NHL Playoff Bracket Takes Shape As Regular Season Nears End
NHL Playoff Bracket Takes Shape As Regular Season Nears End...
The NHL playoff picture is coming into focus as the 2025-26 regular season enters its final stretch. With just two weeks remaining before the postseason begins on April 24, hockey fans across the U.S. are closely tracking the evolving bracket and potential first-round matchups.
Several tight division races are driving interest in today's playoff projections. The Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers remain locked in a battle for the Metropolitan Division crown, while the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche continue jockeying for position in the Central. These standings will determine critical home-ice advantages in the opening round.
The playoff chase is particularly intense in the Western Conference, where five teams are separated by just six points for the final wild card spot. The Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators all remain in contention, making each remaining game crucial for their postseason hopes.
Eastern Conference contenders like the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers have already clinched playoff berths but are still fighting for seeding advantages. The Bruins' recent 7-game winning streak has them challenging for the Presidents' Trophy, awarded to the team with the league's best regular-season record.
This year's playoff race is trending nationally as several U.S.-based teams could make deep runs. The Rangers and Hurricanes both rank among Stanley Cup favorites, while Western powers like Colorado and Dallas boast championship pedigrees. The potential for multiple Original Six matchups in the Eastern bracket has also captured fans' attention.
NHL Network will unveil its latest playoff projections during tonight's 7 p.m. ET broadcast. The league's official website has also launched an interactive bracket tool allowing fans to simulate potential scenarios based on remaining games.
With only 10-12 games left for most teams, every shift could impact the final standings. Key matchups this week include Rangers-Hurricanes on Tuesday and Avalanche-Stars on Thursday - both games that could significantly alter the playoff picture.
Ticket sales for potential first-round matchups have already spiked in several markets. In Denver, Ball Arena reported a 40% increase in playoff ticket deposits since last week as the Avalanche push for home-ice advantage.
The NHL will announce the complete playoff schedule on April 22, two days after the regular season concludes. For now, fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring the daily standings updates that could determine this year's championship path.
