Coaches Must Find Meaning in Every Game Down the Stretch

Bylsma says final games are about 'preparation, purpose and confidence' no matter playoff outlook

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:49am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy and overlapping perspectives of a hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes in vibrant blues, reds, and metallic tones.As the NHL regular season reaches its climax, coaches must find ways to imbue every game with a sense of purpose and meaning, whether their teams are playoff-bound or already eliminated.San Jose Today

Former NHL coach Dan Bylsma discusses how coaches try to give meaning to every game as teams approach the final week of the regular season, even for those that have already clinched a playoff spot or been eliminated from contention. Bylsma explains that for top teams, it's about playoff preparation, while for bubble teams it's about needing to win, and for eliminated teams it's about building winning habits for next season.

Why it matters

As the NHL regular season winds down, coaches face the challenge of keeping their teams motivated and focused, whether they've already secured a playoff spot or are out of contention. Bylsma's insights shed light on the different approaches coaches take to ensure every game has meaning and purpose for their players.

The details

Bylsma breaks down the three categories of teams at this point in the season: those who have already clinched a playoff spot, those still fighting to get in, and those that are out of it. For the top teams, the focus is on playoff preparation and building confidence. For the bubble teams, it's about the urgency to win. And for the eliminated teams, it's about building winning habits for next season.

  • The NHL regular season is in its final week.

The players

Dan Bylsma

Former NHL coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Seattle Kraken, and assistant with the New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings.

Pete DeBoer

Head coach of the New York Islanders.

Darryl Sutter

Head coach of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2011-12 season.

Jeff Blashill

Head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.

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What they’re saying

“Every game is a playoff game.”

— Dan Bylsma, Former NHL coach

“Having a plan gives players the belief they have a right to win.”

— Pete DeBoer, New York Islanders head coach

“If you play your last stretch at a .600 points percentage, that's playoff hockey.”

— Jeff Blashill, Chicago Blackhawks head coach

What’s next

As the regular season winds down, coaches will continue to emphasize the importance of every game, whether their teams have clinched a playoff spot or are already eliminated. They will focus on building momentum, confidence, and good habits heading into the postseason or the offseason.

The takeaway

Bylsma's insights highlight the challenge coaches face in keeping their teams motivated and focused during the final stretch of the NHL regular season. By finding meaning and purpose in every game, regardless of playoff outlook, coaches can help their players maintain a winning mentality and set the stage for success in the playoffs or the following season.