NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 5:58 AM ET
Recent Game Results & Player Updates
The Vegas Golden Knights welcomed back captain Mark Stone espn.com after a five-game absence with an upper-body injury, and he immediately made an impact with a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs suffered a significant setback when Auston Matthews left Thursday's game against Anaheim espn.com after a controversial knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. The Avalanche successfully had Nathan MacKinnon's game misconduct rescinded espn.com from Tuesday's loss to the Oilers, with the Colorado star confirming the league's decision to overturn the penalty. The Avalanche organization had been sharply critical of the officials' decision espn.com to eject Mac Kinnon for what they deemed questionable goalie interference. In Boston, defenseman Charlie McAvoy delivered an overtime winner espn.com just 39 seconds into the extra period to help the Bruins defeat the Kings 2-1, extending their home winning streak to 13 games, before he rushed off to have more dental work after losing several teeth during the contest.
Team Transactions & Ownership Changes
The Carolina Hurricanes announced three new minority stakeholders espn.com on Thursday as owner Tom Dundon sold a portion of his ownership stake in the franchise. In the Western Conference, the Utah Mammoth secured their star forward long-term espn.com by re-signing Nick Schmaltz to an eight-year, $64 million contract extension on Wednesday, ensuring he'll remain with the team rather than testing free agency this summer. The NHL ruled against forfeiting Ottawa's 2026 first-round pick espn.com, ending concerns that the Senators would lose their draft asset for their role in a canceled 2022 trade between Vegas and Anaheim involving winger Evgenii Dadonov.
Playoff Race & Trade Deadline Analysis
As teams push toward the postseason, Stanley Cup projections suggest intriguing matchups espn.com including a potential conference finals preview between the Stars and Oilers. Updated playoff standings show the race intensifying for Western Conference wild cards espn.com, with the Mammoth preparing to face the Wild on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on ESPN+ to strengthen their postseason positioning. The NHL's trade deadline has sparked debate, with analysts questioning if the Avalanche are now unbeatable espn.com while suggesting Eastern Conference contenders may have missed opportunities to strengthen their rosters.
Women's Hockey & Prospects
The Professional Women's Hockey League continues its expansion with Detroit's game set for national television espn.com in the United States, bringing increased visibility to the women's game. The PWHL's Ottawa-based team is exploring a partnership with the Senators espn.com to secure their long-term future in the city, as their current home venue undergoes renovation that will reduce its capacity. Meanwhile, NHL teams are evaluating top prospects acquired at the deadline espn.com, with scouts providing insights on how players like Rosen and Jiricek might impact their new organizations Fantasy Hockey Guidance
With fantasy hockey playoffs approaching, experts recommend lineup strategies espn.com to help managers optimize their rosters, offering tips on player matchups, hot streaks, and strategic roster moves to secure playoff victories in fantasy leagues.