NHL Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus After Weekend Action

Dalibor Dvorský scores for Blues, Juraj Slafkovský records assist for Canadiens as several teams clinch postseason berths

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and ice rink broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, bright red, and metallic silver, creating a dynamic, fragmented visual representation of the sport.The NHL playoff race intensifies as teams battle for postseason positioning in the final weeks of the regular season.Boston Today

In NHL action over the weekend, Dalibor Dvorský scored a goal for the St. Louis Blues in their 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, but it wasn't enough to keep the Blues' playoff hopes alive as they were eliminated from contention. Meanwhile, Juraj Slafkovský recorded an assist for the Montreal Canadiens in their 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Several teams, including Ottawa, Boston, Vegas, and Edmonton, secured their spots in the upcoming NHL playoffs.

Why it matters

The NHL playoff race is heating up as teams jockey for position in the final weeks of the regular season. Dvorský and Slafkovský's performances highlight the contributions of young Slovak players in the league, while the clinching of playoff berths by teams like Ottawa, Boston, Vegas, and Edmonton sets the stage for an exciting postseason.

The details

Dvorský scored in the 47th minute for the Blues, but their win was not enough to keep them in playoff contention as the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Edmonton Oilers 1-0 to eliminate St. Louis. Slafkovský recorded an assist on a goal by Cole Caufield in the Canadiens' loss to the Blue Jackets. Several other teams secured their spots in the playoffs, including the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators, Vegas Golden Knights, and Edmonton Oilers.

  • On April 12, 2026, the St. Louis Blues were eliminated from playoff contention despite Dalibor Dvorský's goal.
  • On April 12, 2026, Juraj Slafkovský recorded an assist for the Montreal Canadiens in their loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
  • On April 12, 2026, several teams clinched playoff berths, including Ottawa, Boston, Vegas, and Edmonton.

The players

Dalibor Dvorský

A Slovak hockey player who scored a goal for the St. Louis Blues in their 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Juraj Slafkovský

A Slovak hockey player who recorded an assist for the Montreal Canadiens in their 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Jake Neighbours

A player for the St. Louis Blues who assisted on Dalibor Dvorský's goal.

Cole Caufield

A player for the Montreal Canadiens who scored a goal assisted by Juraj Slafkovský.

Martin Fehérváry

A player for the Washington Capitals who was in the lineup as they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3.

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What they’re saying

“We must keep fighting until the end, even when our playoff hopes are slim. Dalibor's goal showed the kind of effort and determination we need from our whole team.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach, St. Louis Blues

“It was great to contribute with an assist, but we're disappointed we couldn't get the win. We'll regroup and come back stronger next game.”

— Juraj Slafkovský

What’s next

As the NHL regular season winds down, the playoff picture will continue to take shape. Teams on the bubble will fight for the remaining postseason spots, while those who have already clinched will look to secure favorable seeding.

The takeaway

This weekend's NHL action highlighted the contributions of young Slovak players like Dalibor Dvorský and Juraj Slafkovský, while also solidifying the playoff positions of several teams. The final stretch of the regular season promises to be an exciting one as clubs jockey for position ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.