BERLIN – Germany’s gambling regulator is warning that the country’s illegal betting market continues to expand, estimating that roughly 23% of all online gambling activity is occurring outside the regulated system.
The Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder, or GGL, said in a new report that channelization — the share of players and spending directed to licensed operators — stood at 77.03% in 2024. The remaining share, the regulator said, is controlled by unlicensed platforms.
The GGL estimates that black‑market gross gaming revenue reached €547 million last year, up 17% from €466 million in 2023. The agency noted that such figures are inherently imprecise because illegal operators do not disclose financial data, but said the findings align with its previous assessments.
“The scientifically calculated channeling rate confirms our previous assumptions about the size of the black market,” GGL CEO Ronald Benter said. “The results support the fact‑based regulatory approach within the framework of the 2021 Interstate Treaty on Gambling.”
The study, conducted by the Blockchain Research Lab, surveyed 2,000 people who had gambled online in the previous year, excluding lotteries. Respondents listed the platforms they used and reported average stakes and losses. Researchers then classified operators as licensed or unlicensed using GGL data and other sources, supplementing the survey with behavioral tracking and proxy measures.
The report found that users of unlicensed sites reported higher average losses — €88.96 per session, compared with €77 on licensed platforms. Tipico, Bet‑at‑home, Betano and Bwin were the most commonly used regulated brands, while Stake.com, WooCasino and PlatinCasino were among the most frequently cited unlicensed operators.
The GGL said the findings highlight the difficulty of measuring and combating illegal gambling activity and called for expanded monitoring tools, including machine‑learning systems and transaction‑analysis methods, along with repeated consumer surveys.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Americas Cardroom said Tuesday that its ongoing Online Super Series XL has already awarded more than $20 million in prize money, with the first third of the schedule completed and more than $28.2 million in guarantees still to come.
The OSS XL, an expanded version of the poker site’s flagship Online Super Series, features more than $50 million in guaranteed prize pools across a wide range of buy‑ins. Through the early stages, the series has generated $20,064,205 in payouts, surpassing the $19,377,750 posted guarantees.
Large tournament series have become a key driver of liquidity for online poker operators, particularly in crypto‑based environments where cross‑border participation can boost field sizes. Americas Cardroom has positioned the OSS XL as one of the largest recurring events in the crypto poker market.
The biggest payout so far came in “Phil’s Thrill XXL,” a $1.5 million guaranteed event that ultimately reached a $2,060,000 prize pool. The tournament drew 206 entries, with “ErculePokero” winning the title and $496,027. The event’s growth reflects the series’ strong early turnout.
“The early stages of the OSS XL have already produced significant prize pools, but the largest guarantees are still ahead,” said Chris Moneymaker, a sponsored pro with Americas Cardroom. “The Main Events traditionally attract some of the biggest fields in the series, and they’re where many of the headline payouts happen.”
The series’ biggest weekend arrives next, with three Main Events offering a combined $5 million in guarantees: two $2 million guaranteed tournaments with buy‑ins of $2,650 and $1,050, and a $1 million guaranteed Main Event priced at $215. Day 1A flights begin Sunday, followed by Day 1B on March 22. Survivors will return for Day 2 on March 23.
Additional multi‑flight events remain on the schedule, including a $1.5 million guaranteed tournament with a $630 buy‑in and two $500,000 guaranteed Mystery Bounty events priced at $109. Lower‑buy‑in Mystery Bounty tournaments — including $150,000 and $100,000 guaranteed events — are also available.
Americas Cardroom is also running an OSS XL leaderboard competition that will award $65,000 in cash and tournament tickets across high‑, mid‑ and low‑stakes divisions.
With more than $28 million in guarantees still outstanding, organizers expect the final stretch of the OSS XL to produce the series’ largest prize pools and player fields. Players can participate using cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals through the platform.
* The Hurricanes outlasted the Penguins in a third period that featured a record-tying four game-tying goals. Carolina earned the NHL’s 67th comeback win in the final five minutes of regulation, which tied the second most in an entire season in League history with 230 games still left to contest in 2025-26.
