Hockey’s Elites on Display: A comparison of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, two premier NHL talents who coincidentally share the jersey number 86, highlighted in this action-shot.
The dust has finally settled from the NHL trade deadline, but the action on the ice is heating up more than ever. If you’re looking for the absolute latest NHL news, March 8, 2026, delivered plenty of jaw-dropping performances, thrilling overtime finishes, and massive franchise milestones that will have fantasy hockey managers scrambling.
Massive Milestones: Kucherov and Hughes Steal the Show in Today’s NHL News
When it comes to breaking NHL news, it’s impossible to ignore what Nikita Kucherov accomplished last night. The Tampa Bay Lightning superstar recorded four assists in a decisive 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, officially hitting the 100-point mark for the sixth time in his illustrious career. Not only did Kucherov hit the century mark, but recently acquired veteran Corey Perry also scored in his return to Tampa Bay following his trade from the Los Angeles Kings.
Meanwhile, across the Eastern Conference, Jack Hughes put on an absolute clinic. In a fierce rivalry matchup against the New York Rangers, Hughes netted a spectacular hat trick and added an assist to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 6-3 victory. For those tracking NHL news closely, the Devils’ fourth win in a row proves they are finding their stride at the perfect time.
Elsewhere in the league, defensive milestones made the front pages. Josh Morrissey scored the overtime winner to lift the Winnipeg Jets past the Vancouver Canucks 3-2. This goal wasn’t just a game-winner; it pushed Morrissey past Dustin Byfuglien for the most points by a defenseman in this version of the Jets’ franchise history (417 points). Down on Long Island, teenage sensation Matthew Schaefer set a new NHL mark for the most overtime points by a teenage defenseman, setting up Bo Horvat’s OT winner to lift the Islanders over the Sharks 2-1.
New faces in new places also made their mark. Ryan Strome debuted with a goal and an assist to help the Calgary Flames secure a massive 5-4 upset over the heavily favored Carolina Hurricanes.
March 7, 2026 NHL Game Scores & Notes
Catch up on yesterday’s incredible slate of games with this complete breakdown of scores from around the league.
Away Team
Score
Home Team
Notes / Status
Washington Capitals
1 – 3
Boston Bruins
Arvidsson with 3rd-period game-winner
New York Rangers
3 – 6
New Jersey Devils
Jack Hughes Hat Trick (4 Points)
Nashville Predators
2 – 3
Buffalo Sabres
Sabres 6th Straight Win
Pittsburgh Penguins
3 – 4
Philadelphia Flyers
Final (SO)
Toronto Maple Leafs
2 – 5
Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov hits 100-point mark
Columbus Blue Jackets
4 – 5
Utah Mammoth
Mammoth win 3 straight
Vancouver Canucks
2 – 3
Winnipeg Jets
Final (OT) – Morrissey game-winner
Montreal Canadiens
4 – 3
Los Angeles Kings
Slafkovsky 2 Goals, 1 Assist
Carolina Hurricanes
4 – 5
Calgary Flames
Ryan Strome debut goal
San Jose Sharks
1 – 2
New York Islanders
Final (OT) – Horvat game-winner
Ottawa Senators
7 – 4
Seattle Kraken
Final
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