NHL Hockey 3h Briefing

Last updated: March 17, 2026, 10:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Picture Solidifies

The San Jose Sharks' fate espn.com remains highly uncertain as the regular season winds down, with both a wild card berth and a lower seed in the Pacific Division still mathematically possible depending on late results. Analysts are closely tracking the final positioning, as the difference between those spots drastically alters their first-round matchups and overall path through the bracket.