* The Stars defeated the Avalanche in a shootout to move within two points of Colorado at the top of the League standings. Overall, four contests required extra time Wednesday, bringing this season’s total to 281 – the most at this stage of a campaign (1,082 GP) in NHL history.
* Thursday’s slate is highlighted by a two-pack on ESPN+ that closes with a pivotal game in the Western Conference playoff race between the Pacific Division’s third-place Golden Knights and the Mammoth, who hold the first Wild Card position.
HURRICANES OUTLAST PENGUINS IN A THIRD PERIOD FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
In a contest that featured five game-tying goals – and four in the third period – it was the Hurricanes who outlasted the Penguins in a battle between the top two teams in the Metropolitan Division thanks to Sean Walker’s first career overtime goal. Carolina and Pittsburgh matched the most game-tying goals in the final frame in NHL history – the only other contests to feature as many: the Flyers-Rangers on March 26, 2024, Blackhawks-Blues on March 15, 1988 and Capitals-Penguins on Nov. 12, 1975.
* Wednesday marked the 19th consecutive game day the Hurricanes (43-19-6, 92 points) have ranked first in the Eastern Conference standings, which is their second-longest run in franchise history trailing only a 37-day stretch in 2005-06 en route to their first Stanley Cup. The only team to lead their conference for more consecutive game days this season is Colorado (117 from Oct. 31 to present).
* Sebastian Aho collected an assist on Walker’s overtime goal to become the third player in Hurricanes/Whalers history to record 700 points, joining Ron Francis (1,175) and Eric Staal (775). Aho (307-393—700 in 745 GP) became the fifth-fastest Finnish player to reach the milestone behind Jari Kurri (483 GP), Teemu Selanne (541 GP), Mikko Rantanen (645 GP) and Aleksander Barkov (728 GP).
STARS DEFEAT RIVAL AVALANCHE IN SHOOTOUT, MOVE WITHIN TWO POINTS OF FIRST
A showdown between the NHL’s top two teams once again needed extra time to decide a victor, with Wyatt Johnston finding the back of the net in the shootout to lift Dallas (43-15-10, 96 points) to a comeback win against Colorado (44-13-10, 98 points). The Stars are now just two points back of the League-leading Avalanche after sitting 13 points back from them on Jan. 19. The two Central Division rivals will meet one last time in what could be a pivotal contest on April 4 (3 p.m. ET on ABC).
* Dallas improved to 31-8-5 against Western Conference teams this season, which is the most wins by any club against intraconference opponents. The next closest teams are Colorado (26-4-7) and Minnesota (26-9-7).
OVECHKIN, HUTSON SCORE IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
Alex Ovechkin scored to move within one of becoming the second player in League history with 1,000 goals (regular season & playoffs) on the same day that Cole Hutson scored his first career goal in his NHL debut. Hutson became Ovechkin’s first teammate that was born after the Capitals captain’s NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2005 and, alongside his brother Lane, became the third set of brothers in the past 30 years to each record a point in their first career contest. Click here for more notes on both Ovechkin and Hutson in #NHLStats: Live Updates.
TIGHT WEST PLAYOFF RACE AT FOREFRONT OF ESPN+ BROADCAST
Thursday’s 11-game slate includes an intriguing two-pack exclusively on ESPN+ that opens with the Blackhawks visiting the Wild in the back half of a home-and-home set that started with Minnesota’s 4-3 overtime win on Tuesday and closes with a pivotal game in the Western Conference playoff race when the Pacific Division’s third-place Golden Knights (31-23-14, 76 points) host the Mammoth (35-27-6, 76 points), who hold the first Wild Card position.
* Brothers Nick and Marcus Foligno, who became teammates for the first time at the NHL Trade Deadline,continue their efforts with the NHL, NHLPA, the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Wild through Hockey Fights Cancer powered by the V Foundation for cancer research to raise funds for breast cancer research in honor of their late mother, Janis Foligno. Fans are encouraged to join the Foligno Face-Off by donating $17, $71, a nod to the brothers’ jersey numbers, or any amount you can give. Click here for more information.
