NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 14, 2026, 4:53 AM ET
NHL Disciplinary Actions
The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Radko Gudas for five games after the Anaheim Ducks defenseman delivered a knee-on-knee hit that ended Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews' season. The suspension, announced Friday, marks one of the more severe penalties this season for an illegal check to the knee.
Contract Moves
The San Jose Sharks secured Ty Dellandrea with a two-year, $3.25 million contract extension, locking up the forward through the 2025-26 season. The deal provides the Sharks with cost certainty for a player who has shown steady development since being drafted in the first round by Dallas in 2018.
International Expansion
The NHL announced European games featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators playing two contests in Germany next season as part of the league's Global Series. The matchups will mark the first NHL regular-season games played in Germany, continuing the league's push to expand its international footprint.
Playoff Picture
With the postseason approaching, analysts are projecting Edmonton's path through the Western Conference bracket, where the Oilers' high-powered offense could face challenges against teams with strong defensive structures. The projections suggest Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will need to elevate their play to navigate what appears to be a competitive conference.
Fantasy Hockey
As ESPN's fantasy hockey playoffs begin, experts are recommending targeted pickups from each NHL team to bolster championship runs. The advice focuses on players with favorable schedules and those who've shown recent hot streaks, particularly defensemen contributing on the power play and goaltenders getting consecutive starts.