NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 12, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Races Heat Up; Key Injuries Surface

The race for the final playoff berths intensified across the league during a busy stretch, seeing several teams clinch while others faced elimination. The Vegas Golden Knights punched their ticket after Jack Eichel netted the game-winner 1:19 into overtime to secure a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, who had already clinched the league's top seed with a 3-1 victory over the Flames on Thursday. Conversely, the San Jose Sharks' playoff hopes became thin following a 4-3 shootout loss to the Canucks, despite the team having improved by 30 points in the standings this season. Adding to the drama, the Detroit Red Wings saw their postseason drought extend to a decade after falling 5-3 to the Devils, while the Pittsburgh Penguins finally ended their three-year absence, winning their fifth game in their last six contests.

Several teams faced setbacks due to injury, with pucks to the face causing immediate concern across the league. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar required hospitalization after being struck on the right cheek during the overtime loss to Vegas, compounding issues for Colorado as forward Nazem Kadri was already sidelined for "some games" with a finger injury reported earlier in the week. Chicago's Frank Nazar was also forced to exit Saturday's 5-3 defeat against the Blues after sustaining a blow to the face, though the Blackhawks forward's status remains unclear. Compounding injury woes across the league, Buffalo Sabres goalie Alex Lyon may miss the playoff start due to a strained lower-body muscle as confirmed by coach Lindy Ruff, and New Jersey is shutting down defenseman Luke Hughes to undergo an undisclosed procedure.

The Western Conference saw the Utah Mammoth secure a playoff spot in only their second season, achieving this milestone by running off their fifth consecutive victory with a 4-1 win over the Predators, who were missing star defenseman Roman Josi due to an upper-body issue scratched just before Thursday's game. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken are nearing elimination, prompting CEO Tod Leiweke to publicly state his commitment to "fixing it" amidst the team's disappointing run as playoff contention slips away. On the injury front for defensemen, Senators' Thomas Chabot displayed remarkable toughness by returning to the lineup just 17 days after suffering a broken arm, while Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer tied Brian Leetch's record for goals by a rookie defenseman, scoring his 23rd of the season on Thursday night.

Milestone Performances & Offseason Management

In individual achievements, Washington's Alex Ovechkin continued his historic campaign, netting his 20th 30-goal season while his contract expires, leaving his future uncertain despite his continued high-level play as the Great Eight defies age. Ovechkin was honored during a Saturday matchup against the Penguins, who chose to rest stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for the contest, though the Penguins still aired a video tribute for Ovechkin during a timeout in their 6-3 loss to Washington where the rivalry with Crosby was acknowledged. Elsewhere in scoring milestones, Cole Caufield became the first Montreal Canadiens player in over three decades to reach the 50-goal plateau. Furthermore, Anaheim's John Carlson finally achieved a career first, scoring his initial hat trick in his 17th season during a dominant 6-1 victory over the Sharks on Thursday which delighted the veteran blueliner.

Front office stability was addressed in Anaheim, where General Manager Pat Verbeek agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the Ducks organization. In Philadelphia, Flyers coach Rick Tocchet received praise for turning the team's fortunes around after early criticism, with the coach asserting, "I bleed orange and black." Looking toward the offseason, the latest power rankings update assessed all 32 teams heading into the final week, providing a glimpse at each franchise's key free agent target. Fantasy managers also received their retrospective awards, looking back at the best draft picks and breakout players from the recently concluded 2026 fantasy season.

NCAA Hockey Concludes with Denver Victory

The collegiate hockey season culminated with the University of Denver securing the national title in a thrilling Frozen Four conclusion. Denver captured its third NCAA championship in five years after defeating Wisconsin 2-1 in the final contest on Saturday. The Pioneers earned their spot by winning a dramatic semifinal against Michigan, prevailing 4-3 in double overtime when Kent Anderson scored the decisive goal to stun the Wolverines. Wisconsin advanced to the championship game for the first time since 2010 after topping North Dakota 2-1 in their semifinal. On an individual note, Minnesota Duluth's Max Plante was awarded the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing the nation's top collegiate player, beating out finalists Eric Pohlkamp of Denver and T.J. Hughes of Michigan for the prestigious honor.