* The Pacific Division’s third-place Golden Knights enter Thursday two points back of the division-leading Ducks (37-27-4, 78 points) as Vegas looks to climb back towards the top of a division it led as recently as March 14. The Golden Knights, who are looking to qualify for the postseason for the eighth time in the franchise’s nine-season history, are also only five points ahead of the Kings (28-24-15, 71 points), who have a game in hand and sit as the first team outside the playoff line (fourth in the Pacific Division).
* The Mammoth and the Kraken (31-27-9, 71 points), the NHL’s two newest franchises, hold the first and second Wild Card position, respectively, with the closest four teams chasing them – all within four points of the final playoff position – also in action on Thursday.
* Did You Know? The playoff line in the Western Conference has been one point or a tiebreaker every day since March 7. The “playoff line” is the difference between the lowest ranked playoff team and the first team outside the bracket.
ALSO ON TAP THURSDAY…
The rest of Thursday’s slate also features a Stanley Cup Final rematch, several clubs jockeying for postseason positioning in the Eastern Conference Wild Card race and the streaking Sabres looking to push their lead atop the Atlantic Division
* Connor McDavid (398-799—1,197 in 781 GP) can reach the 400-goal and 800-assist milestones when the Oilers face the Panthers in a rematch of the past two Stanley Cup Finals – Florida owns a 2-1-0 edge over Edmonton in the previous regular-season meetings between the clubs since their first Final in 2024. McDavid can become the fifth Oilers player with at least 400 goals and just the second with 800-plus assists.
* A pivotal Atlantic Division matchup between Original Six clubs pits Montreal (A3; 37-20-10, 84 points) against Detroit (WC2; 37-23-8, 82 points). A regulation win by the Red Wings could put them above the Canadiens in the standings and into the Atlantic Division’s top three, depending on the result of the Bruins (WC1; 37-23-8, 82 points) game against the Jets. Also in action tonight is Columbus (35-21-11, 81 points), which is riding a 10-game point streak (6-0-4) – the League’s longest active run – and is sitting one point below the playoff line.
* Did You Know? The “playoff line” in the Eastern Conference has been two points or fewer for all but four days since the Olympic break, including every day since March 9.
* The Sabres set a franchise record their last time out by extending their road point streak to 11 games (10-0-1). They’ll look to push that stretch to 12 when they visit Macklin Celebrini (60-98—158), who’s nearing 100 career assists, and the Sharks. Buffalo can become the third team this season with a road point streak of at least a dozen contests (TBL & DAL: 13 GP).
Flag Dop is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET TV: FS1 | Radio: NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Track: Darlington Raceway – Darlington, South Carolina (1301 Harry Byrd Highway)
Venue & Track Details
Darlington Raceway, nicknamed “The Lady in Black” and “Too Tough to Tame,” is one of NASCAR’s most iconic and challenging venues. Located in Darlington, South Carolina, the track opened in 1950 as the first superspeedway built specifically for stock-car racing. It features a unique egg-shaped oval design (asymmetrical layout) measuring exactly 1.366 miles (2.198 km) of asphalt.
Turns: 4 turns with differential banking — Turns 1 & 2 at 25°, Turns 3 & 4 at 23°. The first two turns have a wider radius, while the final two are tighter, forcing drivers to compromise setup between ends of the track.
Straights: Frontstretch and backstretch both carry approximately 6° of banking. The backstretch measures roughly 1,290 feet; the frontstretch is slightly shorter at about 1,229 feet.
Width: 40 feet, with a highly abrasive surface that creates rapid tire wear — one of the highest-wear tracks on the schedule.
Caution speed: ~45-50 mph.
The layout rewards precise handling, tire management, and track position more than raw power. Races here frequently go to overtime (green-white-checker) due to late cautions, and the preferred groove is often right against the wall. Practice is scheduled for Friday at 3:30 PM ET, with qualifying at 4:35 PM ET.
Race Format & Distance
Scheduled distance: 147 laps / 200.8 miles.
Stages: Stage 1 – 45 laps; Stage 2 – 45 laps (Stage 2 ends at lap 90); Final stage – 57 laps.
Purse: Approximately $839,700.
