The NHL postseason is quickly approaching and the 2026 playoffs begin on Saturday, April 18.
The regular season ends on April 16, leaving teams with just a handful of games to secure their position before the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
A total of 16 teams will qualify for the postseason, with several clubs having already confirmed their spots.
In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins have already clinched a spot in the playoffs.
The Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Utah Mammoth, Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights have also secured their spots in the Western Conference.
A number of more teams could clinch a spot in the coming days as the playoff picture continues to take shape.
While the exact date of the Stanley Cup Final has not yet been confirmed, June 21 is the last possible day for the championship series.
