Jacob Markstrom enters the final year of his contract with the New Jersey Devils and is open to extending his stay. His future may be significantly influenced by Jake Allen's potential departure in free agency. Meanwhile, Nico Daws, who has a year left on his deal, showcased considerable resilience, arguably outshining Markstrom and Allen in the latter part of the season. The Devils need to clarify their goaltending situation as Markstrom approaches 36.

In Tampa Bay, the Lightning is looking to regroup after another disappointing playoff exit. Coach Jon Cooper, expected to receive an extension, faces a crucial offseason. Key players like Yanni Gourde and Ryan McDonagh are free agents, and the Lightning may consider trading Isaac Howard's rights. Boston's Don Sweeney is also on a mission, seeking a new coach, a high draft pick, and potential trades to retool the roster.

The Utica Comets faced off against the Providence Bruins on Friday night, falling to a 5-1 defeat. Providence's Georgii Merkulov opened the scoring with a backhand shot, adding to his impressive tally of 41 points this season. Utica answered back in the second period with a power play goal from Ryan Schmelzer, but the Bruins quickly regained control with two goals in the third, including a quick strike from Riley Duran.

Tyler Pitlick sealed the game with a goal shortly after, followed by an empty-netter. The Comets are set to return home for a sellout crowd against the Rochester Americans, hoping to bounce back from this loss.

Timo Meier's decisive shootout goal against Alex Nedeljkovic clinched a 3-2 victory for the New Jersey Devils over the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking their sixth consecutive win in Pittsburgh. Jack Hughes starred for the Devils, scoring twice, while Jesper Bratt contributed with two assists, boosting his point total to 45. Nico Daws was solid in goal, stopping 25 shots during regulation and overtime, and successfully defending five of the seven shootout attempts.

Pittsburgh, fighting hard, saw Rickard Rakell net his 24th goal of the season, and Kevin Hayes leveled the game with a late regulation goal. However, the absence of captain Sidney Crosby for part of the third period, due to an injury, raised concerns for the Penguins as they dropped this tightly contested game while still gaining a point for the third straight matchup.

In a tightly contested matchup, Timo Meier's shootout goal led the New Jersey Devils to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jack Hughes was instrumental, scoring twice, while Nico Daws showcased his skills with 25 saves in regulation and overtime, plus five in the shootout. Jesper Bratt contributed with assists on both of Hughes’ goals to elevate his season total to 45 assists, demonstrating the offensive prowess of the Devils. The win marked New Jersey's sixth consecutive victory at PPG Paints Arena.

Pittsburgh's Rickard Rakell opened the scoring with his 24th goal of the season. Kevin Hayes drew the game level with a goal late in the third period. Despite Alex Nedeljkovic making 19 saves and stepping up in overtime, it was not enough to secure a win as the Penguins fell short. Captain Sidney Crosby briefly exited after a collision but returned to the ice after medical evaluation. The Devils' ability to capitalize on power plays and maintain lead after the second period remains a significant strength.