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Having passed the midway mark of the 2023-24 NHL regular season, we have our eyes on the standings as the playoff races heat up during the cold winter months.

Saturday’s schedule is packed, with all 32 teams in action. The first matchup of the day sees the New York Rangers (currently first in the Metropolitan Division) visiting the Washington Capitals (three points back of the second Eastern wild card) at 1 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+.

Here are the key players to watch, along with other intel courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information:

New York
Rangers vs.

Washington
Capitals

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN+
Capital One Arena (Washington, DC)

Rangers

Power Rankings position: 6
Leading scorer: Artemi Panarin: 26 G | 32 A
Record: 26-12-2 (54 points)

  • The Rangers have the best power play in the league at 30.0%, which would be their highest in a season since the stat was first tracked in 1977-78. Their highest current mark is 28.8%, set in that 1977-78 season. The Rangers last had the best power play in a season in 1996-97 (22.0%). They have had the best power play three times since the stat was tracked, (1990-91, 1993-94, and 1996-97).

  • The Rangers’ penalty kill ranks top six in the NHL, at 84.4%. Its 18 power-play goals allowed are tied for the second fewest in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, only behind the Los Angeles Kings (14). The Rangers are one of two teams that rank top six in both power play and penalty kill, along with the Boston Bruins.

  • New York has scored first in 23 games this season, tied for the fourth most in the NHL. The Vancouver Canucks lead the NHL with 27 games scoring first. Of those 23 games, the Rangers have won 18 of them.

  • Artemi Panarin currently leads all Rangers players in goals (26), assists (32) and points (58) this season and his 1.45 points per game rate is sixth best in the NHL. His 57 points and 32 assists through his team’s first 40 games of the season is the most he’s had in his career.

  • Chris Kreider currently has 285 goals in his career, which is the third most in Rangers franchise history, trailing Rod Gilbert (406) and Jean Ratelle (336). Kreider is signed through the 2026-27 season, and at his current goals pace for his career (0.37), he would pass Ratelle in 141 games (early part of the 2025-26 season). However, he wouldn’t break Gilbert’s record by the time his contract ran out (current pace is 330 games, which would be the 2027-28 season).

  • Igor Shesterkin was named to the 2024 All-Star Game in Toronto as the Rangers representative. He has won six of his last eight starts, and has allowed two or fewer goals in five of those.

Capitals

Power Rankings position: 16
Leading scorer: Alex Ovechkin: 8 G | 19 A
Record: 19-14-6 (44 points)

  • The Capitals started the season with a 12-6-2 record (.650 points percentage) which was the eighth-best points percentage in the NHL through Nov. 30. Since the start of December, Washington is 7-7-4, with its .500 points percentage in that time tied for 22nd in the NHL with the Vegas Golden Knights and Calgary Flames. Washington is 2-4-1 since the return to action after Christmas, allowing the second-most goals per game in that span (4.29). Only the San Jose Sharks are worse (4.43).

  • Most of the struggles for this team revolve around generating offense — the Capitals are averaging 2.39 goals per game this season, the third-lowest mark in the NHL with only the Sharks (1.98) and Chicago Blackhawks being worse (2.32). The Capitals’ 2.39 goals per game is on track to be their third worst in a season in franchise history, after 1974-75 (2.26) and 2003-04 (2.27). The franchise selected Alex Ovechkin first overall in the 2004 NHL draft following that 2003-04 campaign (he didn’t make his debut until 2005-06 due to NHL lockout in 2004-05).

  • It’s been a struggle in every period for the Capitals this season, as the team has been outscored in the first period (minus-4 goal differential), second period (-7), and third period (-12). Washington is one of five teams in the NHL that have been outscored in the first, second, and third period this season, alongside the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Blackhawks, and Sharks.

  • Alex Ovechkin has eight goals in 38 games played this season, his fewest goals in his first 38 games of a season in his NHL career. His fewest goals through the first 40 games of a season is 14 in the 2010-11 season. Ovechkin’s shooting percentage is 6.0%, which would be the lowest rate of his career (current season low is 8.7% in 2010-11). His eight goals are tied for last among the 43 forwards who have played at least 20 games and are averaging at least 3.0 shots on goal per game this season.

  • The Capitals have seven goals and 59 points from their defensemen, the second-fewest in the NHL this season respectively (Blackhawks have six goals from blueliners, Sharks have 55 points from rearguards). John Carlson leads the team’s defensemen with 23 points this season, and he’s the only Caps defenseman with more than two points on the power play (nine).

  • Goaltender Charlie Lindgren was activated off injured reserve on Jan. 9. Among goaltenders to make at least 15 appearances this season, Lindgren has the second best save percentage (.928), behind Vegas’ Adin Hill (.933). Lindgren also has a 2.27 goals-against average, fourth best among goaltenders with at least 15 appearances.

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Veteran pitcher Lynn retiring after 13-year career

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2 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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Veteran pitcher Lynn retiring after 13-year career

  • Field Level Media

Apr 1, 2025, 01:20 PM ET

Longtime St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn announced Tuesday that he has retired from Major League Baseball after 13 seasons.

“Baseball season is upon us and I’m right here on the couch and that is where I’m gonna stay,” Lynn said on his wife’s podcast, “Dymin in the Rough.”

“I am officially retiring from baseball right here, right now.”

Lynn, 37, spent much of his career with the Cardinals (2011-17, 2024) but also has pitched for the Minnesota Twins (2018), New York Yankees (2018), Texas Rangers (2019-20), Chicago White Sox (2021-23) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2023).

