We are down to the final 4 weeks of the NHL regular season and as each team battles it out to claim a spot in the Playoffs, only 16 will succeed. Fresh off the trade deadline and teams’ last chance to give themselves an edge, we are counting down the current playoff spot holders.
Eastern Conference
- Washington Capitals
They’ve been going toe to toe with the Jets all season for that overall 1st place position in the league. And while a major storyline for them is Ovechkin’s pursuit of breaking Gretzky’s record, the Capitals have still established themselves as a solid, top team.
- Carolina Hurricanes
Currently on a 7 game winning streak, the Hurricanes are second in their division and 5th overall. Luckily, the Rantanen trade hasn’t made a big dent in the teams performance and hopefully it stays that way.
- Florida Panthers
Last year’s Stanley Cup winners, the Panthers are always a threat. The propability of them making the playoffs is high, and with an impressive roster -Tkachuk, Barkov and newly, Marchand, the Panthers are poised to remain a strong contender for a Stanley Cup Final spot.
- Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs have had a good season despite injury trouble with Matthews. However, they famously don’t perform during the playoffs. Will this year be the year they break that curse?
- Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa has been heating up lately. With strong goaltending, they have retained one of the top spots in their division for some time. A strong likelihood they will hold onto this spot and breeze into the playoffs.
- New Jersey Devils
Another team who has faced injuries lately, the Devils are looking to make the playoffs for the second time in the last 3 years. They’ve won 4 out of their last 5 games and seem to be able to maintain their momentum despite players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton being out.
Wild cards:
- Ottawa Senators
The Senators have been on a winning streak lately and with the acquisition of Dylan Cozens, we are seeing a new dynamic within the team. Their playoff position has been touch and go but for now they hold the wild card spot and hopefully they can keep it.
- Montreal Canadiens
Like Martin Biron said earlier this week, don’t count the Canadiens out. Since the beginning of 2025, the Canadiens have been performing well with players like Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson and goalie Sam Montembeault keeping the team on track. Personally, we’d love to see the Canadiens make the playoffs this year.
Western Conference
- Winnipeg Jets
One of, if not the best team this year, the Jets have been consistently good this season. Hellebuyck is the top goalie this season. They may have had a bumpy March with some losses (like a shocking 6-2 loss to the Canucks) but we still foresee them going far in the playoffs.
- Dallas Stars
They may not have had the strongest start to the season but the Stars have battled their way to a top position and they deserve to keep it. They are strong on all fronts both offensively and defensively and will hopefully keep this energy into the playoffs.
- Vegas Golden Knights
They may have had some losses recently, but the Knights are looking good heading into the playoffs. They are tied for 4th with the Hurricanes in the league but will probably comfortably keep that playoff position.
- Colorado Avalanche
MacKinnon is the top forward this year on points. With 2 reliable goalies, Cale Makar and MacKinnon, the Avalanche should move into the playoffs feeling confident.
- Edmonton Oilers
After a post 4 Nations lull, the Oilers have managed to maintain a playoff spot. It’s looking like they’ll finish first in their division which hasn’t happened since the 1986-87 season. So whether they make the Stanley Cup finals again or not, they will have achieved something.
- LA Kings
Their final 15 games are at home which should give the Kings the advantage to finish the regular season strong. They have made the playoffs for the last 3 years but have been eliminated in the first time each year. Will this year be the year they make it further?
Wild Cards:
- Minnesota Wild
Minnesota have been in that wildcard spot for some time now but can they push through to a more comfortable playoff position? They have been suffering some injuries (Krill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek) and have been struggling with scoring but hey, a playoff spot is a playoff post right?
- Vancouver Canucks
As a Vancouver based company, all of us at Officepools are on that Canucks rollercoaster of will they/ won’t they make the playoffs. They have been battling with the Flames for that last spot but have been holding onto it for the last few games. As one of two teams who have never won a stanley cup, and after a year of feuds and rumors, the Canucks might make the playoffs but we don’t foresee a Stanley Cup win this year.
Our playoff pools will be launching soon on officepools.com. Be sure and check out our other articles here
