NHL Playoff Watch: Clinching Scenarios on 14-Game Thursday

The playoff picture is coming into focus as the regular season winds down.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:00am

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting an NHL hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The NHL playoff race intensifies as the regular season winds down, with teams jockeying for position in a cubist, geometric interpretation.NYC Today

With just over a week left in the NHL regular season, several teams have a chance to clinch playoff spots or division titles on Thursday's packed 14-game schedule. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche are all close to securing their postseason berths, while the Seattle Kraken are teetering on the edge of elimination.

Why it matters

As the NHL regular season reaches its climax, Thursday's games will go a long way in determining the full playoff bracket. With so many teams jockeying for position, the outcomes of these matchups could have major implications on the Stanley Cup chase.

The details

The Penguins can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Devils or a combination of losses by the Blue Jackets and Islanders. The Bruins can also clinch if the Blue Jackets and Islanders both lose in regulation. Meanwhile, the Avalanche can wrap up the Presidents' Trophy with a win over the Flames or a Hurricanes regulation loss to the Blackhawks.

  • The NHL regular season concludes on April 16.
  • The Stanley Cup playoffs begin on April 18.

The players

Pittsburgh Penguins

An NHL team currently in the No. 2 seed in the Metro Division, needing a win or a combination of losses by other teams to clinch a playoff spot.

Boston Bruins

An NHL team that can clinch a playoff spot if the Blue Jackets and Islanders both lose in regulation.

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL team with the best record in the league, who can clinch the Presidents' Trophy with a win or a Hurricanes regulation loss.

Seattle Kraken

An NHL team teetering on the edge of playoff elimination, needing a win and a Predators regulation loss to keep their postseason hopes alive.

NHL

The professional ice hockey league in North America.

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What they’re saying

“One week from tonight, the 2025-26 NHL regular season will conclude, with the Stanley Cup playoffs beginning on Saturday, April 18.”

— ESPN Staff

What’s next

The NHL regular season will conclude on April 16, with the Stanley Cup playoffs beginning two days later on April 18.

The takeaway

With the playoff picture coming into focus, Thursday's packed schedule of 14 games will be crucial in determining the final postseason bracket and seeding. Several teams are on the verge of clinching their spots, while others are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.