Articles / NHL On Tap: Senators visit Capitals looking to close in on wild card

NHL On Tap: Senators visit Capitals looking to close in on wild card

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NHL.com
Mar 18, 2026 2:23 PM

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As the NHL season progresses, teams are starting to solidify their rosters for the playoffs. The Boston Bruins continue to dominate, led by their star forward David Pastrnak, whose scoring touch has been electric this month. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to close the gap in the Atlantic Division, relying on Auston Matthews to lead their charge as the postseason approaches.

In injury news, the Chicago Blackhawks are concerned about the status of Patrick Kane, who has been sidelined for several weeks. Kane's absence is a significant blow for a team that is already struggling to find consistency. On the other hand, the Calgary Flames are enjoying a resurgence with their recent acquisition of Jonathan Huberdeau, who has brought new life to their offensive lineup.

As teams prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, the race for the playoffs is heating up. Key matchups this week include the Florida Panthers taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning, which could have major implications for playoff positioning. Fans are eager to see if the Lightning can regain their form and make a push for the top of the standings with their star goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy, back in the lineup after injury.

With several games this week, the stakes are higher than ever, and every point counts. As rivalries reignite and teams jockey for position, the excitement in the NHL is palpable, setting the stage for an intense playoff race.

Whether your team is in contention or still looking to build for the future, the next few weeks will be filled with thrilling hockey action that no fan will want to miss.