NHL 2025-26 Playoff Watch: 14-Game Thursday Preview and Clinching Scenarios

Several teams have a chance to clinch playoff spots or the Presidents' Trophy on a pivotal Thursday night in the NHL.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:29am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the official team colors of the featured NHL clubs.The NHL's final regular-season push is filled with high-stakes games that will shape the playoff picture and determine the league's top overall seed.Today in Pittsburgh

The NHL regular season is winding down, and the playoff picture is taking shape. Thursday's 14-game slate features several key matchups that could determine playoff spots and the Presidents' Trophy winner. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche all have a chance to clinch playoff berths, while the Seattle Kraken are fighting to avoid elimination. The outcomes of these games will have major implications on the postseason landscape.

Why it matters

The final stretch of the NHL regular season is always filled with high-stakes games as teams jockey for playoff positioning. Thursday's action is particularly crucial, with several teams on the verge of clinching their postseason spots or the top overall seed. The results could significantly impact the playoff bracket and set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable Stanley Cup chase.

The details

The Penguins need a win over the New Jersey Devils or a regulation loss by the Columbus Blue Jackets to secure their playoff spot. The Bruins can clinch if the Blue Jackets lose in regulation and the New York Islanders lose in regulation or overtime/shootout. The Avalanche can lock up the Presidents' Trophy with a win over the Calgary Flames or a loss by the Carolina Hurricanes to the Chicago Blackhawks. Meanwhile, the Kraken are in a precarious position, needing a win over the Vegas Golden Knights and a regulation loss by the Nashville Predators to avoid elimination.

  • The Penguins, Bruins, Avalanche, and Kraken all have key games on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Penguins need a win or Blue Jackets loss by the end of their game against the Devils.
  • The Bruins' playoff fate will be determined by the results of the Blue Jackets and Islanders games later that night.
  • The Avalanche can clinch the Presidents' Trophy with a win over the Flames or a Hurricanes loss to the Blackhawks.
  • The Kraken must win against the Golden Knights and have the Predators lose to the Mammoth in regulation to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The players

Pittsburgh Penguins

An NHL team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is currently in a strong position to clinch a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Boston Bruins

An NHL team based in Boston, Massachusetts that is also close to clinching a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

Colorado Avalanche

An NHL team based in Denver, Colorado that is in contention to win the Presidents' Trophy as the league's best regular-season team.

Seattle Kraken

The NHL's newest expansion team, based in Seattle, Washington, that is fighting to avoid elimination from playoff contention.

New Jersey Devils

An NHL team based in Newark, New Jersey that will face the Penguins in a crucial game on Thursday.

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What they’re saying

“The final stretch of the NHL regular season is always filled with high-stakes games as teams jockey for playoff positioning. Thursday's action is particularly crucial, with several teams on the verge of clinching their postseason spots or the top overall seed.”

— Author

“The outcomes of these games will have major implications on the postseason landscape.”

— Author

What’s next

The results of Thursday's games will determine the final playoff picture, with several teams on the verge of clinching their postseason berths or the Presidents' Trophy. The Penguins, Bruins, Avalanche, and Kraken will all be in action, and their performances will have a significant impact on the standings and the path to the Stanley Cup.

The takeaway

The NHL regular season is reaching its climax, and Thursday's 14-game slate will be a pivotal moment in determining the playoff field and the top overall seed. The Penguins, Bruins, and Avalanche are in strong positions to clinch their postseason spots or the Presidents' Trophy, while the Kraken are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. The outcomes of these games will have major implications on the postseason landscape and set the stage for an exciting and unpredictable Stanley Cup chase.