NHL nationally televised games for week of March 24

Each Monday throughout the 2024-25 NHL season, ESPN and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes will provide fans with a guide of games that will be nationally televised. Today, a look at games for the week of March 24.

Highlights include the Vancouver Canucks visiting the New Jersey Devils on "Prime Monday Night Hockey," and a Western Conference battle between two of the top teams, the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers.

MONDAY, MARCH 24

Vancouver Canucks at New Jersey Devils (7:30 p.m. ET; Disney+, HULU, ESPN+, Prime)

It won't be a full family affair with Devils center Jack Hughes injured and out for the season, but New Jersey defenseman Luke Hughes and Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes will get to play against each other for the fourth time in their NHL careers. Luke and New Jersey hold a 2-1-0 edge thus far. The Canucks will be playing the third of a six-game road trip looking to gain ground for the second wild card in the Western Conference. The Devils enter the week having lost three of four.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

New Jersey Devils at Chicago Blackhawks (7:30 p.m. ET; CHSN, MAX, truTV, TNT, TVAS2)

Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks had lost seven in a row (0-6-1) prior to a 7-4 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. They're in the middle of a five-game homestand looking to close out the season on a positive note. Devils forward Jesper Bratt has stepped up in Jack Hughes' absence and was the NHL's Second Star for the week ending March 16 when he had nine points (two goals, seven assists) in three games.

Dallas Stars at Edmonton Oilers (10 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN, SN1, TNT, truTV, MAX)

Two of the favorites in the Western Conference meet for the final time during the regular season, with each having won once. Edmonton defeated Dallas in six games in the conference final last season, and each team currently ranks second in its division this season. The Stars enter the week having alternated wins and losses in four games, and forward Jamie Benn is one goal from 400 in his career. The Oilers likely will be without their two top forwards, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, to begin the week due to injury, and it's unclear if they'll be ready for this showdown.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

Washington Capitals at Minnesota Wild (7:30 p.m. ET; Disney+, MNMT, HULU, ESPN+, TVAS-D, SNP, SNE)

The GR8 CHASE makes its way to Minnesota. Alex Ovechkin is seven goals from breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal record of 894 and has relished playing against the Wild over the course of his career with 20 goals in 24 games against them. The 0.83 goals-per-game rate is his highest against any team. Minnesota has won three straight games, allowing two goals, and has really benefited from an 18-4-4- start to the season. The Wild are a .500 team since Dec. 6 (22-21-1), but those banked points have helped them stay in the playoff race while missing forward Kirill Kaprizov for the past two months because of a lower-body injury.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

Toronto Maple Leafs at Los Angeles Kings (7 p.m. ET; FDSNW, SN, CBC)

The Maple Leafs will be continuing their three-game California road trip and enter the week in a close battle with the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, who are all within four points for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. The Kings have been hot at home all season (25-3-4) and set a team record with a 14-game point streak (11-0-3) after defeating the Boston Bruins 7-2 on Sunday. Forward Quinton Byfield has eight goals in his past 10 games.

Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings (8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+)

Boston has really struggled, going 3-11-3 in its past 17 games, putting its eight-season playoff streak in jeopardy. This will be a must-win against a team they'd need to pass in the standings, especially since they have a tough schedule the rest of the way. Detroit has also struggled, dropping nine of 11 (2-9-0), and is also in need of points if it hopes to end its eight-season playoff drought. Lucas Raymond leads the Red Wings with 70 points (24 goals, 46 assists) in 69 games this season.

OTHER NATIONALLY TELEVISED GAMES

WEDNESDAY

Vancouver Canucks at New York Islanders (7:30 p.m. ET; MSGSN, SN, TVAS)

THURSDAY

Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche (10 p.m. ET; ESPN)

FRIDAY

Utah Hockey Club at Florida Panthers (7 p.m. ET; Utah16, SCRIPPS, NHLN, SNW, SNO, SNE)

SATURDAY

Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers (1 p.m. ET; NHLN, NBCSP, MSG-B)

Columbus Blue Jackets at Ottawa Senators (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN1, CITY, FDSNOH)

Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers (10 p.m. ET; CBC, SN, CITY)

SUNDAY

Montreal Canadiens at Florida Panthers (1 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, NHLN, TSN2, RDS)

San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings (10 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN360)