Senators' Tkachuk, Hurricanes' Staal Start NHL Playoffs With Captains Fight The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kicked off with a dramatic display of intensity as Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal engaged in a physical altercation immediately after the opening puck drop in Game 1. The fight, which occurred at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, marked a fiery start to the postseason for both teams. Tkachuk and Staal exchanged punches before falling to the ice in a brief but highly symbolic clash that underscored the competitive spirit of the NHL’s opening round. Tkachuk, 26, has built a reputation as a frequent fighter in the league, with three regular-season bouts this season. His most recent fight came on April 11 against New York Islanders captain Anders Lee, a rematch of their March 19 encounter. The fight with Staal followed a similar pattern, occurring after the puck drop, a common trigger for altercations in NHL games. Tkachuk’s aggressive style has led to six fights in the 2025-26 season, though he sustained a thumb injury during the Senators’ home opener that required surgery. Staal, 37, has a more measured approach to fighting, with only one regular-season bout this season against Tyler Pitlick on November 6. Over his NHL career, Staal has participated in nine fights across pre-season, regular season, and playoffs, according to hockeyfights.com. Despite his age, Staal remains a key player for the Hurricanes, contributing 20 goals and 36 points in 75 games this season. The fight between Tkachuk and Staal took place in the context of a high-stakes playoff matchup. The Hurricanes, as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, face the Senators, the second wild-card team, in a series that will determine their path to the Stanley Cup.#carolina_hurricanes #lenovo_center #ottawa_senators #brady_tkachuk #jordan_staal
NHL Announces Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule for First Round The National Hockey League (NHL) released the first-round playoff schedule on Thursday, setting the stage for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The schedule outlines the opening games for each series, with the Ottawa Senators set to kick off the postseason on Saturday, April 18, facing the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. The Montreal Canadiens will begin their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, April 19, though the exact time for both matchups remains to be determined. The Edmonton Oilers, meanwhile, face uncertainty in their playoff start, as their first game could be either on Sunday or Monday, depending on their seeding in the Western Conference. The Eastern Conference first-round matchups include the Senators vs. Hurricanes, the Canadiens vs. Lightning, the Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres, and the Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights. The Western Conference schedule features the Colorado Avalanche hosting the second wild-card team on Sunday, while the Pacific Division’s third-place team will face the second-place team on Monday. The final seeding in the Western Conference will be finalized after Thursday’s games, with the Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings all in action. The playoffs are set to conclude before June 21, with the Stanley Cup Final potentially reaching a Game 7 by that date. The schedule highlights the competitive nature of the league, as teams like the Canadiens and Lightning, who met in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, will face off again. Analysts have noted the significance of this matchup, as well as the potential impact of the Oilers’ playoff start date on their chances of advancing.#tampa_bay_lightning #nhl #carolina_hurricanes #montreal_canadiens #ottawa_senators
NHL announces first round Stanley Cup playoff Game 1 dates The National Hockey League (NHL) has officially released the schedule for the opening games of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the start of the postseason. The first round of the playoffs will begin on Saturday, April 18, with three games set to take place across North America. The matchups include the Ottawa Senators facing the Carolina Hurricanes, the Minnesota Wild challenging the Dallas Stars, and the Philadelphia Flyers renewing their rivalry with the Pittsburgh Penguins. All games on Saturday will feature puck drop times of 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Sunday’s schedule will feature four series openers, expanding the postseason action. The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche will take on the team that secured the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning will begin their best-of-seven series, while the Buffalo Sabres, making their postseason debut in 15 years after winning the Atlantic Division, will face the Boston Bruins. The Utah Mammoth, returning to the playoffs for the first time since relocating from Arizona, will take on the Pacific Division champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. The exact start times for Sunday’s games have not yet been announced. The final Game 1 of the first round will be played on Monday, April 20, featuring the second- and third-place teams from the Pacific Division. However, the specific matchup for this game will not be finalized until the participants are determined. The final three seeds in the Pacific Division will be decided on Thursday night, with the Edmonton Oilers currently holding the second spot in the division.#minnesota_wild #national_hockey_league #dallas_stars #carolina_hurricanes #ottawa_senators
Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 1 Schedule Announced for 2026 The National Hockey League (NHL) has released the schedule for the opening games of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round, set to begin on Saturday, April 18. The postseason will feature three games on the opening day, with additional matchups scheduled for Sunday and Monday. The full First Round schedule will be finalized after the conclusion of the regular season on Thursday night. Saturday’s games will include the Ottawa Senators facing the Carolina Hurricanes at 3 p.m. ET, the Minnesota Wild against the Dallas Stars at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8 p.m. ET. All games will be broadcast on ESPN, SN, and TVAS. Sunday’s matchups include the Western Conference Wild Card #2 versus the Colorado Avalanche, the Montreal Canadiens against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Boston Bruins versus the Buffalo Sabres, and the Utah Mammoth against the Vegas Golden Knights. Broadcast times for these games remain to be determined. Monday’s action will feature the Pacific Division #3 team facing the Pacific Division #2 team, with specific details pending. The 2026 playoffs will mark the second-highest team turnover in NHL history, with six teams qualifying after missing the postseason in 2024-25. This brings the total number of teams returning to the playoffs in the past nine seasons to 11, with at least five teams qualifying each year. The Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings will compete for the final two spots in the First Round, as their regular-season performances will determine their matchups. Several players will make history during the playoffs.#minnesota_wild #national_hockey_league #stanley_cup_playoffs #carolina_hurricanes #ottawa_senators
Stanley Cup Playoffs Clinching Scenarios for April 14 The NHL playoffs entered a critical phase on April 14, with several teams poised to secure their spots in the postseason. The Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and other teams faced pivotal matchups that would determine their playoff berths and first-round opponents. In the Eastern Conference, the Bruins had a chance to clinch the first wild card spot by defeating the Devils in any fashion. A win would secure them a first-round matchup against the Atlantic Division champion Buffalo Sabres. If the Bruins succeeded, the Ottawa Senators would automatically secure the second wild card, facing the Carolina Hurricanes, the top seed in the East. The Lightning also had a path to home-ice advantage in the first round, contingent on the Canadiens losing to the Flyers in regulation. A Canadiens loss would grant the Lightning the upper hand against the Canadiens in the playoffs. In the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights aimed to secure home-ice advantage by ensuring the Anaheim Ducks lost to the Minnesota Wild. A Ducks loss would set up a first-round series between the Golden Knights and the Wild. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth had a complex scenario to claim the first wild card. A win over the Winnipeg Jets would lock in their wild card spot, but additional conditions needed to be met. If the Ducks lost in regulation or the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Vancouver Canucks, the Mammoth would secure the first wild card. If the Kings lost in regulation and the Ducks and Mammoth each earned at least one point, the Kings would finish as the second wild card. Several games on April 14 had direct implications for playoff seeding.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_brains #new_jersey_devils #ottawa_senators #nhl_playoffs
Washington Capitals' Playoff Hopes Hang in Balance as Metropolitan Division Race Intensifies The Washington Capitals face a critical juncture in their playoff aspirations as the 2025-26 NHL regular season enters its final stretch. With the Flyers’ loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the Capitals’ path to the Metropolitan Division’s third playoff spot has become more viable, though challenges remain. The Flyers’ 6-3 defeat at Little Caesars Arena stripped them of two crucial points, weakening their grip on the third-place position in the Metro. Meanwhile, the Red Wings’ victory kept their slim hopes for the second wild card alive, while the Flyers’ hold on the third spot now appears precarious. The Metropolitan Division’s third playoff spot is currently contested by four teams: the Flyers (92 standings points), New