NHL Hockey 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 7:37 PM ET
NHL Injury Updates
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews suffered a knee injury after a controversial hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, with Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe calling the play "dirty" and demanding supplemental discipline. The injury comes as a significant blow to Toronto's playoff push, with Matthews having just returned from a previous upper-body issue. Meanwhile, the NHL rescinded a major penalty for Nathan Mac Kinnon, who had received a game misconduct against the Oilers earlier in the week, potentially avoiding further disciplinary action for the Avalanche star.
Team Transactions
The San Jose Sharks secured forward Ty Dellandrea with a two-year, $3.25 million contract extension, locking up the 24-year-old before he could hit restricted free agency. The deal provides salary cap stability for the rebuilding franchise while rewarding Dellandrea's development since being acquired from Dallas at last year's trade deadline. The contract carries an annual average value of $1.625 million, considered reasonable for a middle-six forward with penalty-killing capabilities.
International Expansion
The NHL announced a European series featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators playing two regular-season games in Germany next season, continuing the league's Global Series initiative. The games, scheduled for November 8-9 in Munich, mark the Blackhawks' first international regular-season appearances since 2019 and represent growing NHL investment in European markets. The Senators will serve as the designated home team for both contests, receiving the additional home game revenue despite playing abroad.
Recent Game Results
The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Penguins 6-2 in a dominant performance Thursday night, with captain Mark Stone returning from a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury. Stone's presence immediately bolstered Vegas's top line, contributing an assist while playing over 18 minutes in his comeback game. The Knights' victory extended their lead in the Pacific Division, while Pittsburgh continues to struggle on their current road trip.
Playoff Picture
The Edmonton Oilers' postseason outlook remains uncertain as the Western Conference playoff race tightens, with their path to the Stanley Cup Finals dependent on securing home-ice advantage in the first round. Current projections show the Oilers likely facing either Colorado or Dallas in the opening series, with their high-powered offense needing to find consistency after recent defensive struggles. The team's health situation, particularly Evander Kane's status, could prove decisive in determining their playoff seeding.
Fantasy Hockey Impact
With ESPN's fantasy hockey playoffs underway, strategic pickups are crucial for championship contention, particularly targeting players on teams with favorable remaining schedules. Defensemen from playoff-bound clubs like Boston's Charlie McAvoy and Carolina's Jaccob Slavin offer steady production, while streaky forwards such as Vancouver's Conor Garland could provide the boom-or-bust potential needed for weekly head-to-head matchups. Goalie streamers should monitor backup situations in Minnesota and Winnipeg, where potential schedule advantages could yield multiple starts.