Weather Conditions
Forecast for race night (7:00–10:00 PM ET) calls for clear skies, temperatures dropping to a high of 67°F around green flag time, winds of just 2 mph, and only a 2% chance of precipitation. Earlier in the afternoon (practice/qualifying window) highs reach the low 70s with negligible wind. Ideal dry, mild conditions with no weather-related interruptions expected — perfect for full tire wear and strategy battles.
Race History at Darlington (Truck Series)
The Truck Series has made sporadic visits to Darlington, with 13 races total since 2001 (no events 2005–2009 or 2012–2019). Recent return in 2020 has produced thrilling, overtime-filled finishes. Past Winners (selected recent & notable):
2025 (Aug 30 – Sober or Slammer 200): Corey Heim (Tricon Garage, Toyota)
2024 (May 10 – Buckle Up South Carolina 200): Ross Chastain (Niece Motorsports, Chevrolet) – OT
2023 (May 12 – Buckle Up South Carolina 200): Christian Eckes (McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, Chevrolet) – OT (158 laps)
2022 (May 6 – Dead On Tools 200): John Hunter Nemechek (Kyle Busch Motorsports, Toyota) – OT
2021 (twice): Sheldon Creed (both wins for GMS Racing, Chevrolet)
2020: Ben Rhodes (ThorSport Racing, Ford)
Most wins: Bobby Hamilton & Kasey Kahne (2 each, early 2000s); Sheldon Creed (2 in 2021). Manufacturer wins (since return): Chevrolet (4), Toyota (4), Ford (1). Key trend: Since 2020, 7 of 8 winners started inside the top 6. Races often extend beyond 147 laps due to late cautions and GWC attempts. High tire wear and the unique egg shape make clean air and track position critical.
2026 Season Standings & Recent Driver Forms (after 3 races)
The season opened with Daytona (Feb 13), EchoPark Speedway (Feb 21), and St. Petersburg (Feb 28). Current top drivers heading into Darlington:
Chandler Smith (#38 Front Row Motorsports) – 152 pts, 1 win, 2 top-5s, 3 top-10s, led 15 laps. Dominant early, strong all-around.
Ben Rhodes (#99 ThorSport Racing) – 118 pts, 2 top-5s, led a race-high 93 laps. Consistent veteran.
Ty Majeski (#88 ThorSport Racing) – 102 pts, 2 top-5s, 1 pole.
Giovanni Ruggiero (#17) – 98 pts, 2 top-5s.
Layne Riggs (#34) – 96 pts, 1 win. Hot streak with recent victory.
Other notables in form: Kaden Honeycutt, Andres Perez de Lara, Stewart Friesen, Christian Eckes (past Darlington winner), Daniel Hemric. Part-time/ringers like Corey Heim (2025 Darlington winner and defending series champ) and Cup Series invaders (Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, Carson Hocevar) will shake up the field.
Driver Matchups & Key Contenders
This is a driver’s track where experience at Darlington and tire management separate the field. Favorites & Matchups to Watch:
Corey Heim (No. 5, TRICON Garage / Frontline) – Dominant favorite. Won here in 2025; historically excellent on high-wear ovals. Expect him to contend for poles and stage wins.
Layne Riggs (No. 34) – Momentum from recent win; strong recent form makes him a live underdog.
Christian Eckes – 2023 winner; knows the groove and tire fall-off.
Chandler Smith vs. Ty Majeski / Ben Rhodes – Points leader Smith brings speed; ThorSport duo (Majeski & Rhodes) has depth and past Darlington success (Rhodes 2020 winner).
Cup ringers: Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain (2024 winner), Carson Hocevar – Bring Cup-level setups but limited Truck practice time. Bell especially dangerous on intermediates.
Dark horses: Giovanni Ruggiero, Kaden Honeycutt, Daniel Hemric (strong qualifier potential).
The battle for clean air will be intense — expect early pitting strategy and late-race restarts to decide the outcome.
Betting Trends
Trends to note:
Top-6 starters have won 7 of the last 8 Truck races here.
Chevrolet has won 4 of the last 6 Darlington Truck events.
