With just six days left in the regular season, the NHL playoff standings are heating up as teams vie for crucial postseason berths. The Boston Bruins will clinch a playoff spot if the New Jersey Devils defeat the Detroit Red Wings in regulation. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators will secure their playoff berth if the Devils win by any margin.
The Edmonton Oilers are also in a strong position; they will clinch a playoff spot if they earn at least one point against the Los Angeles Kings or if the Jets defeat the Flyers in any manner other than a Jets regulation win.
In a critical matchup, the Vegas Golden Knights can clinch their playoff berth by defeating the Colorado Avalanche or by earning one point against them, provided the Flyers beat the Jets and the Minnesota Wild defeat the Nashville Predators.
Additionally, the Anaheim Ducks will secure their playoff position if the Vancouver Canucks defeat the San Jose Sharks, the Flyers win in regulation against the Jets, and the Wild also win in regulation against the Predators.
The Dallas Stars are aiming for the No. 2 seed in the Central Division and can achieve this by defeating the New York Rangers.
On a less favorable note, the Detroit Red Wings have been eliminated from the 2026 NHL playoff race. They played their last home game of the regular season against the New Jersey Devils on April 11, 2026.
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, the stakes are high for the teams still in contention. The final days of the regular season promise to be filled with excitement as teams battle for their postseason lives.
With only a few games remaining, observers are keenly watching the outcomes of these pivotal matchups. The intensity of the playoff race underscores the competitive nature of the league as teams strive for a chance at the Stanley Cup.
