NHL Hockey 3h Briefing

Last updated: March 25, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Picture & College Dynamics

Updated playoff projections show the Sabres potentially facing Boston in the first round again, following Tuesday's massive slate of games across the league. This intense focus on postseason seeding contrasts sharply with the evolving structure of college hockey, where questions arise about competitive balance amid burgeoning NIL deals and the financial power of major athletic programs. The influx of Name, Image, Likeness money creates varying levels of support across the NCAA, impacting parity across the sport's different tiers as programs adjust to new spending realities.