High tire wear favors drivers/teams strong in long-run simulations (Homestead/Darlington data).
Overtime finishes common — value on drivers who can close races.
Stage betting will be popular; look for consistent stage performers like Smith, Majeski, and Heim.
Expect heavy money on Heim early, with value possibly on Riggs or Eckes if practice shows strong speed.
DRIVER ODDS
Corey Heim + 260
Layne Riggs + 450
Christopher Bell + 600
Carson Hocevar + 750
Ross Chastain + 800
Kaden Honeycutt + 800
Christian Eckes + 900
Ty Majeski + 1400
Chandler Smith + 2000
Justin Haley + 2500
Daniel Hemric + 3000
Ben Rhodes + 3000
Tyler Ankrum + 3500
Grant Enfinger + 3500
AJ Allmendinger + 4000
Stewart Friesen + 5000
Giovanni Ruggiero + 5000
Tanner Gray + 6000
Jake Garcia + 7000
Connor Mosack + 7000
William Sawalich + 10000
Brenden Queen + 10000
Kris Wright + 25000
Andres Perez de Lara Gonzalez + 25000
Mini Tyrrell + 30000
Dawson Sutton + 30000
Conner Jones + 30000
Cole Butcher + 50000
Clayton Green + 50000
Caleb Costner + 50000
Timmy Hill + 70000
Spencer Boyd + 100000
Justin Carroll + 100000
Josh Reaume + 100000
Frankie Muniz + 100000
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, March 19, 2026
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), creator of the statewide Don’t Regret the Bet responsible gaming campaign, has launched an expanded version of its website in recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The updated platform introduces new tools, educational materials, and support resources designed to help individuals make informed, responsible decisions about gambling.
Enhanced Resources and Improved Accessibility
The refreshed website builds on the existing Don’t Regret the Bet platform with new sections focused on:
Recognizing signs of problem gambling
Understanding risk factors
Accessing confidential help services
Supporting friends and family members who may be struggling
The site also features streamlined navigation and improved mobile functionality, ensuring visitors can quickly locate the information they need.
Owned and operated by the MGCB, Don’t Regret the Bet was created to provide clear, stigma‑free access to responsible gaming resources. Thousands of Michigan residents seek help each year through the state’s problem gambling helpline, and the growth of online gambling has increased demand for accessible education and support. The website expansion reflects the Board’s ongoing commitment to public awareness and player protection.
“Responsible gaming starts with awareness and access to reliable information,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB. “By expanding our website, we are making it easier for Michiganders to understand the risks associated with gambling and to connect with help if they need it.”
Key New Features
The expanded website includes:
Broader educational content on responsible gaming practices
Clear guidance on identifying early warning signs
Dedicated resources for loved ones seeking to support someone at risk
A new Youth Gambling Prevention section with research‑based information for parents, educators, and community leaders
Data showing that children introduced to “harmless betting” by age 12 are four times more likely to develop problem gambling behaviors later in life
Prevention tools and conversation guides to help adults address early exposure
Direct links to confidential support services, including the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline
Updated FAQs and prevention resources
Focus on Youth Prevention
The new youth‑focused section highlights research demonstrating that early exposure to casual betting significantly increases the likelihood of gambling problems in adulthood. According to the Economic & Social Research Institute, individuals who gambled before age 18 were nearly twice as likely to experience problem gambling later in life. By equipping parents and guardians with practical tools and clear information, the campaign aims to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
Free and Accessible to All
The expanded Don’t Regret the Bet website remains free to access and available to anyone seeking information about gambling risks, responsible play, or support services.
Michigan’s commercial and tribal operators reported $313.0 million in combined internet gaming (iGaming) and online sports betting gross receipts for February 2026, marking a 12.2% decline from January’s totals.
Gross Receipts
iGaming gross receipts: $273.1 million
Online sports betting gross receipts: $39.9 million
Adjusted Gross Receipts (AGR)
Combined AGR for February reached $287.5 million, including:
iGaming AGR: $262.1 million
Sports betting AGR: $25.4 million
Month‑over‑month:
iGaming AGR fell 8.5%
Sports betting AGR dropped 31.2%
Year‑over‑year:
iGaming AGR rose 25.4%
Sports betting AGR declined 6.7%
Sports Betting Handle
Michigan operators reported an online sports betting handle of $384.7 million, a 21.7% decrease from January 2026.
