With just one week remaining in the 2025-26 NHL regular season, the playoff picture is sharpening quickly. Thursday features a massive 14-game schedule that could lock in several postseason berths and even decide the Presidents’ Trophy. Teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins are on the verge of clinching, while the Colorado Avalanche eye the top overall seed. [1]
The Edmonton Oilers recently impressed with a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, powered by Connor McDavid’s hat trick. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres notched a 5-3 victory against the New York Rangers, boosting their hold on the Atlantic lead. These results set the stage for pivotal outcomes across both conferences.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins playoff pushes
The Penguins hold the No. 2 spot in the Metropolitan Division with a magic number of two entering Thursday. A victory of any kind against the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ would seal their spot. Alternatively, a regulation loss by the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Buffalo Sabres, combined with any loss by the New York Islanders to the Toronto Maple Leafs, gets it done for Pittsburgh.
The Boston Bruins also carry a magic number of two but sit idle Thursday. They clinch with a Blue Jackets regulation loss and an Islanders defeat in regulation or overtime/shootout. Boston’s wild-card position remains precarious amid a tight race.
This scenario highlights the Metro’s intensity. The Penguins have relied on strong defense lately, while the Bruins boast depth despite not playing. As detailed in our NHL playoff watch and projections for the 2025-26 season, such multi-team dependencies often define late-season drama.
Fans should monitor these games closely. A Penguins win simplifies their path, but tiebreakers could still factor in. The Bruins’ fate rests on rivals stumbling, underscoring the value of every point.
Colorado Avalanche chase Presidents’ Trophy
Colorado can claim the Presidents’ Trophy with any win over the Calgary Flames at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+. A regulation loss by the Carolina Hurricanes to the Chicago Blackhawks at 8:30 p.m. ET also hands it to the Avs. This top seed carries home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Avalanche lead the Central Division and Western Conference. Their balanced attack has dominated, positioning them as Stanley Cup favorites. Securing the trophy boosts morale heading into the postseason starting April 18.
For context, check the full ESPN breakdown of Thursday’s clinching scenarios. Colorado’s consistency sets them apart in a loaded West.
A Flames upset would delay the celebration, but Colorado’s form suggests confidence. This race exemplifies how division leaders jockey for positioning with few games left.
Seattle Kraken on elimination’s edge
Conversely, the Seattle Kraken risk mathematical elimination. They must beat the Vegas Golden Knights at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and need a regulation loss by the Nashville Predators to the Utah Mammoth at 9 p.m. ET. Failure in either spells the end.
Seattle’s season has faltered late, dropping them from contention. Our bubble watch for all 32 teams flagged their slim odds weeks ago. Now, it’s do-or-die.
Elimination would shift focus to the draft lottery. With five or fewer games per team before April 16 finale, pressure mounts.
Current playoff matchups
The bracket takes shape as follows:
Eastern Conference
- A1 Buffalo Sabres vs. WC1 Boston Bruins
- A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Montreal Canadiens
- M1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. WC2 Ottawa Senators
- M2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. M3 Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference
- C1 Colorado Avalanche vs. WC2 Nashville Predators
- C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Minnesota Wild
- P1 Edmonton Oilers vs. WC1 Utah Mammoth
- P2 Anaheim Ducks vs. P3 Vegas Golden Knights
These pairings reflect Stathletes’ projections. Buffalo’s surge ends a drought, while Edmonton’s Pacific lead promises fireworks. [1]
Tiebreakers and wild cards remain fluid. For official updates, see NHL.com’s clinching scenarios.
Thursday’s full schedule
All times ET; stream on ESPN+ unless noted:
- Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders, 6:45 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
- Columbus Blue Jackets at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
- Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
- Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
- Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m.
- Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m.
- Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m.
- Carolina Hurricanes at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m.
- Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars, 9 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu)
- Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m.
- Nashville Predators at Utah Mammoth, 9 p.m.
- San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m.
- Vegas Golden Knights at Seattle Kraken, 10 p.m.
- Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m.
This slate packs implications everywhere. Wild-card battles and seeding shifts loom large.
Recent results and momentum
Wednesday’s action included:
- Buffalo Sabres 5, New York Rangers 3
- Washington Capitals 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 0
- Edmonton Oilers 5, San Jose Sharks 2
These wins bolster Buffalo and Edmonton. Washington’s shutout keeps pressure on the Metro.
Standings use “x” for clinched playoffs, “y” for division, “z” for conference best, “e” for eliminated. Magic numbers guide the chaos.
Thursday could add multiple “x”s. Playoff odds via Stathletes favor locks like Colorado.
As the regular season winds down, every shift matters. Watch for Penguins’ response to pressure, Colorado’s polish, and Seattle’s desperation. The 2026 playoffs promise intrigue, with the bracket firming up nightly. Stay tuned for draft lottery races too, where Gavin McKenna tops boards. [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.