A thrilling 15-game night in the NHL on March 24, 2026, brought significant movement in the Eastern Conference standings and saw major milestones achieved across the league. Zach Werenski propelled Columbus into second place in the Metropolitan Division for the first time this season, while Ottawa secured a coveted playoff position for the first time in over three months by fending off a Detroit comeback.
Meanwhile, Connor McDavid continued his historic career, becoming the third-fastest player in NHL history to reach 1,200 career points as Edmonton defeated Utah, claiming second place in the Pacific Division. The highly anticipated 2025-26 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy race also intensified, with four of the NHL’s five 40-goal scorers finding the back of the net, three of whom are aiming for their first-ever scoring title.
Columbus Climbs to Second in Metropolitan, Ottawa Jumps into Wild Card
Crucial wins by Columbus (38-22-11, 87 points) and Ottawa (38-24-9, 85 points) significantly impacted the Eastern Conference playoff picture as both teams ascended the standings.
- Columbus, fueled by Zach Werenski’s two-point performance (1 goal, 1 assist), seized second place in the Metropolitan Division, surpassing Pittsburgh (35-20-16, 86 points). This marks the first time this season the Blue Jackets have held a top-two divisional spot, a feat they last achieved early in the 2021-22 season on October 15, 2021.
- Werenski’s 25th multi-point game of the 2025-26 season tied Artemi Panarin’s franchise record for Columbus in a single season (2018-19). He also equaled Erik Karlsson (2022-23) for the fewest games by a defenseman (64 GP) to reach this milestone in the last 35 years, a mark last bettered by Paul Coffey in 1985-86 (53 GP).
- Despite facing the Red Wings with five injured defensemen and two blueliners making their NHL debuts (Carter Yakemchuk and Jorian Donovan), Ottawa secured their fourth straight victory. This triumph propelled them into the second Wild Card spot, earning a playoff position for the first time since December 3.
- Yakemchuk (1 goal, 1 assist) impressed in his debut, becoming only the second Senators defenseman (after Maxime Lajoie in 2018) to register multiple points in his NHL debut and the third blueliner in franchise history to score a goal in his inaugural game (alongside Lajoie and Wade Redden).
McDavid Hits Multiple Milestones in Oilers Victory
Connor McDavid reached significant career milestones, scoring twice to hit 400 career goals and 1,200 career points (401 goals, 799 assists in 784 games). His two-goal effort led the Oilers (35-28-9, 79 points) past the Mammoth (37-29-6, 80 points), securing second place in the Pacific Division. The Ducks (40-27-4, 84 points) remain ahead after their 40th win, aided by John Carlson’s three assists.
- McDavid’s first goal made him the fifth Oiler to score 400 goals for the franchise. His second goal not only marked his 1,200th career point as the seventh active player to reach that plateau but also his fifth career 40-goal season, placing him fourth in Oilers history for most such seasons.
Race for the “Rocket” Continues as 40-Goal Scorers Shine
The chase for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy intensified as three more 40-goal scorers—Nathan MacKinnon (46), Cole Caufield (44), and Wyatt Johnston (40)—all lit the lamp. This season could see a first-time “Rocket” winner for the second consecutive year (following Leon Draisaitl in 2024-25) and the fifth time in seven seasons.
- Nathan MacKinnon extended his lead in the Rocket Richard race with one of Colorado’s six goals. With 412 career goals, MacKinnon is poised to become the first player in NHL history to win his first goal-scoring title after surpassing 400 career tallies. Leon Draisaitl (399 goals in 2024-25) currently holds the record for most career goals before winning his first scoring title.
- Cole Caufield contributed to Montreal’s 24th comeback win of the season, a franchise record tying the 1992-93 and 1975-76 teams. On track for the Canadiens’ first 50-goal season since 1989-90, Caufield could also become the first Canadiens player to win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy since its 1998-99 inception, and only the third in the expansion era (since 1967-68) to lead the league in goals (following Guy Lafleur in 1977-78 and Steve Shutt in 1976-77).
- Wyatt Johnston (2 goals, 1 assist) achieved his first career 40-goal season, placing him third among all players this season, tied with Nikita Kucherov and Connor McDavid. At 22, the Stars forward has a chance to become the youngest Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner since Steven Stamkos in 2011-12.
Wild Card Spots in the West Still to Be Determined
In the Western Conference, the Nashville Predators extended the league’s longest active winning streak, solidifying their hold on the second Wild Card spot. The Winnipeg Jets also made a move, leapfrogging the Sharks to keep pace with Nashville for that final spot.
- Filip Forsberg (1 goal, 2 assists) and Roman Josi (1 goal) were instrumental in Nashville’s five-goal first period, propelling the Predators (34-28-9, 77 points) to their fifth consecutive win. This run puts them closer to the Mammoth (37-29-6, 80 points) for the first Wild Card spot. Forsberg and Josi have accumulated 16 points during this streak, while recent additions Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Ryan O’Reilly have combined for 18.
- Mark Scheifele’s three-point effort (1 goal, 2 assists) powered the Jets (30-29-12, 72 points) to a regulation victory, allowing them to overtake the Sharks (32-31-6, 70 points) and remain in contention for the second Wild Card spot with the Predators. If they qualify, Winnipeg would be the first team since the 1998-99 Flyers to make the playoffs after an 11-game winless streak (December 15, 2025 – January 8).
Kucherov Records Fourth Career 120-Point Season
Nikita Kucherov recorded his fourth career 120-point season, contributing an assist before Erik Cernak scored the go-ahead goal with 2:53 left in regulation. This victory brought the Lightning (44-21-5, 93 points) within two points of the Atlantic Division-leading Sabres (44-20-7, 95 points). Kucherov currently holds a two-point lead over Connor McDavid (118) and a five-point lead over Nathan MacKinnon (115) in the Art Ross Trophy race.
Bruins, Sabres Continue Playoff Push on TNT
An important Eastern Conference playoff race matchup will feature the Bruins (39-24-8, 86 points), currently holding the first Wild Card spot, visiting the Atlantic Division-leading Sabres (44-20-7, 95 points). Both Boston and Buffalo are part of the seven teams currently in playoff positions after failing to qualify last season (four in the East, three in the West).