State Taxes and Payments
Operators submitted $55.6 million in taxes and fees to the State of Michigan, including:
iGaming: $53.9 million
Sports betting: $1.7 million
City of Detroit Taxes and Fees
Detroit’s three casinos paid $13.4 million in wagering taxes and municipal services fees:
iGaming: $12.8 million
Sports betting: $587,194
Tribal Payments
Tribal operators reported $6.96 million in payments to their governing bodies during February.
Market Participation
As of February 2026:
15 commercial and tribal operators are authorized for iGaming and/or online sports betting
12 operators offer online sports betting
All 15 offer iGaming
A detailed revenue distribution table is available on the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s website.
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) has released updated guidance to help licensed remote‑gambling operators comply with the Netherlands’ strict ban on untargeted advertising. The new document provides additional clarification, interpretation, and practical tools aimed at ensuring gambling promotions do not reach vulnerable groups.
Clarifying Rules for Online and On‑Demand Advertising
Since the ban took effect, online gambling providers have been permitted to advertise only via the internet and on‑demand media services, and only under tightly defined conditions. According to the Ksa, operators have raised numerous questions about how these rules should be applied in practice.
The newly published guidance explains how licensees must interpret and implement the requirements, including:
Advertising through external platforms and third‑party channels
Ensuring consumers have a genuine opportunity to refuse advertising
Properly documenting and substantiating targeting efforts and measurement results
The core principle remains unchanged: online gambling advertising must not reach vulnerable individuals, including young adults and people at risk of gambling harm. In some cases, this may require operators to avoid certain platforms entirely.
Practical Tools and Extensive Q&A
The guidance also includes practical instructions and a detailed Q&A section, informed by industry questions and supervisory findings. The Ksa says the goal is to support consistent and careful compliance across the online gambling market.
By offering clearer expectations and concrete examples, the regulator aims to strengthen consumer protection and ensure operators adhere to the spirit and letter of the advertising ban.
ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS FREE AGENT SIGNINGS CLEVELAND Davis, Kalia DT Central Florida Okwara, Julian LB Notre Dame INDIANAPOLIS Davis-Gaither, Akeem LB Appalachian State Westbrook-Ikhine, Nick WR Indiana NEW YORK GIANTS Mooney, Darnell WR Tulane SAN FRANCISCO Waitman, Corliss P South Alabama SEATTLE White, Cody WR Michigan State
FREE AGENCY SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS OFFER SHEET EXECUTED MINNESOTA Van Demark, Ryan T Connecticut (3/17) – Old Club: BUFFALO Deadline: Monday, 3/23/2026
SIGNINGS: RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS LAS VEGAS Booker, Thomas DT Stanford – No Offer Sheet Executed SAN FRANCISCO Okuayinonu, Sam DE Maryland – No Offer Sheet Executed
SIGNINGS: UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS ARIZONA Duvernay, Devin WR Texas – Old Club: CHICAGO Quitoriano, Teagan TE Oregon State – Old Club: ATLANTA CHICAGO Lynch, James DE Baylor – Old Club: TENNESSEE Sanborn, Jack LB Wisconsin – Old Club: DALLAS DETROIT Clark, Damone LB Louisiana State – Old Club: HOUSTON Wonnum, D.J. LB South Carolina – Old Club: CAROLINA INDIANAPOLIS Taylor-Britt, Cam DB Nebraska – Old Club: CINCINNATI LAS VEGAS Burford, Spencer T Texas-San Antonio – Old Club: SAN FRANCISCO LOS ANGELES CHARGERS Harris, Josh LS Auburn NEW YORK GIANTS Ezeudu, Joshua G North Carolina SAN FRANCISCO Kirk, Christian WR Texas A&M – Old Club: HOUSTON Wallow, Garret LB Texas Christian
OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS VISITS ARIZONA Duvernay, Devin WR Texas Quitoriano, Teagan TE Oregon State DETROIT Dortch, Greg WR Wake Forest MINNESOTA Van Demark, Ryan T Connecticut PHILADELPHIA Brown, Marquise WR Oklahoma Jones, Jonathan DB Auburn
Venue Place Bell, Laval, QC (Montréal Victoire home arena). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT. The game will air on Sportsnet, RDS (Canada), FOX 13+ (Seattle market), and nationally/internationally via the PWHL YouTube channel.
