Here are your NHL Playoff clinching scenarios 2026. As of the morning of April 10, 2026, the NHL playoff field is nearly set with 13 of the 16 spots filled. The Colorado Avalanche have officially clinched the Presidents’ Trophy for the fourth time in franchise history, securing home-ice advantage throughout the postseason. History was also made on April 9 as the Utah Mammoth clinched their first-ever playoff berth in just their second season since relocating from Arizona. The Pittsburgh Penguins also punched their ticket last night, leaving only three wild-card spots up for grabs before the regular season concludes on April 16.
Last updated: April 10th, 2026
NHL Playoff Clinching Scenarios 2026
Here are the NHL playoff clinching scenarios for 2026 for you. Of note, the 2 x defending champion, Florida Panthers, did not make the playoffs this postseason.
Eastern Conference Clinching Status
The East is becoming a battle of attrition, with the Atlantic and Metropolitan leaders already looking toward their first-round opponents.
- Clinched Division: Buffalo Sabres (Atlantic), Carolina Hurricanes (Metropolitan).
- Clinched Playoff Berth: Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins.
- On the Bubble:
- Ottawa Senators: Currently in the driver’s seat for the top wild-card spot (WC1).
- New York Islanders & Detroit Red Wings: Locked in a dead heat for the final spot (WC2). The Islanders currently hold a slim edge, but Regulation Wins (RW) will likely decide this race.
- Eliminated: New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs.
Western Conference Clinching Status
While the Central is decided, the Pacific Division title and the final wild-card seed remain the primary focus in the West.
- Clinched Division: Colorado Avalanche (Central – Presidents’ Trophy Winner).
- Clinched Playoff Berth: Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Utah Mammoth.
- On the Bubble:
- Edmonton Oilers: Firmly in a playoff spot and closing in on clinching the Pacific Division title.
- Vegas Golden Knights: Projected to clinch shortly; currently in a strong position for a top-3 Pacific seed.
- Los Angeles Kings: Currently holding the final wild-card spot (WC2).
- Nashville Predators & Winnipeg Jets: Both teams remain mathematically alive but need help from the teams above them to bridge the gap.
- Eliminated: Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks.
Current Projected Round 1 Matchups
These matchups are based on standings as of April 10 and are subject to change as the final wild-card seeds are locked in.
| Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
| (1A) Buffalo Sabres vs. (WC1) Boston Bruins | (1C) Colorado Avalanche vs. (WC2) Los Angeles Kings |
| (2A) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3A) Montreal Canadiens | (2C) Dallas Stars vs. (3C) Minnesota Wild |
| (1M) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (WC2) Ottawa Senators | (1P) Edmonton Oilers vs. (WC1) Utah Mammoth |
| (2M) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (3M) Philadelphia Flyers | (2P) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3P) Anaheim Ducks |
NHL Tiebreaker Rules (2026)
If teams are tied in total points at the end of the 82-game season, the NHL uses the following tiebreaker sequence:
- RW (Regulation Wins): The most critical stat; wins earned in 60 minutes.
- ROW (Regulation plus Overtime Wins): Excludes shootout wins.
- Total Wins: All victories, including shootouts.
- Head-to-Head: Points earned in games played between the tied clubs.
- Goal Differential: Total goals for minus total goals against.
Hockey Resource Hub
- Printable 2026 NHL Playoff Bracket (PDF) – Download our high-res bracket once the full field and seeds are finalized.
- 2026 Frozen Four Championship: Wisconsin vs. Denver – Follow the NCAA finale in Las Vegas.
- When is the 2026-27 NHL Schedule Released? – Looking ahead to next season.
NHL Playoff Clinching FAQ
Question: When do the 2026 NHL Playoffs start? Answer: The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are expected to begin on Saturday, April 18, 2026, just two days after the regular season concludes on April 16.
Question: How many teams make the NHL playoffs in 2026? Answer: A total of 16 teams qualify for the NHL playoffs. Eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. This includes the top three teams from each of the four divisions plus two wild-card teams per conference.
Question: What is the current magic number for NHL playoff clinching? Answer: Magic numbers vary by team, but the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators are currently in the strongest position to clinch the final Eastern spots. In the West, the Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of locking up the Pacific Division.
Question: Who has home-ice advantage in the 2026 NHL Playoffs? Answer: The Colorado Avalanche have officially clinched the Presidents’ Trophy, guaranteeing them home-ice advantage throughout the entire 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Finals.
