The San Jose Sharks’ journey toward a potential playoff berth includes a game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Sharks Aim for Playoff Berth
The Pacific Division is proving difficult to predict for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Anaheim Ducks currently lead with 77 points through 67 games. They are followed by the Vegas Golden Knights (76 points through 67 games) and the Edmonton Oilers (75 points through 68 games). The Seattle Kraken hold the second wild card with 71 points in 66 games. The Los Angeles Kings (71 points through 67 games) and San Jose Sharks (70 points through 65 games) are battling for that spot.
Stathletes projects the Golden Knights and Ducks to finish with 96 points each. The Oilers are projected for 91.6 points and the Sharks for 87.9. The Sharks haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2018-19.
Earning the second wild card would mean a first-round matchup against either the Colorado Avalanche or Dallas Stars. The Sharks have a win and two losses against both clubs. It’s possible San Jose could sneak into a higher position in the Pacific.
Upcoming Schedule Includes Buffalo
The Sharks’ journey continues with a game against the Oilers. They also have an additional game on the books for April 8. These “four-point swing” games are critical, and they have two more such games left against the Ducks as well.
The Sharks play 13 more games this season aside from the games against the Oilers and Ducks. One of those games is against the Buffalo Sabres.
Playoff Picture and Draft Lottery
Every team has around 15 games remaining before the regular season concludes April 16. The NHL playoff watch will provide details on all the playoff races. It will also cover the teams jockeying for position in the 2026 NHL draft lottery.
The opportunity is there for the San Jose Sharks to eclipse their divisional competition based on the strength of their remaining schedule.