Sidney Crosby Injury Update & NHL Action: Key Games and Standings
Monday’s NHL schedule features five exciting games, with two nationally televised in the United States and Canada. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch, along with the complete game schedule. A key storyline revolves around the return of Evgeni Malkin to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup as they visit Nathan MacKinnon and the league-leading Colorado Avalanche (9:30 p.m. ET; SN-PIT, ESPN, Prime, TVAS).
Malkin Returns, Crosby Remains Out
Malkin is back after serving a five-game suspension for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin on March 5th. The Penguins went 2-1-2 during his absence and currently sit tied with the New York Islanders for second in the Metropolitan Division. However, captain Sidney Crosby remains sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained while playing for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 18th. While Crosby has been skating with the team, his return to the ice is not expected imminently.
MacKinnon’s Dominant Performance
Nathan MacKinnon continues to be a force for the Avalanche, racking up 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in his last 12 games and boasting a League-best plus-57 rating. He trails Connor McDavid by just five points for the NHL lead with 109 points (44 goals, 65 assists) in 64 games. Colorado (44-12-9) has stumbled recently, losing two of their last three, and their lead over the Dallas Stars in the Central Division and overall League standings has been trimmed to three points.
Panarin’s Return to Madison Square Garden
Artemi Panarin will make his return to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Rangers (7 p.m. ET; FDSNW, MSG) for the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Kings on February 4th. Panarin spent seven seasons with the Rangers, becoming ninth in franchise history with 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 games. He has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 10 games with the Kings (27-24-15), who are two points behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Red Wings Seek to End Skid
The Detroit Red Wings begin a crucial four-game homestand against the Calgary Flames on Prime Monday Night Hockey (7 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, Prime). Detroit (36-23-8) is aiming to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2015-16 but has lost three straight and five of their last six. They hold a one-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.
Bruins and Devils Battle for Positioning
The Boston Bruins can also tie for third in the Atlantic Division with a win at the New Jersey Devils (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, TVAS). Boston (37-23-6) trails Montreal by two points and is tied with Detroit for the first wild card, one point ahead of Columbus. New Jersey (33-31-2) wraps up a seven-game homestand.
Stars Aim for Record Streak
The Dallas Stars have a chance to extend their point streak to a franchise-record 16 games when they host the Utah Mammoth (8 p.m. ET; FOX4, Utah16, Victory+). Dallas is 14-0-1 in its past 15 games.
Tonight’s Full Schedule
- Calgary Flames at Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, Prime)
- Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, TVAS)
- Los Angeles Kings at New York Rangers (7 p.m. ET; FDSNW, MSG)
- Utah Mammoth at Dallas Stars (8 p.m. ET; FOX4, Utah16, Victory+)
- Pittsburgh Penguins at Colorado Avalanche (9:30 p.m. ET; SN-PIT, ESPN, Prime, TVAS)
Stay tuned for all the action and updates from around the NHL!
