NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 10, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Picture & Seeding Battles

The race for playoff positioning intensified across the league as several key matchups concluded, setting the stage for a critical final week, though Friday offered a brief lull in the schedule update standings. The Colorado Avalanche secured the NHL's top seed after defeating the Flames 3-1 on Thursday, a victory that also clinched the Central Division title Avs clinch Central. However, the Western Conference landscape remains complicated by injuries; Colorado coach Jared Bednar confirmed that forward Nazem Kadri will miss "some games" due to a finger injury sustained recently Kadri to miss games. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins punched their ticket to the postseason, ending a three-year drought by securing their fifth win in six games since March 30 Penguins back in playoffs, while Washington faced must-win scenarios to keep their own slim hopes alive following Tuesday's slate of games Capitals in must-win.

Individual Milestones & Contract News

The closing stages of the regular season featured remarkable individual achievements, even as some veteran futures remain uncertain. In Washington, Alex Ovechkin notched his 20th 30-goal campaign this season, yet his contract situation remains unresolved as he approaches the end of his current deal, showing no signs of slowing down. On the blue line, Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer matched the NHL record for goals by a rookie defenseman, scoring his 23rd of the year to tie the mark set by Hall of Famer Brian Leetch Schaefer ties record, while Cole Caufield became the first Montreal Canadiens player in over three decades to reach the 50-goal plateau Caufield joins 50-goal club. On the management front, Anaheim Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek received a multiyear contract extension, providing stability for the organization even as defenseman John Carlson celebrated his first career hat trick in the Ducks' 6-1 rout of the Sharks Carlson nets hat trick.

Injury Updates & Roster Management

Several teams dealt with significant personnel setbacks leading into the final push, forcing front offices to make immediate roster decisions. The New Jersey Devils announced they are shutting down defenseman Luke Hughes to undergo an undisclosed procedure Devils shutting down Hughes, while the Buffalo Sabres face potential playoff disruption as goalie Alex Lyon is questionable for the start of the postseason due to a strained lower-body muscle Injured Sabres G Lyon. Furthermore, Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield, who posted a career-high 15 assists this year, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury Hurricanes' Chatfield out, and Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz left Wednesday’s game against the Capitals early in the first period with a similar lower-body ailment Maple Leafs G Stolarz leaves. In brighter news for returning players, Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot is slated to play Thursday just 17 days after suffering a broken arm Sens' Chabot to play.

Team Turmoil & Offseason Planning

While some franchises celebrated clinching spots or securing top seeding, others navigated organizational changes amid performance struggles. The Seattle Kraken, nearing playoff elimination, heard assurances from CEO Tod Leiweke that the team is "committed to fixing it" CEO on Kraken's woes, a commitment that comes as President of Hockey Operations Ron Francis prepares to step down at season's end Ron Francis stepping down. The Utah Mammoth, in only their second season, celebrated clinching a playoff berth following a 4-1 victory over the Predators, which marked their fifth consecutive win Surging Mammoth seal berth; Nashville, however, played without defenseman Roman Josi, who was scratched late due to an upper-body issue Predators' Josi misses game. The Bruins bolstered their future outlook by signing Beanpot MVP James Hagens to a three-year entry-level deal carrying a $975,000 annual cap hit Bruins sign Hagens, while the Minnesota Wild added depth by signing defenseman Viking Gustafsson Nyberg to a two-year contract Wild ink defenseman Viking.

NCAA Hockey & Fantasy Outlook

The focus briefly shifted to the collegiate level where the NCAA Frozen Four concluded dramatically, while analysts simultaneously evaluated player performance across the professional ranks. In a thrilling double-overtime contest, the Denver Pioneers stunned Michigan 4-3 with a game-winning goal from Kent Anderson, advancing to face Wisconsin in the final, who reached the title game for the first time since 2010 after defeating North Dakota 2-1 Wisconsin makes Frozen Four final. Separately, experts assessed the value gained from the 2026 fantasy hockey season, identifying the breakout players, the most astute draft picks, and the smartest acquisitions made by general managers Awards: Most valuable picks. Furthermore, current team standings were analyzed in the final week of the 2025-26 regular season, with projections made regarding each team's most pressing free agent target this summer NHL Power Rankings.