NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – March 19, 2026
Sidney Crosby returns to action for the Penguins, Alex Ovechkin ties another scoring record, the latest from the general managers’ meetings, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
RECAPS OF WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
NHL.COM: A seven-goal third period set the stage for Sean Walker’s overtime goal from a beautiful set-up by Sebastian Aho as the Carolina Hurricanes nipped the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-5. Jackson Blake had a goal and two assists while Nikolaj Ehlers collected three assists for the Hurricanes (43-19-6), who hold first place in the Eastern Conference with 92 points. Erik Karlsson scored twice and picked up an assist, and Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist in his return to action for the 34-18-16 Penguins, who are in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 84 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby suffered a lower-body injury during the Olympics that sidelined him for 11 games. Before this game, the league fined Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis $5,000 for high-sticking Columbus Blue Jackets winger Conor Garland on Tuesday.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (NHL Images).
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin tallied his 25th goal of the season, and Cole Hutson scored in his NHL debut in a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Logan Thompson made 34 saves for the Capitals (34-27-8). Tim Stutzle replied for the 34-24-9 Senators (77 points), who remain five points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ovechkin reached the 25-goal plateau for the 20th time, tying him with Gordie Howe for the most in league history. In case you’re wondering, he holds the record for the most 30-goal seasons with 19. Hutson is the younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson.
A shootout goal by Wyatt Johnston lifted the Dallas Stars over the Colorado Avalanche 2-1. Jake Oettinger stopped 33 shots, and Jason Robertson scored for the 43-15-10 Stars, who sit in second place in the overall standings with 96 points. Cale Makar tallied his 20th goal of the season for the Avalanche (44-13-10), who hold first overall with 98 points.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Entering 2026, the Avalanche were so far ahead in the overall standings that some observers wondered if they’d break the Boston Bruins’ 2022-23 record for the most wins (65) and points (135). However, they’ve stumbled since Jan. 4 with a record of 13 wins, 11 losses, and three overtime losses.
The Philadelphia Flyers upset the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on an overtime goal by Noah Cates. Dan Vladar kicked out 34 shots while Luke Glendening and Owen Tippett scored in regulation for the 32-23-12 Flyers. Cutter Gauthier had a goal and an assist for the 37-27-4 Ducks, who hold first place in the Pacific Division.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This was Trevor Zegras’ first game in Anaheim since being traded last summer to the Philadelphia Flyers. He spent five seasons with the Ducks and received a loud ovation from the fans when a tribute video was played during a TV timeout.
Before this game, the Ducks announced that forward Ross Johnston will miss the next three to four weeks with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Ducks play-by-play man Steve Carroll will retire at the end of this season. He’s been calling their games for 27 seasons.
A shootout goal by Joel Farabee gave the Calgary Flames a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Connor Zary scored in regulation while Devin Cooley turned aside 26 shots for the 27-34-7 Flames. Dylan Holloway replied for the 27-30-11 Blues.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blues matched a league record with three successful coach’s challenges.
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes had a goal and two assists to lead his team over the New York Rangers by a score of 6-3. Connor Brown also had a goal and two assists for the 35-31-2 Devils. Mika Zibanejad, Vladislav Gavrikov, and Conor Sheary scored for the 28-32-8 Rangers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Hughes, he wasn’t happy that his Olympic “golden goal” puck and that of Team USA women’s team scorer Megan Keller were being held in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He called it “bulls**t” and felt the pucks belonged to the players who scored those goals.
Hughes walked back his comments on Thursday, claiming he’s honored that the puck is in the Hall. “It’s like the most special place in hockey,” Hughes said. “So yeah, I’m honored that it’s there. Obviously, I think things were taken crazy (this week). That’s just the way I felt.”
Meanwhile, Hockey Hall of Fame curator Phillip Pritchard said the puck “was never Jack’s to own.” He explained that the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation stage the Olympic Games. Since 1998, the IIHF has been responsible for collecting, authenticating, and preserving items from the Olympic and world championship tournaments. It was the IIHF that officially donated Hughes’ golden goal puck to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Players who score milestone goals in the NHL are typically allowed to keep the pucks and gear for themselves. The Hall will frequently request items for its collection, but there’s no guarantee that the player or team will donate them.
That’s why Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin kept the puck from his record-breaking 895th goal last season. However, he donated his gear from that game to the Hall last summer.
HEADLINES
THE ATHLETIC: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman continues to swat aside calls for changes to the playoff format, claiming he’s “more than comfortable” with the current setup. Bettman made those remarks to reporters as this week’s three-day meetings of general managers wrapped up on Wednesday.
Things got a bit spicy during the GM meetings when Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek sought further clarification on a controversial goaltender interference ruling that went against his team in a recent game against the Ottawa Senators. He reportedly didn’t sound very satisfied with what he heard.
Russia’s participation in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey remains in doubt if that country’s war with Ukraine continues. Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly denied a report from Czechia claiming Sweden, Finland, and Czechia wouldn’t participate if Russia does.