Last season with the Cardinals, he started 23 games and had a 7-4 record with a 3.84 ERA, throwing 117⅓ innings and striking out 109.

The two-time All-Star has a career record of 143-99 with a 3.74 ERA in 364 games (340 starts), tossing 2,006⅓ innings. He ranks sixth in that category, as well as in wins, among active pitchers. Ahead of him in each category are three sure Hall of Famers — Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw.

Lynn, on Tuesday, made it clear that he may be spotted on the baseball field … just not in a major league game.

“There might be something a little fun around the corner upcoming weekend, so stayed tuned,” Lynn said. “But from Major League Baseball, I am done pitching.”

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Yanks bring back reliever Ottavino on 1-yr. deal

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2 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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Yanks bring back reliever Ottavino on 1-yr. deal

  • Associated Press

Apr 1, 2025, 12:14 PM ET

NEW YORK — Right-hander reliever Adam Ottavino is returning to the New York Yankees, agreeing Tuesday to a one-year contract.

A 39-year-old sidearmer, Ottavino agreed to a minor league contract with Boston on Feb. 18 and exercised his right to be released on March 23 after compiling a 10.80 ERA in five spring training appearances.

He was 2-2 with one save and a 4.34 ERA in 60 relief appearances for the New York Mets last year, stranding 15 of 20 inherited runners.

Ottavino pitched for the Yankees in 2019 and ’20, going 8-8 with a 2.76 ERA in 97 relief appearances. He is 41-43 with 46 saves and a 3.49 ERA in 14 big league seasons with St. Louis, Colorado (2012-18), the Yankees (2019-20), Boston (2021) and the Mets (2022-24).

The Yankees transferred right-hander JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list and placed closer Devin Williams on the paternity list.

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NHL playoff watch: Will the Capitals or Jets win the Presidents’ Trophy?

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9 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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NHL playoff watch: Will the Capitals or Jets win the Presidents' Trophy?

The NHL began handing out the Presidents’ Trophy to the team with the best regular-season record beginning in the 1985-86 campaign. In its history, it has been awarded 37 times to 18 clubs.

Those teams have been anything but a shoo-in to win the Stanley Cup, however. Just two clubs in the salary cap era (since 2005-06) have won the Presidents’ Trophy and hoisted the Stanley Cup: the 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings and the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks. Two of the past six Presidents’ Trophy winners have lost in the first round.

So, that’s the challenge ahead for whomever claims the trophy this season. At this juncture, it appears to have been whittled down to one of two teams: the Winnipeg Jets (with 106 points through 74 games) or the Washington Capitals (103 through 73).

The Capitals will face off against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+), while the Jets will take on the Los Angeles Kings (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+).

From an overall strength of schedule standpoint, the Jets have a more difficult route. According to Stathletes, the win percentage of their remaining opponents is 51.3%, which is 12th toughest. Compare that to 47.3% — the 28th toughest — for the Capitals.

Despite that, Stathletes gives Winnipeg the edge, projecting the Jets for 115.9 points and the Caps for 114.7. It appears this race will come down to the very end!

There are less than three weeks left until season’s end on April 17, and we’ll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we’ll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Yesterday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

Tuesday’s games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
Florida Panthers at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
Nashville Predators at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m.
Calgary Flames at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.
San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m.
Winnipeg Jets at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m.

Monday’s scoreboard

New Jersey Devils 3, Minnesota Wild 2 (SO)
Philadelphia Flyers 2, Nashville Predators 1
Calgary Flames 3, Colorado Avalanche 2 (SO)
Dallas Stars 3, Seattle Kraken 1

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 104.2
Next game: vs. FLA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 91
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 102.2
Next game: @ NYI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 91
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 102.2
Next game: @ MTL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 94.4
Next game: vs. BUF (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.8%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 86.5
Next game: vs. FLA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 44%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: @ STL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 2.9%
Tragic number: 16

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 76.5
Next game: vs. WSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 9

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 76.4
Next game: @ OTT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 10

Metro Division

Points: 103
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 115.7
Next game: @ BOS (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 105.6
Next game: vs. WSH (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 6
Points pace: 93.9
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.6%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 85.3
Next game: vs. MIN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 27.8%
Tragic number: 17

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 85.4
Next game: vs. NSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 17.1%
Tragic number: 19

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: vs. TB (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 8.7%
Tragic number: 16

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 77.6
Next game: @ STL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 9

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 76.6
Next game: @ MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 7

Central Division

Points: 106
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 8
Points pace: 117.5
Next game: @ LA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 102
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 8
Points pace: 113.0
Next game: vs. NSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 7
Points pace: 102.8
Next game: @ CHI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 7
Points pace: 96.2
Next game: @ NYR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 93.4%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 7
Points pace: 95.1
Next game: vs. DET (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 95.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 86.4
Next game: vs. CGY (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.5%
Tragic number: 8

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 68.7
Next game: @ CBJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 56.5
Next game: vs. COL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Pacific Division

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 110.1
Next game: vs. EDM (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 91
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 102.2
Next game: vs. WPG (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 100.0
Next game: @ VGK (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 92.1
Next game: @ UTA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 7.9%
Tragic number: 14

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 8
Points pace: 89.8
Next game: vs. SEA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 3.3%
Tragic number: 11

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 80.9
Next game: vs. SJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: 4

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 7
Points pace: 74.4
Next game: @ VAN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 49
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 55.0
Next game: @ ANA (Tuesday
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Note: An “x” means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An “e” means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL’s Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.

Points: 49
Regulation wins: 14

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 18

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 32

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 26

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