NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 2:47 PM ET
Playoff Picture
The NHL playoff race espn.com remains fluid with the Ducks' Pacific title hopes still alive, though they face steep odds in their final games. Saturday's 14-game slate espn.com features the Bruins-Capitals matchup as the marquee contest, while updated playoff projections espn.com show the Oilers' postseason path becoming clearer. The draft lottery standings espn.com continue to shift after a busy weekend of games.
Discipline & Injuries
Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas suspended espn.com for five games after his knee-on-knee hit ended Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews' season, marking one of the season's most impactful suspensions. Meanwhile, the NHL rescinded Nathan MacKinnon's major penalty espn.com from Tuesday's game against Edmonton, removing the game misconduct from the Avalanche star's record.
Transactions & Contracts
The Sharks signed Ty Dellandrea espn.com to a two-year, $3.25 million extension, solidifying their forward depth. In ownership news, Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon sold minority stakes espn.com to three new investors, though terms of the sale weren't disclosed. The Blackhawks and Senators will play two games in Germany espn.com next season as part of the NHL's expanded Global Series.
On-Ice Action
The Knights got Mark Stone back espn.com from his upper-body injury, and the captain made an immediate impact with a goal in Vegas' 6-2 win over Pittsburgh. Stone had missed five games with the injury before returning Thursday night.
Fantasy Hockey
With the fantasy playoffs underway, experts recommend targeting pickups espn.com from each team to bolster championship runs. The playoff guide espn.com offers tips on lineup strategy and key players to stream down the stretch. As the regular season winds down, daily roster decisions become increasingly critical for fantasy managers chasing titles.