NHL Playoff Contenders Face Tough Schedules Down Stretch

Avalanche look to overcome Makar injury as Flyers surge in power rankings

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the NHL regular season enters its final weeks, several playoff contenders are facing challenging schedules that could determine their postseason fates. The Colorado Avalanche must press on without star defenseman Cale Makar, while the Philadelphia Flyers have climbed into the top 16 power rankings despite key injuries of their own.

Why it matters

With tight playoff races in both the Eastern and Western Conferences, the remaining schedules of top teams will be crucial in deciding which clubs secure coveted postseason berths. Injuries to star players like Makar could also significantly impact a team's ability to maintain position in the standings.

The details

The Avalanche have been one of the NHL's elite teams in recent seasons, but they now face an uphill battle after losing Makar to an upper-body injury. The Flyers, meanwhile, have surged up the power rankings despite dealing with their own key injuries, showcasing the depth and resilience of the roster.

  • The NHL regular season is entering its final month.
  • Cale Makar suffered his injury in a recent Avalanche game.

The players

Cale Makar

A star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche who is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Colorado Avalanche

An NHL team based in Denver, Colorado that has been one of the league's top contenders in recent seasons.

Philadelphia Flyers

An NHL team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that has climbed up the power rankings despite dealing with key injuries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Losing a player of Cale's caliber is always tough, but our team has shown the ability to overcome adversity before.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche

“I'm really proud of how our guys have stepped up and continued to compete at a high level despite the injuries we've faced.”

— John Tortorella, Head Coach, Philadelphia Flyers

What’s next

The Avalanche will need to find a way to replace Makar's production on the blue line, while the Flyers will look to maintain their momentum and secure a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The final stretch of the NHL regular season will test the depth and resilience of several top playoff contenders, with injuries to star players like Cale Makar potentially playing a pivotal role in determining which teams advance to the postseason.