NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: March 17, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Playoff Scramble & League Milestones

The race for postseason positioning remains tight as the San Jose Sharks battle for a wild card berth or the Pacific Division crown, with playoff projections showing multiple outcomes still possible in the final stretch. On the individual front, Patrick Kane continued his historic run for the Detroit Red Wings, scoring twice in a decisive 5-2 win over Calgary, which boosted him into sole possession of fourth place all-time for goals by a U.S.-born NHL player. These late-season performances are setting the stage for both the playoffs and the draft lottery standings, which are also being finalized across the league.

International Hockey & Future Events

Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the potential inclusion of Russia in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, stating that "time will tell" regarding the participation of the nation's cadre of NHL talent. This announcement follows the NHL confirming that Calgary, Edmonton, and Prague will serve as the three international host cities when the World Cup returns in February 2028. Meanwhile, franchise building continues at the prospect level, as the Chicago Blackhawks secured a crucial long-term asset by signing top prospect Sacha Boisvert to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Fantasy Hockey Outlook

For fantasy managers preparing for the upcoming week, the Monday pickup guide suggests targeting specific assets based on favorable matchups, with players like Blake Coleman and Troy Terry appearing as essential adds. These weekly recommendations focus on players whose immediate schedule or projected ice time warrant immediate roster adjustments ahead of the next slate of games.