York Islanders (91), Columbus Blue Jackets (90), and Capitals (89). Each team has three games remaining, setting a maximum ceiling of 98 points for the Flyers, 97 for the Islanders, 96 for the Blue Jackets, and 95 for the Capitals. The Capitals trail the Flyers by three points, but a perfect finish in their remaining games—alongside the other teams failing to exceed 95 points—could secure their place. The Capitals also hold a Regulation Wins tiebreaker over the other three Metro teams, meaning they would advance if they tie any of them at 95. The Capitals’ schedule in the final stretch includes three challenging matchups: a home-and-home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the Penguins having already clinched the Metro’s second playoff spot. The Penguins’ victory over the New Jersey Devils 5-2 eliminated their need to play for the second wild card, leaving the Capitals with a potential first-round matchup against Pittsburgh if they qualify.#philadelphia_flyers #detroit_red_wings #washington_capitals #pittsburgh_penguins #ottawa_senators
Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz: Bruins, Golden Knights, Oilers on verge of berth The NHL regular season is entering its final stretch, with six days remaining and the playoff picture intensifying. The top three teams in each of the four divisions and the next two highest-place finishers in each conference will secure postseason berths. The race for playoff spots and seeding has become a high-stakes battle, with several teams poised to clinch their places in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights are among the teams on the verge of securing their spots. The Bruins will clinch a playoff berth if the New Jersey Devils defeat the Detroit Red Wings in regulation and either the Ottawa Senators beat the New York Islanders or the Winnipeg Jets beat the Philadelphia Flyers. The Senators will clinch if they defeat the Islanders in any fashion and the Devils beat the Red Wings in any fashion. The Oilers will secure a berth if they earn at least one point against the Los Angeles Kings or if the Jets-Flyers game does not result in a Jets regulation win. The Golden Knights will clinch if they defeat the Colorado Avalanche in any fashion, or if they get one point against the Avalanche and both the Flyers beat the Jets and the Minnesota Wild beat the Nashville Predators. Additional scenarios involve the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and other teams, with outcomes dependent on a web of conditional results. Saturday’s schedule features 15 games, 14 of which have playoff implications. The Tampa Bay Lightning face the Bruins in a critical matchup for home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference First Round. The Lightning, trailing the Montreal Canadiens by two points for second in the Atlantic Division, hold the regulation-wins tiebreaker.#tampa_bay_lightning #boston_brains #edmonton_oilers #vegas_golden_knights #ottawa_senators
Optimistic Red Wings see 'opportunity' in matchup with Wild The Detroit Red Wings are inching closer to a 10th consecutive season without a playoff berth, following a disheartening loss to the New York Rangers. The team’s struggles continued as they fell to the Rangers 4-1, with Gabe Perreault netting his first NHL hat trick for New York. The Red Wings, who had hoped to rebound from a recent slump, couldn’t find the back of the net until the final minute of the game, when David Perron broke the shutout with his first goal since joining the team via trade from the Ottawa Senators. The Red Wings’ recent performance has been lackluster, with three losses in their last four games and eight of their last 12 contests. Their record in that span is 4-7-1, leaving them in a precarious position as they aim to secure a playoff spot. Captain Dylan Larkin acknowledged the team’s need to refocus, stating, “We have to forget about this one quick and get ready for Minnesota. That’s the focus for me right now and for our group. We talked about it after the game, and we have to move on and go get points against Minnesota.” Forward Lucas Raymond echoed Larkin’s sentiment, emphasizing the team’s determination despite their current standing. “We would have loved to be in a playoff spot, but that isn’t the case,” Raymond said. “At the same time, we’re tied in points with the team that is in the spot, so we have a good opportunity here. We have games left to really do something special with this team. We have a lot of faith in ourselves and our team. It’s just about going out there and getting it done.” The Red Wings’ situation is further complicated by their four-way tie for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, shared with the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Philadelphia Flyers.#new_york_rangers #detroit_red_wings #ottawa_senators #gabriel_perreault #david_perron
