The 2025/26 NHL regular season is entering its final stretch. After its conclusion, only 16 eligible teams will make it to the postseason. As per the format, the NHL Playoffs will include eight teams from each conference, the top three from each division, and two wildcards per conference.
The final game of the regular season will be played on April 16, with the 2026 NHL Playoffs kicking off from April 18. The 16 teams will then begin their fierce campaign for the most coveted prize in hockey, the Stanley Cup.
Which teams have qualified for the 2026 NHL Playoffs?
So far, no Eastern Conference team has secured its spot in the playoffs, since multiple teams are in contention to end the regular season in the top 3. As of writing, the Buffalo Sabres lead the Atlantic Division with 100 points in 75 games. They are only two points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning in second-place with 98 points in 74 games. On the other hand, the Carolina Hurricanes lead the Metropolitan Division with 100 points.
Its a different story when it comes to the Western Conference. Two teams have already qualified for the playoffs: the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars. Interestingly, both teams are from the Central Division, implying that the Pacific Division still has a lot of potential twists left, with several teams having a chance of making the playoffs. Currently, the Anaheim Ducks lead the division with 87 points from 74 games.
Which teams can potentially make it through to the postseason games?
Here is a look at the teams that can potentially make it to the NHL playoffs with the leaderboard standings as of April 2:
Eastern Conference:
Metropolitan Division:
- Carolina Hurricanes (100)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (92)
- New York Islanders (89)
Atlantic Division:
- Buffalo Sabres (100)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (98)
- Montreal Canadiens (96)
Wild card:
- Boston Bruins (94)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (88)
Teams sitting out: Ottawa Senators (86), Detroit Red Wings (86), Philadelphia Flyers (86), Washington Capitals (85), New Jersey Devils (78), Toronto Maple Leafs (77), Florida Panthers (75), New York Rangers (71) [Eliminated]
Western Conference:
Central Division:
- Colorado Avalanche (108) [Qualified]
- Dallas Stars (100) [Qualified]
- Minnesota Wild (94)
