Sharks, Flyers, Senators Surge Up NHL Standings

Several teams make big jumps in latest power rankings as playoff race intensifies

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an NHL hockey game, with the players and ice rink broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of blues, reds, and yellows, capturing the chaotic and shifting nature of the late-season standings.The NHL standings have been turned upside down as teams make their final push toward the playoffs, with unexpected contenders and faltering favorites creating an unpredictable landscape.NYC Today

The San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Ottawa Senators have all rocketed up the NHL power rankings in recent weeks, surging into playoff position with strong late-season runs. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled, falling out of the postseason picture.

Why it matters

With the regular season winding down, the shifting landscape in the NHL standings is creating an exciting playoff race. Teams making late pushes could shake up the postseason picture, while those losing momentum risk missing out entirely.

The details

The Colorado Avalanche remain atop the rankings, but the Sharks, Flyers and Senators have all made major jumps. San Jose has gone 4-1-1 in its last six games to climb back into playoff contention. Philadelphia has won 10 of its last 14 to overtake a wild card spot. And Ottawa has picked up big wins over Buffalo and Carolina to close in on a postseason berth.

  • The NHL regular season has 5-6 games remaining.
  • The Avalanche defeated the Stars this past week.

The players

Cale Makar

Star defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche.

Macklin Celebrini

Leads the surging San Jose Sharks.

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What’s next

The Avalanche have a favorable closing stretch, with matchups against the Blues, Flames and Kraken, setting the stage for them to build momentum heading into the playoffs.

The takeaway

The late-season surges by the Sharks, Flyers and Senators have created an exciting and unpredictable playoff race, with several teams fighting to secure postseason berths in the final weeks of the regular season.