NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: March 15, 2026, 1:45 PM ET

NHL Playoff Outlook

The Anaheim Ducks maintain a 52% chance of securing the Pacific Division title, per ESPN’s playoff projections, needing a 12-point surge over the Vegas Golden Knights amid a compressed schedule. Their lottery odds improved to 18% after Saturday’s trade deadline flurry, with Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche tightening the Western Conference race. Key Matchups The Ducks’ clutch performance against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night preserved their playoff hopes, while the Nashville Predators fell to 29th in the standings after a 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames, intensifying first-round uncertainty.