The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs are approaching with intense competition in both wild-card spots, as 30 of 32 teams played on Showdown Saturday, shaking up the standings. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins hold the first wild-card position with 90 points and 30 regulation wins through 73 games, while the Columbus Blue Jackets sit second at 87 points and 27 regulation wins, also in 73 games.[1][2] Trailing closely are the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings, both at 86 points but differentiated by regulation wins—32 for Ottawa and 28 for Detroit, each in 73 games. The Philadelphia Flyers lurk at 84 points with 23 regulation wins in 72 games, and the Washington Capitals have 83 points and 31 regulation wins in 74 games.
With about 10 games left for most teams before the April 16 conclusion, every point matters. Sunday’s key matchups, like Bruins at Blue Jackets and Stars at Flyers, could swing the race dramatically. A regulation win in Boston-Columbus would help chasers like Ottawa and Detroit by denying an extra point to one of the leaders.[1]
Eastern wild-card battle heats up
The Bruins and Blue Jackets currently occupy the precious wild-card slots, but their direct clash Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+ adds high stakes. Boston’s recent 6-3 win over Minnesota Wild boosted their position, while Columbus fell 3-2 to San Jose Sharks.[1] Ottawa, with strong regulation wins, lost 4-2 to Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, keeping them one point back. Detroit also dropped a 5-3 decision to Philadelphia, tying them with Ottawa but behind in regulation wins.
Projections from Stathletes favor Columbus securing the No. 3 seed in the Metro Division at 99.5 points, with Ottawa (98.6) and Boston (98.2) taking the wild cards. The idle New York Islanders and Detroit miss out in these models.[1] Philadelphia needs a win over Dallas Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ to stay alive, as their 10.6% playoff chance reflects the uphill battle.
For deeper insight into one contender, check out this analysis on the Detroit Red Wings’ playoff chances, highlighting their 39.8% odds and remaining schedule. Washington remains on the fringes with just 2.2% chances despite solid regulation wins.
The race remains fluid, with Ottawa’s next game at Florida Tuesday offering a chance to build momentum.
Western wild-card contenders
Nashville Predators hold the second wild-card spot with 77 points and 25 regulation wins in 73 games, ahead of Los Angeles Kings (76 points, 19 RW in 73), Seattle Kraken (75 points, 25 RW in 72), Winnipeg Jets (74 points, 25 RW in 73), and San Jose Sharks (73 points, 21 RW in 71).[1] Nashville faces Tampa Bay Sunday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, a tough road test to extend their lead.
Stathletes projects LA finishing second wild card at 86.6 points, edging Nashville (85.3), San Jose (84.9), Seattle (81.9), and Winnipeg (81.1). Utah Mammoth lead the first wild card at 82 points with 95.8% chances.
Saturday results impacted the chase: Utah crushed LA 6-2, San Jose beat Columbus, Winnipeg topped Colorado 4-2, and Seattle lost in a shootout to Buffalo. With fewer Sunday games affecting the West, Nashville’s outcome could provide breathing room.
Teams like the Kings (43.7% chances) and Sharks (24.6%) have paths forward, but consistency is key in the final stretch. See the latest on Showdown Saturday’s playoff implications here.
Sunday’s pivotal games
Six games dot Sunday’s slate, all streamable on ESPN+ (local blackouts apply):
- Florida Panthers at New York Rangers, 1 p.m. (NHL Network)
- Nashville Predators at Tampa Bay Lightning, 5 p.m.
- Montreal Canadiens at Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m.
- Boston Bruins at Columbus Blue Jackets, 5 p.m.
- Chicago Blackhawks at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
- Dallas Stars at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.
These could reshape wild cards, especially Boston-Columbus and Philly-Dallas. A regulation outcome in the East battle aids outsiders.
Stathletes projections overview
Stathletes provides data-driven forecasts:
Eastern wild cards:
- Columbus Blue Jackets: 99.5 points (No. 3 Metro)
- Ottawa Senators: 98.6 points (WC)
- Boston Bruins: 98.2 points (WC)
Western wild cards:
- Los Angeles Kings: 86.6 points (WC2)
- Nashville Predators: 85.3 points
Playoff chances vary: Boston 62.2%, Columbus 81.8%, Nashville 32.6%, LA 43.7%.[1]
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference:
- A1 Buffalo Sabres vs. WC1 Boston Bruins
- A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Montreal Canadiens
- M1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. WC2 Columbus Blue Jackets
- M2 New York Islanders vs. M3 Pittsburgh Penguins
Western Conference:
- C1 Colorado Avalanche vs. WC2 Nashville Predators
- C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Minnesota Wild
- P1 Anaheim Ducks vs. WC1 Utah Mammoth
- P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Vegas Golden Knights
Clinchings loom, with Colorado and Dallas already in.[2]
Draft lottery race
Vancouver Canucks lead the No. 1 pick chase at 50 points, followed by Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers (67 each), Calgary Flames (70), St. Louis Blues (73), Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks (73). Tiebreakers and lottery rules apply, with Gavin McKenna atop boards.[1]
The final 10 games will decide fates across playoffs and draft order. For full standings, visit ESPN’s wild-card view.[2]
As races tighten, fans should watch regulation wins closely—they break ties. Expect more shifts daily on the ESPN NHL playoff watch. The postseason bracket nears clarity, promising thrilling first-round matchups.
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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.