part of the NHL's Global Series, marking the league's continued push into European markets. The games will be held in Düsseldorf and Berlin, expanding the NHL's footprint beyond its traditional North American base and following similar international showcases in Sweden and the Czech Republic.
Playoff Picture Developments
The Oilers' postseason path is taking shape as the Western Conference race tightens, with Edmonton positioning itself for a potential first-round matchup against either the Golden Knights or Jets. Meanwhile, the NHL rescinded Nathan MacKinnon's game misconduct from Tuesday's contest against Edmonton, clearing the Avalanche star of the major penalty that had threatened his availability for Colorado's stretch run.
Injury Impact
The Maple Leafs suffered a significant blow when Auston Matthews left Thursday's game against Anaheim after a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. Toronto's captain departed in the first period with what the team called an upper-body injury, though replays suggested the contact targeted his knee. The severity of Matthews' condition remains unclear as the Leafs push for playoff positioning.
Team Updates
The Golden Knights received a major boost when Mark Stone returned from injury Thursday and helped Vegas defeat Pittsburgh 6-2. The team's captain had missed five games with an upper-body issue but made an immediate impact in his comeback, assisting on two goals. In Carolina, the Hurricanes announced three new minority stakeholders have acquired stakes in the team from owner Tom Dundon, though financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
Fantasy Hockey Focus
With the ESPN Fantasy postseason underway, analysts are identifying key pickups from each NHL team to help owners win championships. The recommendations include under-owned players with favorable schedules and those stepping up due to injuries on their respective clubs. Fantasy managers are also refining lineup strategies as the regular season winds down, with streaming options and handcuff running backs becoming increasingly valuable for playoff success.