NHL Roundup: Scores, Standings & Playoff Push – March 2026
NHL Playoff Push Intensifies as Regular Season Heats Up
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 on Tuesday, solidifying their position in the Metropolitan Division playoff race, according to results reported on March 17, 2026. The win places Columbus one point behind both Pittsburgh and the Novel York Rangers as the NHL regular season enters its critical final stretch.
Across the league, 15 games were scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with playoff implications looming large in nearly every contest. The Blue Jackets, who haven’t reached the postseason since 2020, are being led by captain Boone Jenner and forward Charlie Coyle, according to NHL media reports. Their success is vital as teams jockey for position in both the divisional standings and the wild card spots.
Elsewhere, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers continues his pursuit of career milestones. He is nearing 1,200 career points, and his performance will be a key factor as the Mammoth attempt to secure a wild card berth. The Oilers faced the Utah team on Wednesday.
A compelling matchup between Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks likewise took place, with Kucherov, the league’s leading scorer, looking to extend his lead in the points standings. Hughes, a standout defenseman, is also making his mark on the league. The Canucks hosted Vancouver on Wednesday.
The rivalry between Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins added another layer of intrigue to the schedule. Colorado has already clinched a playoff spot, while Pittsburgh is battling to remain in contention. The two players, both hailing from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, faced off on Tuesday, with Pittsburgh falling to Colorado 2-7.
The Islanders are clinging to a wild card position, while the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators engaged in a tense head-to-head battle. Anaheim is also aiming for a benchmark season, hoping to reach 40 wins. In the Western Conference, Nashville is surging, attempting to fend off challenges from San Jose and rookie Macklin Celebrini.
Recent results show a tight race across the league. On Monday, March 23, the Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 2-1. Winnipeg bested the Rangers 3-2 in a shootout on Sunday, March 22. The Islanders secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Columbus on the same day. Anaheim defeated Buffalo 6-5 in overtime, while Calgary edged Tampa Bay 4-3 in overtime. Utah defeated Los Angeles 4-3 in overtime.
Earlier in the week, on March 20, Carolina defeated Toronto 4-3 in overtime, and Washington topped New Jersey 2-1. Chicago secured a 4-1 win over Colorado, while Calgary defeated Florida 4-1. On March 19, Boston defeated Winnipeg 6-1, and Columbus routed the New York Rangers 6-3. Detroit defeated Montreal 3-1, and Ottawa edged the Islanders 3-2.
The schedule continues with a full slate of games on Wednesday, including matchups between Boston and Toronto, Detroit and Ottawa, and Florida and Seattle. The Islanders will host Chicago, while Philadelphia faces Columbus and Pittsburgh takes on Colorado.