Sabres regroup, try again to clinch playoff berth against Capitals Buffalo lost to Ottawa on Thursday in their first attempt to end a historic 14-season playoff drought, but the team returned to practice Friday with renewed focus ahead of their crucial matchup against the Washington Capitals. The Sabres, seeking to secure their first Stanley Cup Playoff berth since 2011, faced challenges in their initial effort to clinch the spot, prompting adjustments in their approach for the second try. The Sabres’ 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday highlighted the pressure of the moment, as a victory would have ended the longest playoff drought in NHL history. Coach Lindy Ruff noted that the team’s energy and pace during Friday’s practice were significantly improved compared to the previous day, attributing the difference to the absence of stakes in the second session. “Because we had nothing to gain today,” Ruff said, emphasizing the psychological shift. However, the pressure of the situation had clearly affected the team’s performance in the earlier game. Buffalo’s current position in the standings remains strong, with the team sitting second in the Atlantic Division behind the Tampa Bay Lightning and tied with them in points due to having played an extra game. They are also two points behind the Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, though the Hurricanes hold a game in hand. With only six regular-season games remaining, the Sabres are positioned to clinch a playoff berth before their next game against the Capitals. The timing of their playoff push is critical, as the outcome of the Detroit Red Wings’ game against the New York Rangers on Saturday could influence the Sabres’ path.#washington_capitals #buffalo_sabres #lindy_ruff #alex_tuch #ottawa_senators
Senators vs Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today’s NHL Game The Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off in a crucial NHL matchup on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Both teams are among the top scorers in the league, and the game is expected to be a high-scoring affair. The Senators, competing for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, are looking to build on their recent success, while the Lightning aim to maintain their dominance against a challenging opponent. The Senators have shown resilience in recent games, earning points in 18 of their last 21 contests. However, they face a significant challenge with five key defensemen sidelined, including standout players Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot. This absence could test their ability to contain the Lightning’s potent offense, which features five players with at least 20 goals on the season. The Lightning’s scoring depth makes them a formidable threat, and their history against the Senators suggests the game is likely to be competitive. The Over 6.5 goals line is the top recommendation for this matchup, as the Over has hit in four of the last five games between these teams. The trend continues to favor a high-scoring contest, with both squads bringing their A-game to the ice. The Lightning’s Jake Guentzel has been in exceptional form, scoring four goals in his last five games and six in his last 10 against the Senators. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle has been a reliable playmaker, recording at least one assist against the Lightning in nine of the last 10 meetings. For bettors, the moneyline odds favor the Lightning at -180, while the Senators are listed at +150. The puck line offers the Lightning -1.5 and the Senators +1.5, reflecting their offensive firepower. The Over/Under line is set at 6.#tampa_bay_lightning #ottawa_senators #jake_sanderson #thomas_chabot #jake_guentzel
Ottawa Senators return to Tampa Bay after months of absence The Ottawa Senators are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a matchup that marks their first return to Tampa Bay since their season-opening victory in late September. The teams will meet on Saturday, nearly seven months after the Sens secured a 5-4 win in their opening game of the 2025-26 season. Both teams have been in strong form recently, with the Senators winning six of their last eight games and the Lightning claiming five of their past eight contests. The game will follow a night of mixed results for both teams, as they each picked up a single point in their previous matches. The Lightning fell to the Seattle Kraken in overtime, while the Senators lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout. Linus Ullmark, the Sens’ goaltender, played a pivotal role in the shootout loss, stopping 35 shots, including 15 in the second period. His performance earned praise from coach Travis Green, who emphasized the team’s confidence in Ullmark’s ability to step up when needed. Ullmark’s contributions extended beyond the shootout, as he was instrumental in the Sens’ season-opening win. Alongside him, Brady Tkachuk recorded three assists, Artem Zub added a one-goal, three-point performance, and Shane Pinto contributed two goals and three points. The team’s recent success has been highlighted by their strong March record, with a 19-5-4 mark over the past two seasons. This places Ottawa as the top Eastern Conference team in March since the 2024-25 season. Since returning from a personal leave of absence on January 31, Ullmark has posted a 9-2-3 record with a .904 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average. His performance has placed him among the league’s top goalies, with only Andrei Vasilevskiy and Lukas Dostal recording more wins.#tampa_bay_lightning #ottawa_senators #brady_tkachuk #linus_ullmark #drake_batherson
