NHL playoff watch: Races tighten as regular season winds down

With the NHL regular season nearing its end, the playoff picture is coming into focus across both conferences.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:41am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the intensity and chaos of the final stretch of the NHL regular season.The final weeks of the NHL regular season see teams battling for playoff positioning in a chaotic, geometric display of hockey action.Los Angeles Today

The NHL regular season is winding down, and the playoff races are heating up across both the Eastern and Western Conferences. In the Atlantic Division, the Buffalo Sabres hold a slim lead over the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning, while the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators are battling for the wild card spots. In the Metropolitan Division, the Carolina Hurricanes have clinched the top seed, while the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers fight for the other division spots. Out West, the Colorado Avalanche have clinched the Presidents' Trophy, while the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild have locked up their first-round matchup. The Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Anaheim Ducks are battling for the Pacific Division crown, and the second wild card spot remains up for grabs between several teams.

Why it matters

With the NHL regular season winding down, the playoff races are intensifying across the league. Teams are jockeying for position, trying to secure division titles, playoff berths, and favorable first-round matchups. The final weeks of the season will be crucial as teams make their final push to reach the postseason.

The details

In the Atlantic Division, the Buffalo Sabres lead the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning, with their higher number of regulation wins giving them the edge should the teams finish tied in points. The Boston Bruins hold the first wild card spot, while the Ottawa Senators have pulled away as the second wild card. In the Metropolitan Division, the Carolina Hurricanes have clinched the top seed, with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers battling for the other division spots. Out West, the Colorado Avalanche have clinched the Presidents' Trophy, while the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild have locked up their first-round matchup. The Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Anaheim Ducks are fighting for the Pacific Division crown, and the second wild card spot remains up for grabs.

  • The NHL regular season concludes on April 16, 2026.
  • Teams have 4 or fewer games remaining before the playoffs begin.

The players

Buffalo Sabres

The Atlantic Division leaders with 106 points and 41 regulation wins through 80 games.

Montreal Canadiens

Second in the Atlantic Division with 104 points and 33 regulation wins through 79 games.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Third in the Atlantic Division with 102 points and 39 regulation wins through 79 games.

Boston Bruins

Holding the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with 96 points and 31 regulation wins through 79 games.

Ottawa Senators

Holding the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with 94 points and 36 regulation wins through 79 games.

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What they’re saying

“We're just focused on taking care of our own business and not worrying about what the other teams are doing. If we keep winning, we'll be in good shape come playoff time.”

— Jack Eichel, Captain, Buffalo Sabres

“These last few games are going to be a battle, but we're ready for the challenge. We've worked hard all season to put ourselves in this position, and we're not going to let it slip away now.”

— Auston Matthews, Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

The final day of the NHL regular season is April 16, 2026, and several playoff spots and seedings are still up for grabs. Teams will be jockeying for position in the final days, with the postseason set to begin shortly after.

The takeaway

The NHL regular season is nearing its conclusion, and the playoff picture is coming into focus across both conferences. Teams are battling for division titles, playoff berths, and favorable first-round matchups, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season and the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.