The Metropolitan division is shaping up as one of the tightest races in the 2026 NHL playoffs push. With just weeks left in the regular season, Carolina holds a slim lead, but Pittsburgh, Columbus and the New York Islanders are breathing down their necks. The division guarantees three playoff spots, and a fourth could snag a wild card.[1][2]
Sunday’s matchups pit the top four teams against each other, making outcomes pivotal. These games could shift the standings dramatically as teams jockey for position ahead of the April 16 regular-season finale.
Current Metro division standings
Carolina Hurricanes lead with 94 points through 69 games, boasting 31 regulation wins. Their points pace sits at 111.7, with playoff chances nearing 100 percent.
Pittsburgh Penguins follow at 86 points in 69 games, with 29 regulation wins and an 82.9 percent playoff probability. Columbus Blue Jackets have 85 points over 69 games, holding third with 26 regulation wins and 89.2 percent odds.
The New York Islanders trail at 83 points in 70 games, fighting for the wild card. Philadelphia Flyers sit at 80 points, while Washington Capitals have 78.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Team | Points | Games played | Regulation wins | Playoff position | Games left | Playoff chances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Hurricanes | 94 | 69 | 31 | M1 | 13 | 99.9% |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 86 | 69 | 29 | M2 | 13 | 82.9% |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 85 | 69 | 26 | M3 | 13 | 89.2% |
| New York Islanders | 83 | 70 | 25 | N/A | 12 | 59.1% |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 80 | ? | 21 | N/A | 13 | 6.4% |
| Washington Capitals | 78 | ? | 30 | N/A | 12 | 8.3% |
Data aligns with the latest ESPN standings.[2]
Key Sunday matchups
Sunday features head-to-head battles that could define the division. Carolina visits Pittsburgh at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+, a clash between the top two teams both with 13 games left.
Later, Columbus heads to the New York Islanders at 7 p.m. ET, also on ESPN+. The Blue Jackets hold a two-point edge, but the Isles have played one more game.
These games highlight the no-coincidences nature of the playoff watch. As detailed in ESPN’s playoff bracket update, the outcomes will ripple through the wild-card fight.[3]
Pittsburgh’s recent 5-4 shootout win over Winnipeg keeps them hot. Columbus impressed with a 5-2 victory against Seattle on Saturday.
Remaining schedules and strength of schedule
Each top contender faces a grueling finish. Carolina has 13 games left, seven against current playoff teams, including two each versus Columbus and the Islanders.
Pittsburgh also plays 13, but only five against playoff-bound foes—a potential edge. Columbus mirrors Carolina’s tough slate with eight against playoff teams.
The Islanders have 12 remaining, seven versus contenders. For deeper dives, check our analysis on the Penguins chasing the Hurricanes in the Metropolitan division.
All wrap up by April 14, with wild-card hopefuls like Ottawa and Detroit playing April 15.
Analytics projections
Stathletes favors Carolina to top the Metro and East at 110.8 points. Columbus projects second at 100.9, edging Pittsburgh’s 99.5.
The Islanders eye wild-card No. 2 at 97.5, ahead of Ottawa (97.3) and Detroit (97.2). These models underscore the razor-thin margins.
Our coverage of Columbus Blue Jackets’ Metro division contention highlights their surge.
Broader Eastern Conference context
The Metro feeds into a stacked East. Buffalo leads the Atlantic at 94 points, with Tampa Bay at 90 and Montreal at 86.
Wild cards include Boston (86) and Detroit (84). Current matchups project M1 Carolina versus WC2 Detroit, and M2 Pittsburgh against M3 Columbus.
Follow full details on ESPN’s NHL playoff watch.[4]
The race stays fluid with 15 or fewer games for every team. Expect daily shifts as the stretch run intensifies.
This Metro battle promises drama right to the end. Fans should tune into Sunday’s games, as a single point could clinch or doom a playoff dream. With projections tight, every shift matters for seeding and byes. Keep watching the playoff watch for updates.[1]
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.