The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars have secured their spots in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but other teams are still in a battle for the remaining playoff spots. The Boston Bruins lead the Eastern Conference wild card race by a single point over the New York Islanders, who are on the cusp of making the postseason. The Ottawa Senators have made a strong push for the second wild card spot, but they still have little room for error.

The Atlantic Division is shaping up to be a close contest, with the Buffalo Sabres currently in first place. The Tampa Bay Lightning are just one point behind, and the Montreal Canadiens are also in contention. In the Metro Division, the Washington Capitals are vying for the final guaranteed playoff spot.

Out West, the Pacific Division is a closely contested group, with nine teams having more points than the Anaheim Ducks, who currently lead the division. The Vegas Golden Knights are just six points behind the Ducks, and the Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets are all nipping at the heels of the Nashville Predators, who occupy the final wild card spot.

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are shaping up to be a thrilling competition, with several teams still in contention for the final playoff spots.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up, and Connor McDavid's description of the Pacific Division as a "pillow fight" is proving to be apt. The division is a closely contested group, with several teams in contention for the final playoff spots. The Anaheim Ducks' lead in the division is tenuous at best, and the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, and Seattle Kraken are all breathing down their necks.