Tampa Bay Lightning Navigate Tight Atlantic Division Race Amid Trade Deadline Activity The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to host the Ottawa Senators in a crucial divisional matchup as the Atlantic Division race intensifies. Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start in net for the Lightning, who are looking to solidify their position in the standings. The game will take place during a busy stretch for the team, which has been actively managing its roster changes following the NHL trade deadline. The Lightning’s recent performance has kept them competitive in the Atlantic Division. After defeating the Vancouver Canucks 6-2, they remain four points behind the first-place Buffalo Sabres for second place. The team has also built a four-point lead over the third-place Montreal Canadiens, who suffered a 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. These results highlight the Lightning’s ability to maintain momentum despite the challenges of a tight divisional race. A significant development for the Lightning came with the acquisition of veteran forward Corey Perry. The Los Angeles Kings traded Perry to Tampa Bay on Friday in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick. The Kings will retain half of Perry’s salary, a move that reflects the Kings’ strategy to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility. Perry’s return to the Lightning is expected to provide a boost, as he is set to rejoin the lineup for their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning’s recent games have showcased their resilience, particularly in high-stakes matchups. In a physical contest against the Buffalo Sabres, the team fell 8-7 despite a strong effort.#tampa_bay_lightning #detroit_red_wings #buffalo_sabres #montreal_canadiens #ottawa_senators
Penguins vs Senators Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game The Ottawa Senators are favored to secure their fifth consecutive victory in a crucial regular-season matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to expert analysis. The game, set for Thursday, March 26, will be part of the Senators’ push to secure a playoff spot, while the Penguins aim to halt a recent losing streak. The prediction highlights the Senators’ strong performance in recent weeks, including a 4-0 shutout and a 3-2 win over the Penguins this season. The Senators have dominated the league since January 25, posting a 15-3-2 record and earning the second-most points in that span. Their success is largely attributed to their elite goaltending, with a 2.15 goals-against average, the best in the NHL. In contrast, the Penguins have struggled offensively, surrendering 11 goals in their last two games. The absence of key players like Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha, two of Pittsburgh’s top scorers, is expected to further challenge their offensive output. The betting odds reflect the Senators’ dominance, with the moneyline favoring Ottawa at -145, while the Penguins are listed at +125. A puck line bet offers additional options, with the Senators -1.5 at +160 and the Penguins +1.5 at -190. Over/Under bets are also available, with the total set at 6.5 goals. Analysts suggest the Senators’ ability to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s short-handed situations will be a key factor in their favor. Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa’s top scorer, is a focal point of the game, having recorded five goals in his last 10 outings and two against the Penguins this season. Sidney Crosby, meanwhile, is expected to carry a heavier offensive load, with a projected 2.5 shots on goal line.#pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #ottawa_senators #canadian_tire_centre #brady_tkachuk
Game Preview: 03.26.26 vs. Ottawa Senators The Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre on March 26, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh, with live audio available on 105.9 The X and the Penguins app. Pittsburgh enters the matchup with a record of 35-20-16, while Ottawa stands at 38-24-9. The Penguins have a strong historical edge against the Senators, posting points in 16 of their last 23 games (10-7-6) since March 23, 2017. Over a longer span dating back to January 27, 2013, the team has earned points in 28 of 37 contests (20-9-8). Four of the last five games between the teams at the Canadian Tire Centre have gone into overtime. Key players to watch include Justin Brazeau, who has four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in five career games against Ottawa and is a plus-3 in those matchups. Rickard Rakell has points in nine of his last 10 games (4 goals, 7 assists). Captain Sidney Crosby is on a four-game point streak (1 goal, 4 assists) since returning from injury. Erik Karlsson, playing against his former team, has seven assists in 15 career games against the Senators. Stuart Skinner, the Penguins’ goaltender, has a 6-1-0 record in seven games against Ottawa, with a .903 save percentage and a 2.71 goals-against average. Head Coach Dan Muse has guided the Penguins to some of their most consistent play in the league this season. Under his leadership, the team has already surpassed last year’s win total through 71 games and has shown significant improvement in various categories. Crosby is also closing in on NHL history, needing two assists to become the eighth player to reach 1,100 career assists.