NHL Teams Fight for Playoff Spots and Draft Picks This Week

Many NHL teams are fighting hard this week. Some are trying to get into the playoffs, while others hope for better draft picks.
By Newsroom | Sports, Hockey |

As the NHL regular season barrels toward its close, teams are locked in a desperate scramble for advantageous playoff positioning and, for some, a mere glimpse of postseason glory. The stakes are decidedly uneven across Tuesday's slate of games.

While top-tier clubs fine-tune their engines for the impending playoffs, fringe contenders are grappling with intricate tiebreaker scenarios and the stark reality of lottery odds.== The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, in particular, find themselves navigating the murky waters of reverse standings points (RW) tiebreakers, their playoff fates hinging on the outcomes of a few crucial matchups. The wild card picture remains particularly fluid, with the outcome of games involving the Kings a significant determinant. For teams on the outside looking in, Tuesday presents a final chance to influence their draft lottery standing.

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Playoff Picture Unfolds Amidst Series Battles

The postseason drama is already unfolding in earnest for some. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes, both holding commanding 3-1 series leads entering Tuesday, are poised to clinch their respective series. The Leafs, after an overtime setback in Game 4, are looking to rebound against their opponent. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights are locked in a tightly contested first-round series, each tied at two games apiece, offering a compelling clash of styles and a surprising early-round duel.

Historical Playoff Data Offers Context

Looking back at previous playoff outcomes provides a backdrop to the current season's narratives. In the 2025 playoffs, the Florida Panthers demonstrated resilience, ultimately winning a hard-fought seven-game series against the Maple Leafs after dropping the first two games. The Edmonton Oilers also advanced, decisively beating the Dallas Stars in five games. Similarly, the Panthers navigated past the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games during their 2025 campaign. The Golden Knights' path in 2025 saw them eliminated by the Panthers in five games, underscoring the challenges of advancing in the latter stages of the postseason.

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Broadcast and Streaming Options

For those keen to follow the action, games not broadcast on TNT or the NHL Network are accessible via ESPN+ streaming, though local blackout restrictions may apply. CableTV.com offers a guide to which providers carry the necessary channels for the NHL Playoffs, clarifying that platforms like Peacock are not broadcasting playoff games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which NHL teams are fighting for playoff spots this week?
Teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks are in tough tiebreaker situations as the regular season ends. Their playoff hopes depend on upcoming games.
Q: Which teams are close to winning their playoff series?
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes both have strong 3-1 leads and are expected to win their series soon.
Q: What about other playoff series?
The Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights are in a very close series, tied at 2-2 games.
Q: How can I watch the NHL Playoffs?
Games not on TNT or NHL Network can be streamed on ESPN+. Check local listings as some games may be blacked out. Peacock is not showing playoff games.