NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 1:53 AM ET
Injury Update
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews left Thursday's game against Anaheim after a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, with Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe calling the play "dirty." The injury occurred in the first period, and Matthews did not return to the ice.
Disciplinary News
The NHL rescinded Nathan MacKinnon's game misconduct from Tuesday's contest against Edmonton, the Colorado Avalanche star confirmed to The Denver Post. The league determined the initial penalty was issued in error during the Avs' 5-2 victory over the Oilers.
Ownership Changes
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon added three new minority stakeholders to the organization, the team announced Thursday. The sale represents Dundon's first dilution of his majority stake since purchasing the franchise in 2018.
Draft Penalty Update
The NHL will not penalize Ottawa for their role in the canceled 2022 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov, Vegas, and Anaheim. The Senators will retain their 2026 first-round draft pick despite the league's investigation into the failed transaction.
Women's Hockey Expansion
The Professional Women's Hockey League announced a national TV game featuring the Detroit franchise, marking the PWHL's first scheduled broadcast on a major U.S. network. The game will air during the NHL's regular season.
Playoff Picture
Updated Stanley Cup projections suggest the Stars-Oilers matchup could be a conference finals preview, with both teams trending upward in the Western Conference standings. The projection model shows Dallas and Edmonton as top contenders in their respective divisions.
Fantasy Hockey Strategy
With the fantasy hockey playoffs approaching, experts recommend targeting specific matchups and monitoring goalie rotations for late-season schedule advantages. The strategy guide emphasizes waiver wire pickups and lineup optimization for the final push.