#pittsburgh_penguins #sidney_crosby #ottawa_senators #sportsnet_pittsburgh #canadian_tire_centre
Stanley Cup Playoffs Buzz: Sabres Can Take Over 1st in East The NHL regular season is entering its final stretch, with 23 days remaining and playoff races intensifying. The top three teams in each division and the next two highest finishers in each conference will secure postseason berths. Key matchups and standings shifts are shaping the playoff picture, with several teams vying for crucial positions. Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins are set to clash in a pivotal game, with the Sabres holding a chance to claim first place in the Eastern Conference. Buffalo, currently at 44-20-7, is on a five-game point streak and has an NHL-best 12-1-1 record since returning from the 2026 Winter Olympic break. A win would propel them past the Carolina Hurricanes for the conference lead, while they remain two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins, at 39-24-8, are one point ahead of the Ottawa Senators for the first wild card spot in the East. Bruins forward David Pastrnak, who has 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists) in 44 games against the Sabres, has never reached 50 points against a single team in the league. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers face a critical test against the Toronto Maple Leafs. A loss for the Rangers would eliminate them from playoff contention, as they trail the Maple Leafs by one game. The Maple Leafs, at 30-29-13, have won four of their past five games and are eighth in the Atlantic Division. Other developments include the Ottawa Senators moving into the second wild card spot in the East after a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Despite missing five defensemen due to injury, the Senators secured their fourth consecutive win, with Carter Yakemchuk and Brady Tkachuk each contributing a goal and assist.#new_york_rangers #boston_bruins #toronto_maple_leafs #buffalo_sabres #ottawa_senators
Buffalo Sabres Set to Return to NHL Playoffs After 13-Year Hiatus The Buffalo Sabres, who last participated in the Stanley Cup playoffs on April 26, 2011, with a 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, are poised to make a long-awaited return to postseason action. Fans in the Buffalo area have been eagerly anticipating this moment, and the team’s strong performance this season has made their playoff berth seem increasingly likely. The Sabres are now in position to potentially secure the Atlantic Division title, which would set the stage for their first-round playoff matchup. The team’s potential opponents in the first round have been identified based on current standings and probability projections. According to Stathletes, the five most likely teams the Sabres could face are the Montreal Canadiens (32.64%), Ottawa Senators (23.96%), Boston Bruins (22.19%), Detroit Red Wings (10.80%), and New York Islanders (3.40%). The Sabres will play four of these five teams in their remaining schedule, including a crucial matchup against the Bruins on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (TNT). The team has a record of 1-1-1 against the Bruins this season. Sabres fans may be hoping to avoid a matchup against the Bruins, as the team has a better record against the Senators, Red Wings, and Islanders (2-0-0) compared to the Canadiens (2-2-0). However, the Sabres’ recent surge in performance has raised hopes that they could advance regardless of their opponent. With 12 games remaining before the regular season concludes on April 16, the team’s focus will be on maintaining their momentum and securing a strong position in the playoffs. The NHL playoff race is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several teams vying for playoff spots and the top draft pick in the 2026 NHL draft.#boston_bruins #detroit_red_wings #buffalo_sabres #montreal_canadiens #ottawa_senators
