NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 7, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Eastern Conference Playoff Race Heats Up

The battle for divisional supremacy and wild card positioning intensified over the weekend, setting the stage for a decisive final week; the Buffalo Sabres clinched a playoff berth, finally ending the NHL's longest active drought at 14 seasons, though the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic remains in contention between Buffalo and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Further down the standings, the Philadelphia Flyers edged closer to ending their playoff drought after Porter Martone secured a 2-1 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins on Sunday, while the defending champion Florida Panthers were officially eliminated following a devastating 9-4 defeat to Pittsburgh, marking the first time since 2023 that Florida will not contend for the Cup. The playoff picture solidified on Sunday with 30 teams in action, leading to major shifts in the standings entering Tuesday's critical 11-game slate where the stakes are highest for several contenders.

Coaching Carousel and Front Office Shakeups

The Islanders initiated a major coaching overhaul, firing Patrick Roy after the team struggled through a 7-of-10 loss streak and immediately handing the reins to Peter DeBoer, who sources confirmed was sold on the organization's long-term vision upon being hired. In contrast, the New Jersey Devils announced an abrupt late-season change, confirming that General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is departing as the franchise seeks a new organizational direction. Elsewhere, the Ottawa Charge received difficult news as coach Carla MacLeod is taking an indefinite leave to continue her ongoing treatment for breast cancer.

Player Milestones and League Investigations

Tampa Bay superstar Nikita Kucherov, 32, achieved a significant career marker Monday night, netting his 400th career goal during the Lightning's 4-2 road loss to the Sabres; the power-play tally came in a game overshadowed by a league probe into a player safety issue. The NHL has formally initiated an investigation into the circumstances that led to Lightning forward Pontus Holmberg injuring his left arm after crashing shoulder-first into an unlatched penalty box door during the same contest, creating concern from Coach Cooper. Separately, the Dallas Stars confirmed they have indefinitely banned the ticket purchaser linked to an incident involving an alleged Nazi salute that occurred during a game this past December.

Fantasy Outlook and Cup Contenders

As the regular season winds down, the focus shifts toward personnel management for those competing in fantasy hockey finals, with Monday's guides offering advice on essential lineup strategies and must-add players for the week ahead. On the broader championship front, speculation continues regarding which current NHL players have the best chance to accomplish the rare feat of securing both an Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup in the same season, a double championship achieved by only eight players historically.