Recent Team Forms Montréal Victoire (last 8, most recent first):
Mar 15: 3-4 OT L vs BOS (home)
Mar 3: 4-3 SO W vs TOR (home)
Mar 1: 4-0 W vs MIN (home)
Feb 26: 4-1 W vs NY (home)
Jan 28: 3-0 W @ TOR (road)
Jan 24: 3-1 W @ OTT (road)
Jan 21: 2-1 OT W vs MIN (home)
Jan 18: 1-2 L vs NY (home)
Form: 6-1-1-0 in last 8 (4-1-0-0 in last 5 when counting SO/OT wins). Dominant at home with shutouts and multi-goal outbursts before the recent OT loss.
Seattle Torrent (last several, most recent first, compiled from available results):
Mar 15: 0-2 L @ TOR (road)
Mar 13: 1-4 L @ MIN (road)
Mar 11: 3-2 W vs BOS (home)
Mar 4: 3-4 L @ OTT (road)
Earlier road losses continue the pattern.
Form: 1-4-0-0 in the last 5 (2-7-0-1 in last 10). Struggling mightily on the road with low offensive output and poor defensive showings.
Series History (2025-26 Season) Only one prior meeting this season:
Dec 23, 2025: Seattle 2 – Montréal 1 (Seattle home) – Rookie goaltender Hannah Murphy stole the show with 37 saves; Seattle snapped Montréal’s streak in a tight contest.
Current season H2H: Seattle 1-0-0-0, Montréal 0-1-0-0. Games have been low-scoring and competitive, but Montréal has yet to face Seattle on home ice this year.
Injury Report Seattle Torrent: Captain Hilary Knight (top-line forward) remains on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) indefinitely with a lower-body injury (torn MCL) suffered at the 2026 Olympics. Additional depth injuries are mounting, severely impacting forward scoring and leadership.
Montréal Victoire: Defenseman Erin Ambrose is on LTIR (lower-body Olympic injury). Marie-Philip Poulin and the core forward group are active and expected to play. Seattle is far more shorthanded, especially on the road.
Key Player Matchups
Montréal Offense vs. Seattle Defense: Marie-Philip Poulin (9G) and the Victoire’s balanced attack (league-low 29 GA) will test a depleted Seattle blueline. Look for net-front pressure and transition play.
Seattle Scoring Threats vs. Montréal Goaltending: Alex Carpenter (7G) leads the Torrent’s attack, with support from Julia Gosling and rookie Hannah Murphy in net (strong SV% in limited action). They must generate odd-man rushes to challenge Montréal’s stingy defense.
Special Teams & Physicality: Montréal excels in structured play and power-play efficiency at home. Seattle’s penalty kill has been tested on the road. Expect a physical battle in front of the nets.
Poulin’s two-way dominance vs. Carpenter’s scoring punch is the marquee individual battle.
Betting Trends
Montréal is 4-1-0-0 in its last 5 overall and extremely strong at Place Bell (multiple shutouts and regulation wins recently).
Seattle is 0-3-0-2 or worse on the current road stretch and 1-7-0-? away this season overall.
The lone H2H game stayed Under 4.5; Montréal home games trend lower-scoring.
Top-3 teams like Montréal are hitting at a high rate as home favorites; public money likely heavy on the Victoire, but value remains on the spread if they win by multiple goals.
GAME ODDS
Seattle Torrent 4.5
Montreal Victoire – 190
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, March 18, 2026
NEW YORK – Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for high-sticking Columbus Blue Jackets forward Conor Garland during NHL Game No. 1070 in Columbus on Tuesday, March 17, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 1:57 of the third period. Jarvis was assessed a double-minor penalty for high-sticking.
The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
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