DitD & Open Post - 4/1/26: Preparing for the Worst Edition

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Mar 31, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) and New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) fight in the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Here are your links for today:

Devils Links​

“It will be interesting to see if the Devils do look to hire someone solely for the president of hockey operations title this summer, and whether that would allow Fitzgerald to stick around for at least one more season as GM and assess him from there. The feeling in New Jersey is that Fitzgerald is preparing for the worst, knowing he’s on the hot seat.” [Sportsnet]

The Rangers avoided a season series sweep with a 4-1 win over the Devils on Tuesday. [Devils NHL]

We had a goalie fight:

Igor Shesterkin:
First Rangers goalie fight since Dan Cloutier on April 4, 1998

Jacob Markstrom:
First Devils goalie fight since Corey Schwab on Dec 9, 1995 pic.twitter.com/toZfF3Gmmm

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 1, 2026

A franchise record:

New franchise record!

Dawson Mercer takes over the #NJDevils Iron Man record, playing in his 402nd consecutive game.

Hasn't missed a game since making his NHL debut on Oct. 15, 2021. https://t.co/O2wumsCfyx

— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) March 31, 2026

Injury updates:

Pesce is skating, but #NJDevils HC Keefe says "it's a matter of how much season is left", so he remains questionable to return.

It's a lower-body injury that has been keeping Brett out, but Keefe notes a finger issue, too, since his surgery, which hasn’t gotten back to 100%.

— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) March 31, 2026

Arseny Gritsyuk is not available to play tonight, but HC Sheldon Keefe says he’s further along than they thought he would be.

His status has moved from week-to-week to day-to-day. #NJDevils

— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) March 31, 2026

It’s time to move:

And the #NJDevils, who could have been where the Flyers are if they'd played the last 2 games before the Olympic break and the first 2 out of the break like they meant something:

— Whatever ownership has planned — firing GMTF, keeping him and hiring a POHOP or status quo –…

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNHL) March 31, 2026

Hockey Links​

Maple Leafs part ways with Brad Treliving:

pic.twitter.com/cmYoNoFMve

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) March 31, 2026

More history for Ovi:

Alex Ovechkin has his 20th 30-goal season, extending his own record for most 30-goal campaigns ever.

The 40-year old has scored 30+ in all seasons of his career but one (2021 COVID-shortened season). #ALLCAPSpic.twitter.com/HfJZuI7VsW

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) March 31, 2026

“MLB’s automated strike zone system is leading to more accurate officiating. Should the NHL also use tracking technologies for offside and goal-line calls?” [The Hockey News]

A look around the league at each team’s best prospect: [ESPN]

“Macklin Celebrini is in the midst of one of the best NHL seasons ever produced by a teenager. On Monday night, the 19-year-old notched the 100th point of his sophomore campaign, posting two goals and an assist in a 5-4 win over the St. Louis Blues. Reaching the milestone puts him in some very elite company.” [Sportsnet]

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.

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