The NHL season is back in full swing with 14 games slated for Saturday and an additional 10 on Sunday, ensuring that all teams will compete at least once during the weekend following the highly successful 4 Nations Face-Off event.
As the playoffs approach, which are set to begin on April 19, the league’s 32 franchises will engage in a total of 422 games. This competitive stretch will precede the intense four-round pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
“There is still much hockey to be played,” remarked Pierre-Luc Dubois, center for the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals, on Friday. “Some teams will find their playoff races kick off with 18 games left; others with just 10. Regardless, the pace will surely pick up soon.”
One of the highlights includes Alex Ovechkin’s quest to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record, along with the anticipated outdoor game featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium. The trade deadline on March 7 and various injury situations emerging from the 4 Nations tournament are also key storylines to follow as the season unfolds.
Ovechkin is currently 16 goals shy of eclipsing Gretzky’s remarkable record of 894 career goals, a milestone that seemed unreachable for many years. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery is optimistic about Ovechkin’s performance as the season enters its final stages. “I expect him to be really impactful for us in these last 27 games,” Carbery said. “He looks fantastic, full of energy. It seems he utilized the break well for both physical training and mental refreshment.”
Nonetheless, the odds suggest that Ovechkin may struggle to achieve the record this season, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Last season, he managed to score 15 goals in the last 27 games—a production level that would allow him to tie with Gretzky if replicated. Yet, it may be unwise to bet against such a prolific scorer. “Everyone’s excited about it and looking forward to it,” noted teammate Dylan Strome. “Meeting the target this year will be challenging, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s definitely him.”
The Blue Jackets are gearing up for their inaugural outdoor game on March 1, where they will face the Red Wings at Ohio Stadium, a venue known for its intense college football rivalries. This game also symbolizes a successful and surprising season for Columbus, led by top defenseman Zach Werenski and coach Dean Evason. They are currently in playoff contention following the return of their captain, Boone Jenner, who has been out for most of the season due to shoulder surgery.
“I haven’t enjoyed playing hockey this much in a long time. Being part of this group is so much fun,” remarked Werenski during the 4 Nations tournament. “We’re enjoying it and putting in the effort. Everyone is committed to our collective success.”
The Red Wings find themselves one point ahead of the Blue Jackets, following a midseason coaching change that has yielded impressive results. Since Todd McLellan took over for Derek Lalonde, Detroit has triumphed in 15 of their last 21 games, making the upcoming Stadium Series matchups even more significant.
Meanwhile, trade season is heating up. Before the 4 Nations tournament, significant moves occurred, including a major three-team trade that sent Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall to the Carolina Hurricanes while the New York Rangers acquired J.T. Miller from the Vancouver Canucks. Dallas also secured Mikael Granlund and Codi Ceci in a deal with San Jose.
More trades are expected before the deadline on March 7 at 3 p.m. EST. The New York Islanders face a critical decision regarding Brock Nelson, a center who will become an unrestricted free agent. As the Islanders trail by four points from the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, the future of their 82-year-old general manager Lou Lamoriello remains uncertain, complicating Nelson’s situation.
Injuries are also causing concern around the league. Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby may need to sit out after playing through pain during the 4 Nations, while Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk sustained a lower-body injury that kept him from finishing a game with the U.S. team. Boston’s Charlie McAvoy and Vegas’ Shea Theodore will be unavailable for their teams, with more injury updates likely to emerge as players return to practice in the upcoming days.
