Hurricanes Chase Division Title; Avalanche Aim for Western Glory
The race for the 2026 NHL postseason is intensifying as teams push for playoff spots in the final days of the regular season. With just 12 days remaining, the focus is on clinching playoff berths and division titles.
Eastern Conference Clinching Scenarios
Several key matchups could determine playoff standings in the Eastern Conference.
- Montreal Canadiens:
- Can clinch a playoff spot by earning at least one point against the New Jersey Devils.
- Alternatively, they could secure a berth if the Minnesota Wild defeat the Detroit Red Wings or if the Carolina Hurricanes win against the Ottawa Senators.
- Carolina Hurricanes:
- Will clinch the Metropolitan Division title with a point against the Senators.
- A split result in the game between the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins, other than a Penguins regulation win, would also work.
Western Conference Division Title Aim
The Colorado Avalanche are eyeing both the Central Division and Western Conference titles.
- Avalanche: Need to defeat the St. Louis Blues to secure their division title.
Upcoming Games with Playoff Implications
This Sunday features seven crucial games in the NHL, impacting playoff positions:
- Minnesota Wild at Detroit Red Wings (1 p.m. ET; Broadcast on HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, SN360)
- The Red Wings are currently outside playoff contention after a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers and are tied with the Ottawa Senators for the second wild card.
- Detroit holds fewer regulation wins than Ottawa, which is critical in the playoff tiebreakers.
- The Wild have already secured a playoff berth.
- Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins (3 p.m. ET; Broadcast on SN-PIT, SCRIPPS)
- The Panthers, recent back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, were eliminated after a heavy 9-4 loss to the Penguins.
- The Penguins are currently in second place in the Metropolitan Division, five points ahead of the New York Islanders.
As the playoff picture continues to take shape, every game matters for teams vying for a chance to compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
