The 2025-26 NHL regular season is approaching its final day, and for many of the teams playing on Monday, their fate vis-a-vis the postseason has been sealed — whether with a playoff spot, or a guaranteed entry into the 2026 NHL draft lottery taking place on May 5.
But, there are many seeds that have yet to be locked in ahead of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs beginning on ESPN this Saturday, and the draft lottery order has yet to be finalized as well.
Lightning’s Fight for Atlantic Division Top Seed
The Lightning remain in the thick of the battle for the top seed in the Atlantic Division, which would earn a matchup with the Bruins or Senators in Round 1. If they finish second or third, they’ll take on the Sabres or Canadiens. All three teams have either 104 or 106 points, and the Sabres have an edge by one in the regulation wins column. Detroit was eliminated from postseason possibilities with a loss to the Devils on Saturday, and their first-round pick belongs to the Blues. Currently that pick is 14th overall, but these last two games (and the draft lottery) will determine where it ultimately lands.
Rangers and Panthers Eye Draft Lottery Position
Speaking of the draft lottery, the Rangers moved up into third with the Flames’ win on Sunday (based on tiebreakers). However, that is as high as they can get, as the Blackhawks have 70 points (to the Rangers’ 75) with two games left. The Panthers are seventh in the draft lottery order with two games to go, one back of the Kraken and two back of the Maple Leafs in fifth.
Hurricanes Close in on Top Eastern Conference Seed
Unsurprisingly, the Hurricanes have locked in yet another Metro Division title, and are closing in on clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. A win of any kind or an overtime/shootout loss gets it done. The Flyers, surprisingly, charged their way into a playoff spot in recent weeks. A win for them of any variety clinches their spot in the playoffs, and a first-round series against the Penguins. An OT/shootout loss knocks out the Blue Jackets.
A regulation loss for Philly makes the Capitals-Blue Jackets game on Tuesday very interesting, and makes the Flyers’ game against the Canadiens a must-win.
Maple Leafs’ Draft Pick Hinges on Lottery Luck
Dallas is locked in as the No. 2 seed in the Central Division, with home-ice advantage against the Wild in Round 1; based on what we saw in the two teams’ matchup last week, this is going to be a great series! The Maple Leafs are in a captivating spot; their 2026 first-round pick will be shipping up to Boston… unless it lands in the Top 5. They are currently fifth in the draft lottery order, so if nothing changes (and no teams jump into the first five picks due to the lottery), they keep it. If they earn some points with wins or OT/shootout losses down the stretch, t