NHL Playoff Picture: Latest Bracket, Standings & Clinching Scenarios
Playoff drama unfolds! Ovi's retirement hint, Red Wings' 10th straight miss, and intense Wild Card battles. The Vegas Golden Knights secured a playoff berth, while the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche have already clinched spots in their conferences.
The Golden Knights clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche, jumping into first place in the Pacific Division...
The Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights have secured their spots in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Bruins and Senators clinched wild-card berths, while the Oilers and Golden Knights joined the playoff mix.
The Golden Knights' 3-2 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche sealed their playoff spot, and they now lead the Pacific Division. The Oilers, despite losing to the Kings, clinched a playoff berth thanks to the Jets' loss. The Bruins and Senators, who both had strong performances, will now prepare for the postseason.
That concludes the #Oilers road schedule. Back home Monday for Fan Appreciation vs. Colorado.@SentinelStorage | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Zww89Do9ZX
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 11, 2026
Golden Knights Clinch Playoff Spot
Jack Eichel scored his 26th goal of the season in overtime, securing a 3-2 win over the Avalanche and guaranteeing the Knights' eighth playoff appearance in nine seasons.
The Pacific Division title is still up for grabs, with the Knights' win setting up a thrilling finale to the regular season – the final two games will decide the division champion.
The Oilers secured a playoff berth for the seventh straight season despite a 1-0 shutout loss to the Kings.
The battle for the Pacific Division is heating up – the Oilers join the Golden Knights and Ducks in a three-way fight for the title, with the Oilers aiming for their first division crown since their 1987 Stanley Cup win.
The Kings, currently holding the second Wild Card spot in the West with 86 points, picked up a crucial win in Anze Kopitar's final home game – the veteran captain is set to retire after the season.
Sens Secure Playoff Spot
The Senators ended the Islanders' season with a 3-0 shutout win, clinching back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in a decade. Ottawa's playoff drought was once seven years long, but they've now made it to the postseason in two of the last three seasons.
The Senators can reach 100 points for the first time since 2006-2007, when they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Islanders (91 points) are in a tight Metro Division battle, with the outcome hanging on the final two games.
Bruins Clinch Playoff Spot
The Bruins secured a playoff berth despite a 2-1 loss to the Lightning, thanks to a Detroit loss – they'll make their ninth playoff appearance in 10 years.
Boston's 76 points this season would've been enough to miss the playoffs last year, but they'll bounce back to the postseason, marking the second time they've done so after a 76-point season.
The Bruins went on to make the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals in the 2025 playoffs.
The Lightning (104 points) are in a tight battle for the Atlantic Division title with the Habs (104 points) and Sabres (106 points).
Flyers Crush Jets
The Flyers dealt a massive blow to the Jets' playoff hopes with a 7-1 win, solidifying their own position in the Metro Division.
A win over the Hurricanes on Monday would put the Flyers one step closer to eliminating the Caps and Islanders from contention, while keeping Columbus in the mix if they win their next game.
Ovechkin Scores, Protas Debuts
Ilya Protas scored his first NHL goal, and Alex Ovechkin added his 32nd of the season as the Capitals beat the Penguins 6-3.
Ovechkin hinted at a summer decision on his retirement plans.
The Capitals avoided elimination but need the Flyers to drop their last two games to have any playoff hopes. Pittsburgh's playoff spot was already secured, setting up a possible Battle of Pennsylvania with the Flyers.
Devils Dash Wings
The Devils' thrilling comeback win officially eliminated the Red Wings, indirectly securing playoff spots for the Senators and Bruins.
The Red Wings' 10th straight playoff miss is a far cry from their early-season form, when they were among the league's best.
The Devils, already out of contention, played spoiler in their win over Detroit.
Jackets Keep Hopes Alive
The Blue Jackets beat the Habs 5-2, keeping their playoff dreams going. Columbus needs the Flyers to stumble in their last two games, and for them to win both of theirs.
The Blue Jackets face the Bruins and Capitals in their final two games – a result that could decide their playoff fate, depending on the Flyers' situation.
Montreal's final two games are against the Islanders and Flyers, with the Atlantic Division title on the line.
Preds Stay in Hunt - Stamkos Reaches 40
The Predators edged the Wild 2-1, keeping their Wild Card hopes alive with 86 points, just a point behind the Kings (87).
Steven Stamkos scored his 40th goal, marking his eighth 40-goal season – three of those in the last six years.
The Lightning close out the season against the Sharks and Ducks, holding on to their Atlantic Division hopes.
The Hurricanes beat the Kings Kings no, sorry... The Hurricanes beat the Mammoth 4-1, tying the Avalanche for most wins in the league with 52.
Utah and Carolina have secured playoff spots in their conferences.
Dylan Guenther scored his 40th goal, marking a career milestone for the Mammoth player.
The Florida Panthers took down the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2 after three straight goals to start and three straight goals to end it.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues bested the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3 and the Dallas Stars shut out the New York Rangers 2-0.
Then the Seattle Kraken scored four straight goals to take down the Calgary Flames 4-1.
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