Senators Acquire Warren Foegele from Kings The Ottawa Senators have completed a trade with the Los Angeles Kings, acquiring forward Warren Foegele one day before the NHL trade deadline. The deal was announced on Thursday, with the Senators sending a 2026 second-round draft pick originally acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 29-year-old winger. The two teams also agreed to swap conditional third-round draft selections. Under the terms of the trade, the Senators will receive the lesser of the Kings’ or Dallas Stars’ third-round picks in 2026, while Los Angeles will get the better of Ottawa’s or the Washington Capitals’ third-round selections. If neither Ottawa nor Washington qualifies for the playoffs, the Senators will instead send the worse of those two picks to the Kings. Foegele, who played 47 games for the Kings this season, contributed seven goals and two assists. His performance this year marks his second season with the team, following a career-high 24 goals and 46 points in 82 games during the 2023-24 campaign. The six-foot-two, 205-pound forward, hailing from Markham, Ont., is under contract through the 2026-27 season at a salary of $3.5 million. Drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round, 67th overall, at the 2014 NHL draft, Foegele spent parts of four seasons with the Hurricanes before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers in 2021. He played three seasons with the Oilers in Alberta before leaving for Los Angeles via free agency in 2024. The acquisition adds depth to the Senators’ forward group, which currently sits six points behind the Boston Bruins for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With the trade deadline approaching, the move positions the team to strengthen its roster ahead of the postseason push.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #carolina_hurricanes #warren_foegele #ottawa_senators
LA Kings Trade Warren Foegele to Ottawa Senators in 2026 Draft Pick Deal The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Warren Foegele to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick and a conditional 2026 third-round pick. The second-round selection belongs to the Buffalo Sabres, which the Senators previously acquired. The trade includes multiple conditions, but the Kings are expected to move up several spots in the third round by trading the conditional picks. Foegele, 29, signed with the Kings in the summer of 2024 for a modest cap hit and quickly became a key contributor. During the 2024-25 NHL season, he led the team in even-strength goals and was a vital part of the “shutdown line” alongside Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore. This trio was instrumental in the Kings’ playoff run, with Foegele scoring 24 goals, 22 of which came in 5-on-5 situations. His production helped offset the team’s overall scoring struggles compared to other playoff teams. However, this season has not gone as smoothly for Foegele. After a strong debut, he has struggled to replicate his previous performance, tallying just seven goals and nine points in 47 games. Despite being utilized in various roles—ranging from the first line to the fourth line—he has not found the same chemistry that defined his first season with the Kings. While the team’s overall performance has also dipped, Foegele’s inability to adapt has been a notable issue. The Kings’ season has been marked by inconsistency, with a recent three-game losing streak following the Olympic break costing head coach Jim Hiller his job. Entering the trade deadline, the team is five points out of a playoff spot, and the move to acquire draft assets is seen as a necessary step to rebuild.#los_angeles_kings #buffalo_sabres #warren_foegele #ottawa_senators #philip_danault
Foegele traded to Senators by Kings for 2nd-round pick Warren Foegele, a 29-year-old forward, was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. The deal included a second-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft for the Kings, with both teams also exchanging conditional third-round picks in the same draft. Foegele, who has one season remaining on his three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Kings, will now play for the Senators, marking a return to his hometown of Markham, Ontario. Foegele has contributed nine points (seven goals, two assists) in 47 games for the Kings this season. He expressed excitement about the move, noting it would be a homecoming. "It's pretty great, being closer to home, just a few hours away," he said. "Family and friends don't have to stay up too late on the West Coast time. Everyone in the family is pretty excited for this." He also highlighted the familiarity with teammates, mentioning that five players on the Senators roster were known to him from his time with the Hurricanes and Oilers. "Knowing guys makes the transition huge," he added. "I went to dinner with them last night, met some new faces, and everyone's been great so far since I've been here." Foegele, selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round (No. 67) of the 2014 NHL Draft, has accumulated 218 points (111 goals, 107 assists) in 560 regular-season games across the Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers, and Kings. His playoff career includes 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 86 games. The Senators, currently sixth in the Atlantic Division with a 30-22-9 record, are four points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.#los_angeles_kings #edmonton_oilers #carolina_hurricanes #warren_foegele #ottawa_senators
