NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 17, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
Western Conference Playoff Picture & Injuries
The Edmonton Oilers face a steep climb toward the postseason as star forward Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season following a lower-body injury sustained Sunday; Draisaitl's absence is a massive blow considering he has already registered 97 points across 65 games this year. Elsewhere in the West, the San Jose Sharks are experiencing an unpredictable finish, with both a wild card berth and a Pacific Division title still mathematically possible according to current playoff projections, illustrating the volatility near the bottom of the standings. This instability contrasts sharply with the high-stakes battles elsewhere, where teams jockey for position ahead of the draft lottery announcements later this month.
American Milestones & International Future
Detroit’s Patrick Kane moved into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time goals list for NHL players born in the United States after he scored twice in a decisive 5-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. On the international front, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that "time will tell" regarding the potential participation of Russia and its contingent of NHL talent in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, following recent geopolitical complications. Separately, Team USA gold medalist Jack Hughes confirmed he is actively seeking the return of his overtime-winning puck, which the Hockey Hall of Fame is currently displaying in Toronto, suggesting a desire to reclaim personal artifacts from the hallowed institution.