Playoff Urgency Builds Before Olympic Break

Teams in tight playoff races are already playing playoff-style hockey to secure a postseason berth.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:00am

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As the NHL regular season winds down, many teams on the playoff bubble are already treating games like must-win situations, even before the Olympic break. Coaches are tightening up systems, players are sharpening their focus, and the margin for error is getting smaller by the day, as teams know that just getting into the playoffs is the first hurdle. This added urgency and intensity puts pressure on coaching staffs to manage player energy levels, with rest and recovery becoming just as important as strategy.

Why it matters

The playoff race is incredibly tight this season, with a large portion of the league still believing they have a shot at the postseason. This means teams are playing playoff-style hockey well before the actual playoffs begin, adding an extra layer of intensity and pressure to the regular season. How teams handle this stretch could determine whether they make the playoffs or not.

The details

For teams on the playoff bubble, the playoffs essentially start weeks before the postseason, with coaches tightening up systems, players sharpening their focus, and the margin for error getting smaller. This puts added pressure on coaching staffs to manage player energy levels, as rest and recovery become just as important as strategy. The Olympic break adds another layer, with some players returning refreshed while others may be feeling the wear and tear of a long season.

  • The playoff urgency was already building even before the 2026 Winter Olympics break.
  • Coming out of the Olympic break, the playoff picture hasn't changed much.

The players

Dan Lambert

A former NHL assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames, who is providing analysis on the heightened playoff urgency this season.

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What they’re saying

“Though a handful of teams are out of contention, a large portion of the League still believes it has a shot and that belief goes a long way this time of year.”

— Dan Lambert, Former NHL Assistant Coach

What’s next

As the regular season winds down, the intensity around the Stanley Cup Playoff race will only continue to increase, with teams on the bubble fighting to secure a postseason berth.

The takeaway

This season's tight playoff race has forced many teams to adopt a playoff-like mentality well before the postseason, adding extra pressure and intensity to the regular season. How teams manage this stretch, balancing strategy and player recovery, could be the difference between making the playoffs or going home early.