NHL Teams Grind for Playoff Positioning in Season Finales

Ducks, Kings look to secure top-2 spots in Pacific Division on final day of regular season

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:00pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with players and the puck fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The final day of the NHL regular season sees teams battling for crucial playoff positioning, with the Ducks and Kings fighting to secure top-2 seeds in the Pacific Division.Los Angeles Today

As the NHL regular season comes to a close, several teams are still jockeying for playoff positioning, particularly in the Pacific Division. The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings are both looking to lock up top-2 seeds in the division, while the Edmonton Oilers are also in the mix. The Ducks face the Nashville Predators, who have already been eliminated from the playoffs, while the Kings take on the Calgary Flames, who are also out of the postseason picture.

Why it matters

With the playoffs right around the corner, these final regular season games are crucial for teams trying to secure the best possible matchups in the first round. The Ducks and Kings are both hoping to avoid the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights in the opening round, so their results tonight could have major implications on the Western Conference playoff bracket.

The details

The Ducks are coming off a narrow 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild, but they'll be looking to rebound against the Predators. Center Mason McTavish scored both goals for Anaheim in that game. Meanwhile, the Kings suffered a 4-3 overtime defeat to the Vancouver Canucks in their last outing, with Quinton Byfield, Alex Laferriere, and Adrian Kempe finding the back of the net. The Flames, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention, will be hoping to play spoiler against the Kings.

  • The NHL regular season concludes today, April 16, 2026.
  • The Ducks and Predators face off at 5:00 PM local time in Nashville.
  • The Kings and Flames square off at 7:00 PM local time in Calgary.

The players

Mason McTavish

A center for the Anaheim Ducks who scored both of the team's goals in their most recent loss to the Minnesota Wild.

Lukas Dostal

The Ducks' goaltender who will need to rebound after conceding all three goals in the loss to the Wild.

Quinton Byfield

A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who scored a goal and added an assist in their overtime defeat to the Canucks.

Alex Laferriere

Another Kings forward who tallied a goal and an assist in the loss to Vancouver.

Adrian Kempe

The Kings' forward who scored the team's third goal in the overtime defeat.

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What they’re saying

“We must come out strong and take care of business tonight. Every point matters as we try to secure the best possible playoff positioning.”

— Mason McTavish, Ducks Center

“It's been a tough season, but we want to end on a high note and try to play spoiler against the Kings. We'll give it our all out there tonight.”

— Blake Coleman, Flames Left Winger

What’s next

The NHL playoffs will begin in the days following the conclusion of the regular season. The Ducks and Kings will await their first-round matchups, which will be determined by the final standings in the Pacific Division.

The takeaway

With so much on the line in these final regular season games, hockey fans are in for an exciting conclusion to the NHL campaign. The race for playoff positioning in the Pacific Division promises to go down to the wire, with the Ducks and Kings both looking to secure top-2 seeds and avoid the top-seeded Golden Knights in the opening round.