NHL playoff standings: Updated wild-card-race projections
The NHL playoffs are heating up, and with 30 out of 32 teams in action on Showdown Saturday, the race for playoff spots is intensifying. The Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets are currently holding the wild-card positions in the East, while the Nashville Predators lead the way in the West. With 10 games remaining before the regular season concludes on April 16, teams are jockeying for position in the 2026 NHL draft lottery.
In the East, the Boston Bruins (90 points, 30 regulation wins) and Columbus Blue Jackets (87 points, 27 regulation wins) are in the wild-card positions. They are trailed by the Ottawa Senators (86 points, 32 regulation wins) and Detroit Red Wings (86 points, 28 regulation wins). The Philadelphia Flyers (84 points, 23 regulation wins) are also in the running, but they need to make a big push to secure a playoff spot.
In the West, the Nashville Predators (77 points, 25 regulation wins) are currently holding the No. 2 wild-card spot. They are followed by the Los Angeles Kings (76 points, 19 regulation wins), Seattle Kraken (75 points, 25 regulation wins), Winnipeg Jets (74 points, 25 regulation wins), and San Jose Sharks (73 points, 21 regulation wins). The Kings are projected to finish in the second wild-card spot with 86.6 points, while the Predators are close behind with 85.3 points.
The race for the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery is also heating up. The Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Seattle Kraken, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, and Philadelphia Flyers are all in the running. However, the Maple Leafs' pick belongs to the Bruins unless it lands in the top five.
The NHL is providing regular updates on the playoff races and the draft lottery, ensuring fans stay informed about the latest developments in the league.
