NHL Regular Season Resumes: Key Storylines as Teams Push Toward Playoffs

With the 4 Nations Face-Off wrapping up Thursday night with Canada’s thrilling 3-2 overtime win over the United States, the NHL regular season is back in full swing. Saturday afternoon marks the return of 14 games, and with less than 30 games remaining for most teams, there’s plenty at stake. From race for playoff spots to major contract decisions, here’s a look at the key storylines as the season heads into its stretch run.

Ovechkin’s Pursuit of Gretzky’s Record

One of the most exciting stories to follow is Alex Ovechkin’s chase for Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Currently needing 16 goals in the final 27 games, Ovechkin is on pace to break Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. A hot streak could even see him accomplish the feat in fewer games than Gretzky played. The Russian superstar has had extra time to recover after missing 16 games earlier this season due to a broken leg, which could give him an edge. The Washington Capitals, who didn’t participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off, will also be well-rested, adding to the team’s hopes.

The Trade Deadline Looms

The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching on March 7 at 3 p.m. ET, leaving teams with tough decisions on whether to be buyers or sellers. While many big names have already switched teams, another potential blockbuster trade emerged during the break. Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones, who expressed a desire to “give myself a chance to win,” could be moved. However, with his hefty $9.5 million cap hit and his no-trade clause, a deal will be tricky to pull off. Keep an eye on other potential trade targets as teams look to bolster their rosters before the deadline.

Contract Negotiations Heat Up

Several high-profile players are entering the final year of their contracts, raising questions about their futures. Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen just signed a five-year, $22.5 million extension, joining the ranks of Jake Oettinger, Igor Shesterkin, and others who’ve inked new deals. But players like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Brad Marchand, and Brock Boeser remain without extensions. Will they secure new contracts before the trade deadline, or will negotiations stretch into the offseason?

MVP Race and Other Awards

The MVP race is heating up, with reigning MVP Nathan MacKinnon leading the league in scoring this season. Leon Draisaitl, who won the award in 2019-20, is right behind MacKinnon and has been a key contributor for the Edmonton Oilers. Other former MVPs, like Nikita Kucherov, are also in the running. Meanwhile, USA/Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is on track to capture another Vezina Trophy. The awards for top defenseman (featuring Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, and Quinn Hughes) and rookie of the year (with contenders like Macklin Celebrini, Lane Hutson, and goalie Dustin Wolf) are also up for grabs.

Playoff Race Tightens

As we approach the final stretch, the playoff race in both conferences is intense. In the East, the defending champion Florida Panthers lead the Atlantic Division, although an injury to Matthew Tkachuk could shake things up. The Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings currently hold the two wild card spots, but the surprising Columbus Blue Jackets are hot on their heels, with several playoff teams from last season, like the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders, still in the hunt.

In the West, the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are tied at the top of the Pacific Division. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are in control of the Central Division. With so much on the line, expect these final weeks to feature plenty of drama as teams jockey for position.

Draft Lottery Implications

While many teams are still battling for a playoff spot, others are already looking ahead to the future. The San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks, both of whom won the draft lottery in recent years, are likely to be in the mix again. The Nashville Predators, struggling this season, also find themselves in the lottery race. As teams fight for playoff spots, others will be hoping for the best possible odds in the upcoming draft.

Outdoor Hockey Returns

In a tradition beloved by fans, the NHL will host another outdoor game this season. On March 1, the Columbus Blue Jackets will face off against the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio State’s Ohio Stadium. Both teams are in the playoff hunt, making this an exciting matchup to watch.

As the NHL regular season resumes, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. Whether it’s Ovechkin’s pursuit of history, the looming trade deadline, or the race for the playoffs, there’s plenty to keep fans engaged in the coming weeks. With the end of the regular season just around the corner, the action is only going to get more intense.