California NHL Teams Battle for Playoff Spots

Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks all in the hunt as regular season winds down

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:04am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, depicting the intense competition between California's NHL teams as they battle for playoff positioning.The tight playoff race among California's NHL teams is captured in a cubist, geometric interpretation of the action on the ice.San Jose Today

As the 2025-26 NHL regular season enters its final stretch, the three California-based teams - the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks - are all still in the running for playoff spots, creating an intense race within the Pacific Division and wild-card spots. The teams' ability to win consistently down the stretch will be key to their postseason hopes, with crucial matchups like the Kings vs. Sharks game on Wednesday looming large.

Why it matters

The potential for all three California teams to make the playoffs would be a dream scenario for hockey fans in the state, showcasing the competitiveness of the NHL. The playoff race is also intertwined with the upcoming NHL draft lottery, where teams will be vying for the chance to select top prospect Gavin McKenna and build for the future.

The details

The Ducks currently lead the Pacific Division, but the Kings and Sharks are close behind and still have a path to the playoffs. The Kings' lower regulation win total compared to other teams puts them at a slight disadvantage in tiebreakers, while the Sharks have games in hand that could be an advantage if they can capitalize. The upcoming Kings-Sharks matchup on Wednesday will be a crucial divisional battle that could significantly impact the playoff hopes of both teams.

  • The 2025-26 NHL regular season is entering its final stretch.
  • The Kings and Sharks will face off on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Anaheim Ducks

One of the three California-based NHL teams currently in the playoff race.

Los Angeles Kings

One of the three California-based NHL teams currently in the playoff race.

San Jose Sharks

One of the three California-based NHL teams currently in the playoff race.

Gavin McKenna

A top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft, currently playing for Penn State.

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What’s next

The upcoming games on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, will be crucial, as the Kings and Sharks face off against each other in a divisional battle that could significantly impact their playoff hopes.

The takeaway

The tight playoff race among the California NHL teams highlights the competitiveness of the league and the importance of consistent winning down the stretch. The potential for all three teams to make the playoffs would be an exciting scenario for hockey fans in the state, while the upcoming draft lottery also adds an element of intrigue as teams look to secure top talent for the future.