NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 18, 2026, 7:30 AM ET
NHL Playoff Picture & Player Updates
The Western Conference playoff race remains intensely competitive, as the San Jose Sharks continue to fight for a wild card spot, with both that position and the Pacific Division title still mathematically available in the final stretch. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers face a significant hurdle as superstar Leon Draisaitl, who has amassed 97 points across 65 games this season, is now projected to miss the remainder of the regular schedule following a lower-body injury sustained Sunday. Elsewhere, in an unrelated matter concerning national team achievements, Team USA forward Jack Hughes stated his desire to reclaim the puck from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, which currently displays the overtime goal he scored to secure the Winter Games gold medal.