NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 7, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Picture & Personnel Shakeups

The race for the final playoff berths intensified across the league on a pivotal Tuesday slate featuring 11 high-stakes matchups, keeping projections in flux following Monday night's results. Off the ice, the New Jersey Devils abruptly dismissed General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, signaling a complete organizational reset as the team aims for a new long-term direction following a disappointing season. This front-office change comes as the league itself faces scrutiny regarding player safety after an unlatched penalty box door caused Tampa Bay forward Pontus Holmberg to injure his left arm during Monday's contest, prompting an immediate league investigation into the incident's circumstances.

Player Milestones & Arena Incidents

Despite the Lightning falling 4-2 to the Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay superstar Nikita Kucherov reached a significant career milestone, netting a power-play goal for his 400th career tally at age 32. Separately, the Dallas Stars indefinitely banned a ticket buyer connected to an investigation concerning an alleged Nazi salute displayed by a spectator during a game in December, underscoring the league's zero-tolerance stance on hateful conduct at NHL venues.