Bettman also defended the department of player safety after it received widespread criticism for the five-game suspension handed to Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas for kneeing Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who is out for the rest of the season as a result.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bettman and Daly discussed other topics, but these were the main points worth passing along. Nothing of any real surprise, other than Verbeek raising a stink about the goaltender interference rule.
FLORIDA HOCKEY NOW: The Panthers placed winger Brad Marchand on long-term injury reserve with an undisclosed injury. He’s been sidelined since March 6, raising doubts as to whether he’ll return before the end of the season.
DAILY FACEOFF: The New York Islanders signed winger Cole Eiserman to an entry-level contract.
THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators signed forward Zachary L’Heureux to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $875,000.
HOCKEY 24/7: Penn State forward and potential 2026 first-overall draft pick Gavin McKenna is among the 10 candidates for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award.
Ovey a freak of nature at his age scoring 25 goals in the nhl who knows he might get 30.
I hate to be negative on my team but the way they’re playing now it’s going to be hard for Boston to even a game in this league. On another point I m actually hoping Boston College loses its game this weekend so we can see Hagens play.
John Apple,people who did not see this happening to Boston are really not hockey fans. This team has overachieved all year.Swayman has been lights out in most of his starts I honestly are more concerned about Toronto s draft pick than making the playoffs.
Wrong sr everybody regardless of what they say on this site or others, want the bruins in the playoffs. Anyone that doesn’t I think are lying. The bruins are still going to get a great draft pick compliments of TO. If we land another in the top 15 that’s an added bonus. I found your statement a little insulting by the way.
John Apple and if they make the playoffs,how long will they last. I hope Mcavoy gets through the season in one piece. Every game he looks like he is almost unable to finish the game. Every game is like a playoff game in it s intensity,they look like they are on fumes. I agree I want to see Hagens to. They have to be the slowest team in the NHL. Don t be so fragile on other peoples assessments.
John, guys like me weren’t lying. C’mon man!
Also, why would anyone lie on a hockey site? I suppose it’s possible, but I can’t understand why someone would.
At the start of the year, my basic thoughts were I hope the B’s get 2 quality, high, picks this season, and next, to add to the additions of Minten and Hagens last year. Plus a high quality draft year, supposedly.
The reason is, they weren’t good enough to win the cup, which has always been my hope, and what every GM will say publicly is the goal. That isn’t the same as making the playoffs.
They still aren’t good enough, but we have gone this far, so the opportunity win the lotto and getting a top 3 pick are gone, might as well get in and try and win a round, which is about as good an expectation as we can reasonably have.
I don’t want them on the mushy middle treadmill. IMO teams should be good enough to go for it, or should be trying to get good enough to go for it. That requires high end/elite players, taken at the top of the draft almost every time. Teams don’t trade those guys often. Especially Centers, which is what we need to really contend.
In the cap era, there may have only been one SC Champ without a top 3 pick on their roster. So not impossible but extremely rare.
Critique/challenge my thinking all you want, but I ain’t lying.
J. Apple
Any true Bruin fan wants their team to go as far as possible. Sweeney never gave up assets at deadline and stayed the course. Right decision IMHO
But dam right I cheer for bruins to get as far as possible. A hot goalie is the great equalizer come playoffs. I for one think east is wide open for any who qualify for the dance
Agreed MB4, if they get in get after it.
And agree that doing nothing at the TDL was the right call by Sweeney.
I simply disagree with the theory by some that giving up young quality assets would have been a flawed strategy at the TDL. But we couldn’t sell either as we were in the WC spot.
I also question the rebuild on the fly strategy, as it doesn’t with a cup. History has taught us that.
Been a B’s fan since 1969, had a dog named Ray Bark, now have one named Bob. If I get another one, will likely go with Nifty.
Just a bit of clarification on the Washington-Ottawa game last night – the Capitals put 2 into an empty net, including the goal by Hutson.
To that point it was tight, with Ottawa out-shooting Washington by a wide margin.
Thompson wound up stopping 34 of 35 shots, while Ullmark stopped 21 of 23.
George O shots on net really mean nothing anymore. Surprised Ovi didn t add to his ENG total of 69!
Sr, I have to agree that shots on goal don’t necessarily reflect the more important aspect – the “quality” shots.
On the other hand, it can generally indicate which team has spent the most time in the offensive zone, controlling the puck, and so creating opportunities, thereby maintaining pressure and dictating the game’s tempo. I would bet that, at season’s end, you’d find that the better teams rank high in both shots on goal per game as well as fewest shots against.
George O,better teams have better talent. In a long series talent wins out.Hard work and energy can keep you in the game but talent usually wins out.
All hail, SR Mr know it all has spoken.
JA if I am wrong I will be the first to admit it. Why does my opinion offend you? I love the game,I just don’t have the same opinion as you regarding the Bruins.
