The opening faceoff of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs will occur on the networks of ESPN in two weeks. Nine spots have already been clinched, including the No. 1 overall seed and the Metro Division title. That leaves seven more spots available.
With 15 games on the schedule, hockey fans are calling today “Supreme Saturday,” as more spots could be locked in. Here’s a look at what’s at stake in each game.
Bruins Aim to Clinch Playoff Berth
The Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins game kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET. The Lightning have already clinched a playoff spot, but they can still improve their position in the Atlantic Division bracket. They sit two points behind the Canadiens for second and four points behind the Sabres for first.
If the Lightning win the division title, their first-round matchup could be against the first wild card, potentially the Bruins. The Boston Bruins clinch a playoff spot with a win. However, a loss would make things more interesting.
Islanders and Senators Battle for Wild Card
The Ottawa Senators at New York Islanders game begins at 1 p.m. ET. The Senators currently hold the second wild-card spot, with a three-point advantage over the Islanders. A win wouldn’t guarantee them the spot. The Red Wings could still catch them, depending on their result on Saturday.
However, a win for the Senators would mean the Islanders could not catch them for the wild card spot. The Islanders have another path to the playoffs: the Metro Division’s No. 3 seed. New York is one point behind the Flyers, but with four additional regulation wins should the two teams tie in points by season’s end.
Penguins and Capitals Face Off
The Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins game starts at 3 p.m. ET. The Penguins are locked in to the No. 2 seed in the Metro. The Flyers can catch up in points, but lose the RW tiebreaker.
The Capitals essentially need to win out and get help from the opponents of the teams ahead of them. They are three points back of Philly heading into this game but also have two teams between them and the Flyers.
Oilers and Kings in Western Conference Clash
The Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings game begins at 4 p.m. ET. It’s unlikely that these two teams would play one another for a fifth straight first round but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Edmonton enters this one atop the Pacific Division, with a one-point lead on the Golden Knights and Ducks.
- Edmonton holds an edge of three and six RW, respectively.
- They can clinch a playoff berth with a win and some help.
- The Kings are five points back of the Oilers.
- They are currently in possession of the second Western wild card, one point ahead of the Predators and three up on the Jets.
The opening faceoff of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs will occur on the networks of ESPN in two weeks.