NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 4:42 PM ET
Pacific Division Race Heats Up
The Anaheim Ducks strengthened their playoff position with a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, moving within three points of the Vegas Golden Knights for the division lead. Rookie goaltender Leo Carlsson made 34 saves in the win, while Trevor Zegras recorded his 20th assist of the season. The Ducks now control their destiny with five games remaining against Pacific opponents.
Playoff Picture Taking Shape
Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand extended his point streak to nine games in a 5-3 win over the New York Rangers, helping the Bruins maintain their two-point lead in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche clinched a playoff berth with a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild, marking their 12th consecutive postseason appearance. The Avalanche's Nathan Mac Kinnon notched his 95th point of the season.
Rookie Performances Shine
Vancouver Canucks rookie forward Conor Bedard recorded his first career hat trick in a 6-2 rout of the Calgary Flames, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to achieve the feat. The 18-year-old scored twice in the first period and added an empty-netter in the third. In other rookie news, Washington Capitals defenseman Luke Evangelista posted his first career multi-point game with two assists in a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Milestone Achievements
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin moved within 10 goals of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record after scoring twice in a 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders. The 38-year-old now has 893 career goals, with his next marker tying him with Gordie Howe for second place. Ovechkin's 45th goal of the season also moved him past Jaromir Jagr for second-most 40-goal seasons in NHL history.