The NHL playoff picture is set to become clearer as teams battle for the remaining seven spots. With 15 games scheduled, fans are calling it “Supreme Saturday” as several teams look to lock in their places.
Bruins Look to Clinch Playoff Spot
The Tampa Bay Lightning, already assured of a playoff berth, are looking to improve their standing in the Atlantic Division. They trail the Canadiens by two points for second place and the Sabres by four for first. A division title could mean a first-round matchup against the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins can clinch a playoff spot with a victory. A loss would complicate their situation.
Islanders and Senators Fight for Wild Card Berth
The Ottawa Senators currently hold the second wild-card spot. They have a three-point advantage over the New York Islanders.
A win for the Senators would prevent the Islanders from catching them. However, the Islanders also have a chance to secure the Metro Division’s No. 3 seed. New York are one point behind the Flyers, but they hold the regulation wins tiebreaker.
Ovechkin and Penguins Face Off With Playoff Implications
The Pittsburgh Penguins are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Metro. The Flyers can catch up in points, but lose the regulation wins tiebreaker.
The Washington Capitals need to win their remaining games and hope for favourable results from their rivals to make the playoffs. They are three points behind Philly, with two teams between them and the Flyers.
Oilers and Kings Battle in the West
The Edmonton Oilers enter their game atop the Pacific Division. They hold a one-point lead over the Golden Knights and Ducks. The Oilers can clinch a playoff berth with a win and some assistance from other results.
The Los Angeles Kings are five points behind the Oilers. They currently occupy the second Western wild card, one point ahead of the Predators and three ahead of the Jets.
The opening faceoff of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs will occur on the networks of ESPN.