Troy Stecher, a seasoned defenseman, embarks on another journey to capture the elusive Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. After narrowly missing out last season, the Oilers are poised to face the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs. Stecher is among several former University of North Dakota players aiming for playoff glory, including a trio with the Ottawa Senators: Shane Pinto, Jake Sanderson, and Tyler Kleven. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes, featuring Tyson Jost and Jackson Blake, also enter the fray against New Jersey. Brock Nelson, freshly traded to the Colorado Avalanche, will battle the Dallas Stars, adding to the competitive landscape of the playoffs.

William Carrier of the Carolina Hurricanes is seeking a second opinion regarding his lower-body injury, while teammate Tyson Jost has resumed skating but remains sidelined. In Colorado, Gabriel Landeskog participated in drills, raising hopes for his return, as Samuel Girard rejoined the lineup. Meanwhile, Roope Hintz from the Dallas Stars is day-to-day after missing a game. Florida's Sam Reinhart played despite missing the morning skate, but Aaron Ekblad is out indefinitely.

In Minnesota, Jakub Lauko was activated from IR, whereas Anthony Duclair of the New York Islanders acknowledged his ongoing injury issues. Ottawa’s Thomas Chabot is recovering from a puck to the face, and Seattle's Brandon Tanev missed a game due to illness. Erik Cernak of the Tampa Bay Lightning is also day-to-day after an early exit from a recent game.

The Washington Capitals ended their two-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, thanks to timely goals from Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael in the final minute of a period. Charlie Lindgren excelled in goal, making 23 saves.

In other NHL action, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-3, with Matt Murray shining in his return to the net. The Montreal Canadiens edged the Detroit Red Wings 4-3, led by Patrik Laine's power-play goal.

Florida's Aleksander Barkov scored in overtime to secure a 2-1 win against St. Louis, while Utah triumphed over Minnesota 2-1. The New York Rangers beat the Dallas Stars 3-1, and the Colorado Avalanche took down the Anaheim Ducks 4-2.

In a thrilling match, the Washington Capitals triumphed over the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1, snapping their two-game losing streak. Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael scored crucial goals in the final minute of a period, while Charlie Lindgren showcased his skills with 24 saves, particularly a highlight-reel stop against Tyson Jost.

Jakub Vrana also contributed to the Capitals' victory. Despite a late goal from Seth Jarvis, the Hurricanes' winning streak came to an end, further complicating their recent road struggles.

The Washington Capitals secured a 3-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, ending their two-game losing streak. Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael scored late in the second period, while Jakub Vrana added another goal. Charlie Lindgren was instrumental, making 24 saves, including a spectacular windmill save against Tyson Jost.

Despite a late goal from Seth Jarvis, the Hurricanes' winning streak was halted. Carolina struggles continued on the road, now 0-4-1 in their last five away games. The Capitals, missing captain Alex Ovechkin, improved their home record to 10-4-2.