NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 8:55 PM ET
NHL Injury Updates
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews suffered a season-ending knee injury espn.com after tearing his medial collateral ligament, dealing a major blow to Toronto's playoff hopes. The injury comes as the Avalanche's Nathan Mac Kinnon had a game misconduct rescinded espn.com following controversy over his ejection for goalie interference against Edmonton. Colorado's front office sharply criticized the officials espn.com for the initial call, which contributed to their 4-3 loss to the Oilers.
Contract Moves & Transactions
The Sharks secured forward Ty Dellandrea espn.com with a two-year, $3.25 million extension, adding depth to their forward group. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth locked up Nick Schmaltz espn.com with an eight-year, $64 million deal, keeping the star forward off the free agent market. The NHL also cleared the Senators espn.com of any penalty regarding their 2026 first-round pick after an investigation into a canceled 2022 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov.
International Expansion
The Blackhawks and Senators will play two games in Germany espn.com next season as part of the NHL's Global Series, expanding the league's international footprint. This announcement comes as the PWHL eyes a partnership with the Senators espn.com to maintain its presence in Ottawa, where the league's Detroit team is also set for national television exposure espn.com.
Stanley Cup Playoff Picture
With the fantasy hockey playoffs approaching, analysts are projecting Edmonton's postseason path espn.com and debating whether the Stars-Oilers matchup could serve as a conference finals preview. The Avalanche's recent trade deadline moves have sparked discussion about whether Colorado is now unbeatable espn.com, while the Knights' return of captain Mark Stone helped secure a 6-2 win espn.com over Pittsburgh after his five-game absence with an upper-body injury.
Fantasy Hockey Strategy
As the ESPN Fantasy postseason begins, experts are recommending specific pickups from each team to help managers win their leagues. The focus is on identifying undervalued players espn.com who can provide late-season boosts, with detailed tips and lineup strategies espn.com available for those looking to optimize their rosters for the fantasy playoffs.
Bruins' Home Dominance Continues
Boston's Charlie McAvoy scored the overtime winner espn.com just 39 seconds into the extra frame to extend the Bruins' home winning streak to 13 games with a 2-1 victory over Los Angeles. The goal came after McAvoy lost several teeth during play and had to rush for emergency dental work, highlighting the physical toll of the Bruins' relentless home-ice success.