NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 7, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Picture & Management Shakeups

Tuesday's 11-game slate promises to be pivotal as teams jockey for playoff positioning, with projections showing several tight races heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Off the ice, the New Jersey Devils enacted a major front-office change, announcing the immediate departure of General Manager Tom Fitzgerald as the franchise eyes a complete organizational redirection. Separately, the New York Islanders officially hired Peter DeBoer, securing the veteran coach who reportedly was quickly sold on the team's long-term strategic vision after being aggressively pursued by the organization.

Player Milestones & League Incidents

Tampa Bay superstar Nikita Kucherov reached a significant milestone by netting his 400th career goal during the Lightning’s 4-2 Monday night defeat to the Buffalo Sabres, achieving the mark via a power-play marker. However, the team faced further distraction after forward Pontus Holmberg suffered an arm injury when he crashed into an unlatched penalty box door, prompting the NHL to launch an immediate probe into the maintenance failure. Meanwhile, organizational integrity issues arose in Texas, where the Dallas Stars indefinitely banned a ticket holder connected to an investigation involving what appeared to be a Nazi salute during a game back in December.

Coaching News & Fantasy Strategy

In coaching news impacting the sport's community, Ottawa Charge coach Carla Mac Leod announced she is taking an indefinite leave from the team to continue treatment for breast cancer, receiving public support from the organization. For those still competing in fantasy hockey leagues, Monday’s guidance focused on optimizing final-week lineups, advising managers on crucial player pickups and strategic roster adjustments needed to secure season-long championship victories.