LATEST: The approaching conclusion of the NHL's regular season...
The approaching conclusion of the NHL's regular season has intensified the race for playoff berths, with several teams standing on the precipice of qualification or elimination. As of Sunday, April 13, 2026, the focus sharpens on clinching scenarios that could see more clubs solidify their postseason status in the coming days.
The Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators are in strong positions to secure spots. The Bruins, with a 98 percent chance according to one analysis, could clinch with a win or even certain combinations of losses by rivals and wins by their own club. The Senators also boast a high probability, around 96 percent, with their clinching potentially tied to the outcome of games involving the Detroit Red Wings.
UPDATE: In the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers and...
In the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are nearly guaranteed a playoff appearance, both at 99 percent likelihood. The Anaheim Ducks are also very close, with a 98 percent chance. The final wild-card spot in the West remains a tighter contest, with teams like the Los Angeles Kings (76 percent chance) needing strong performances in the remaining games.
The Eastern Conference sees a more crowded battle for the remaining spots. Beyond the Bruins and Senators, the Philadelphia Flyers (42 percent), New York Islanders (29 percent), Columbus Blue Jackets (22 percent), and Washington Capitals (8 percent) are among those with varying degrees of hope. The Red Wings, with a slim 5 percent chance, are fighting an uphill battle.
Several other teams are in distinct situations:
FLASH: The Montreal Canadiens have a chance to clinch...
The Montreal Canadiens have a chance to clinch on Sunday, even without a victory, contingent on specific results involving the Senators or Red Wings.
LATEST: The Carolina Hurricanes are in contention for the...
The Carolina Hurricanes are in contention for the Metropolitan Division title, needing at least a point against the Senators or a specific outcome in the Florida Panthers-Pittsburgh Penguins game.
The Colorado Avalanche are in line to clinch the Central Division and Western Conference titles if they defeat the St. Louis Blues.
LATEST: The tight schedule means that playoff implications are...
The tight schedule means that playoff implications are a daily feature, impacting not only team rankings but also the pursuit of individual milestones. As the season heads into its final week, with 52 games remaining, the landscape of the '2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs' is rapidly taking shape.
