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 10:11am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an NHL hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and white colors representing the intensity of the playoff race.The final push for the NHL playoffs intensifies as teams jockey for position in the final week of the regular season.NYC Today

With just one week left in the NHL regular season, several teams have a chance to clinch playoff spots or the Presidents' Trophy on Thursday's 14-game slate. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche all have opportunities to secure their postseason berths, while the Seattle Kraken are teetering on the edge of elimination.

Why it matters

As the NHL regular season reaches its conclusion, the playoff picture is taking shape. Thursday's games will play a crucial role in determining the final playoff matchups and seeding, with several teams on the verge of clinching their spot in the postseason.

The details

The Pittsburgh Penguins can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the New Jersey Devils or if the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders both lose. The Boston Bruins can also clinch a playoff berth if the Blue Jackets lose in regulation and the Islanders lose in regulation or overtime/shootout. The Colorado Avalanche can clinch the Presidents' Trophy with a win over the Calgary Flames or if the Carolina Hurricanes lose in regulation. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken are on the brink of elimination and need a win over the Vegas Golden Knights and a Nashville Predators loss in regulation to stay alive.

  • The 2025-26 NHL regular season will conclude on April 16.
  • The Stanley Cup playoffs will begin on Saturday, April 18.

The players

Pittsburgh Penguins

A team in the Metro Division with a magic number of two to clinch a playoff spot.

Boston Bruins

A team in the Eastern Conference with a magic number of two to clinch a playoff spot.

Colorado Avalanche

A team in the Central Division that can clinch the Presidents' Trophy with a win over the Calgary Flames.

Seattle Kraken

A team in the Pacific Division that is on the verge of mathematical elimination and needs a win over the Vegas Golden Knights and a Nashville Predators loss in regulation to stay alive.

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What’s next

The NHL regular season will conclude on April 16, and the Stanley Cup playoffs will begin on April 18.

The takeaway

The final week of the NHL regular season will be crucial as teams jockey for playoff positioning and the final spots in the postseason. Thursday's 14-game slate will play a significant role in determining the playoff picture, with several teams on the verge of clinching their place in the playoffs.