Original Six, 2-year-old franchises eye Stanley Cup playoff spots

Several teams can clinch postseason berths on a pivotal April 9 NHL schedule

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the players, puck, and arena.As the NHL regular season winds down, the race for the Stanley Cup playoffs intensifies with historic franchises and rising expansion teams vying for postseason berths.Today in Pittsburgh

The NHL regular season is winding down, and several teams have a chance to clinch playoff spots on Thursday, April 9. This includes some of the league's most historic franchises like the Boston Bruins, as well as a young expansion team, the Utah Mammoth, which is seeking its first-ever playoff berth in just its second season.

Why it matters

The race to the Stanley Cup playoffs is intensifying, with multiple teams on the verge of securing their postseason spots. This includes a mix of traditional powerhouses and upstart franchises, showcasing the NHL's competitive balance and the opportunity for new teams to make an impact.

The details

On April 9, the Boston Bruins, one of the Original Six NHL teams, can clinch an Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth, an expansion team in its second year, is on the brink of earning its first-ever playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers can also clinch playoff berths on Thursday, while the Colorado Avalanche have a chance to win the Presidents' Trophy as the team with the highest point total.

  • The NHL regular season ends on April 16.
  • There are 14 games scheduled for Thursday, April 9.
  • The Boston Bruins can clinch a playoff spot on April 9 if certain results go their way.
  • The Utah Mammoth can clinch their first-ever playoff berth on April 9 with a regulation win over the Nashville Predators.
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers can also clinch playoff spots on April 9.

The players

Boston Bruins

One of the NHL's Original Six teams, with six Stanley Cup titles.

Utah Mammoth

An expansion team in its second year of existence, seeking its first-ever playoff berth.

Pittsburgh Penguins

A five-time Stanley Cup champion franchise, looking to return to the playoffs after missing out last season.

Edmonton Oilers

A five-time Stanley Cup winner, aiming to reach the playoffs after losing in the past two Stanley Cup Finals.

Colorado Avalanche

A three-time Stanley Cup champion team, leading the chase for the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top regular-season team.

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What they’re saying

“It's been great. This is a fun time of year, and everyone's pushing for the playoffs. The games are a lot more intense, physical, faster. These are the games that you get up for pretty easily.”

— Logan Cooley

What’s next

The Bruins, Penguins, Oilers, and Mammoth will all be in action on April 9, with their playoff fates hanging in the balance. The Avalanche will also be looking to clinch the Presidents' Trophy on that date.

The takeaway

The NHL's playoff race is heating up, with a mix of historic franchises and upstart teams vying for postseason spots. This showcases the league's competitive balance and the opportunity for new teams to make an impact, as the Utah Mammoth seek their first-ever playoff berth in just their second season.