2026 NHL Playoff Bracket: Updated look at the Stanley Cup Playoff picture

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With the 2026 NHL regular season nearing its conclusion, the final field for the Stanley Cup Playoffs is still taking shape. As of Monday, 13 of the 16 postseason berths have already been clinched, but the last spots in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are still up for grabs. The article breaks down the current playoff picture, including clinching scenarios and seeding battles, as teams make their final push to secure a spot in the NHL postseason.

Why it matters

The final days of the NHL regular season are always filled with high drama as teams fight for the last remaining playoff spots. This year is no exception, with several teams still vying for the final berths in both conferences. The outcome of these races will determine the first-round matchups in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, setting the stage for what is sure to be an exciting postseason.

The details

In the Eastern Conference, seven of the eight playoff spots have already been secured, with the Philadelphia Flyers currently holding the final spot. The Flyers can clinch their berth with a win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday, but losses by the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets could also open the door for them. In the Western Conference, two playoff spots remain up for grabs, with the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings/Nashville Predators battling for the final divisional and wild card spots, respectively.

• The 2026 NHL regular season reaches its conclusion on Thursday, April 16.
• The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, April 18.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The final games of the 2026 NHL regular season will be played on Thursday, April 16, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin on Saturday, April 18. The final playoff field and first-round matchups will be determined over the next few days as teams fight for the remaining postseason berths.