When Do the NHL Playoffs Start? A Deep Dive into the 2026 Race
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs! With just eight days remaining in the regular season, the battle for playoff spots and seeding is reaching fever pitch. The top three teams in each of the four divisions, plus the next two highest-placed finishers in each conference, will earn a coveted spot in the postseason. Let’s break down the current standings and what you need to know.
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
The Eastern Conference is a whirlwind of activity. Several teams are on the cusp of securing their playoff berths. Here’s a look at potential clinching scenarios:
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Can clinch a playoff spot with a win against the New Jersey Devils. Alternatively, one point against the Devils combined with a Buffalo Sabres win over the Columbus Blue Jackets will do the trick. A Toronto Maple Leafs win over the New York Islanders, coupled with a Sabres regulation win, also secures their spot.
- Boston Bruins: Will clinch a playoff berth if the Maple Leafs win in regulation against the Islanders, the Philadelphia Flyers defeat the Detroit Red Wings in regulation, and the Sabres win in regulation against the Blue Jackets.
Western Conference Playoff Picture
The Western Conference is equally competitive, with teams vying for division titles and wild card spots. Here’s the latest:
- Colorado Avalanche: Are on the verge of claiming the Presidents’ Trophy! They can clinch with a win against the Calgary Flames. Alternatively, one point against the Flames combined with a Chicago Blackhawks win over the Carolina Hurricanes will secure the trophy. A Blackhawks regulation win also does the job.
- Edmonton Oilers: Can clinch a playoff berth if the Anaheim Ducks defeat the San Jose Sharks and the Utah Mammoth defeat the Nashville Predators in regulation, with any result in the Winnipeg Jets-St. Louis Blues game other than a Jets regulation win.
- Utah Mammoth: Can clinch a playoff berth with a regulation win against the Predators, provided the Ducks defeat the Sharks.
Key Games on Wednesday, April 10th
Wednesday’s NHL schedule featured 14 games, each with significant playoff implications. Here are a few highlights:
- Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders: The Islanders, under new coach Pete DeBoer, are desperate for points, trailing the Ottawa Senators for the second wild card.
- Columbus Blue Jackets at Buffalo Sabres: The Blue Jackets need points to stay in the wild card race, facing a strong Sabres team looking to maintain their Atlantic Division lead.
- Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens: A battle between two teams vying for positioning in the Atlantic Division. Canadiens forward Cole Caufield is one goal away from becoming Montreal’s first 50-goal scorer in over three decades.
- Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators: A crucial matchup for the Senators, who are looking to catch the Bruins for the first wild card.
- Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils: The Penguins are aiming to clinch a playoff berth and secure home-ice advantage.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Matchups
Based on current projections, here’s a potential look at the first-round matchups:
Eastern Conference
- Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins
- Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Utah Mammoth
- Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks
- Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators
- Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild
The race is far from over, and every game counts as teams battle for playoff positioning. Stay tuned for further updates as the regular season draws to a close! For more in-depth analysis, check out NHL.com’s official standings page.