And Lyle, with reference to your response to Fred Haefner yesterday on the subject of “upset” (“When you’re battling for a wild-card berth and you beat the top team in the conference, yes, it’s an upset, Fred.”), would that also necessarily apply to the Flyers’ (76 points and a game in hand) win last night over Anaheim (78 points), who’d be currently on the outside looking in anywhere in the East – despite the fact they are in 1st place in the ridiculous Pacific “Division.”??
No. There’s a big difference between the two, and I suspect you know that.
I watched the third period of the game, George, and thought both that the Sens gave it their all, and that the Caps know how to defend. I hope the Habs were watching the game.
I also note that Chabot was on the ice for almost half the game. With the schedule the way it is, desperate times and all, they need to manage his time better before he falls over.
Chabot’s ice-time only increased when Sanderson went down, LJ. He’s due to start skating soon and could be back sooner than originally thought.
In the meantime, they’re likely figuring that, given their current situation and the continuing dog-fight surrounding those WC slots, it’s more to their advantage to have the experienced Chabot out there a bit longer on average than to play the bottom-half LDs longer.
George O – while you have consistently dump on the west for being subpar to the east.
I wonder if one of the reasons might be obvious. On a condensed schedule those that have longer travel and commutes are likely going to be impacted even more so than some other clubs. And if I am not mistaken the Pacific generally has the most air timeand time zone changes.
And while travel fatigue is real it also impacts routines and practice ability.
All which would factor in on a teams standings.
Anyway just a thought because I dont see the eastern clubs being any more talented, better coached or managed, generally speaking of course, yet results say otherwise so there has to be intangibles factoring in.
1OilerFan, no argument on that travel situation. It is ridiculously longer for those West-coast teams.
Which raises an interesting possibility that I would love to see: don’t have an inter-locking schedule between East and West. Instead, with 16 teams in each conference, drop the number of games played from 82 to 75 (5 games against each of the other 15 in the Conference).
That would certainly raise the rivalry level between many sites, drastically reduce travel costs (and ensuing fatigue), and also raise what would become an annual question … who’s best – East or West … since the winners of each Conference playoffs would only meet in the Cup finals.
It would also make that idiotic All-Star game a bit more meaningful.
George O -I like the sound of that however…as we know the idea of the biggest stars not getting to show up on each town would be a hard sell. But me, I am all for it
Each Conference would have its own share of “stars” 1Oilerfan and the absence – generally – of the top players in the other Conference would be off-set to some considerable degree by a return of the old “mystique” factor that, at one time, prevailed in MLB and, in Canada, the CFL, not to mention giving existing regional rivalries a big boost AND cutting down by 7 games the length of the schedule.
Yeah, sorry, but seeing it snowing – again – here halfway through bloody March has me a bit cranky. Goes with the “old-man” stereotype, I guess – LOL.
But really, the only time I’d describe a win over Anaheim as an upset these days is if it involved Vancouver or Calgary.
The fact they’re headed for the playoffs is a bigger joke than the 5-games for Gudas.
Still digging out from the 4′ 4″ of snow we received Sun-Tues. Glad I bought a full-sized tractor w/snowblower! (so are my neighbors!)
Sooooooooo, if Russia is held out of a tournament because it’s govt. started a war….shouldn’t the USA be held out for starting a war with Iran?
JUST SAYIN’
Not relevant
Just Saying 👀
So… if the us participates who bows out in protest? Saudi Arabia? Oman? UAE? Not sure the tourney will miss those hockey teams.
MrBruin – you’ll have to explain how “it’s not relevant”….do we get to pick and choose which wars mean something to us and which ones don’t? (and I’m talking as far as sports go)…seems like if it’s not okay for one, it’s not okay for both.
Stars fan
This is a hockey site. No place for any political commentary IMHO
Though I do luv. Political commentary. Just not when I am on probably the best hockey site for intelligent hockey fans to share opinions
Stars fan
Ps. We don’t get to pick. We get to cheers and get pissed when our teams play well or poor
That’s all we get to do No say in who plays who dont
I wasn’t trying to be political at all… just saying it’s the same arguement. Same rules should apply. Apples to apples
Apples to apples stars… if the tourney is concerned that Sweden Finland etc will pull out of Russia plays… who is the tourney concerned about pulling out if the us plays? I’m thinking nobody. So it’s actually apples to oranges
Good that some GMs are speaking up about the goaltender interference…however, more likely than not, it’s falling on deaf ears. Case in point would be when Tulsky, GM of the Canes, mentioned how the quality is slipping only to have Bettman replied by accusing him of speaking for his owner.
Hmmm profits over product, eh?
Lyle: “Bettman and deputy commissioner Gary Bettman denied a report from Czechia…”
Typo Lyle: “Bettman and deputy commissioner Gary Bettman denied a report from Czechia…”
Update
Russia bad USA good.
Nhl ruled by USA.
Mystery solved 😃