Three NHL teams secured their spots in the Stanley Cup playoffs on April 13, 2026, just days before the regular season concludes. The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings will represent the Western Conference, while the Philadelphia Flyers clinched the final spot in the Eastern Conference. With the playoff field finalized, 16 teams are set to compete starting April 18. The Buffalo Sabres made headlines by ending a 14-year playoff drought, clinching the Atlantic Division title. In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes hold the No. 1 seed and will face the second wild card team, with the Boston Bruins vying for the top wild card position. The Western Conference is more competitive, with the Colorado Avalanche securing the top seed after winning the Presidents' Trophy. The Dallas Stars will face the Minnesota Wild, while the playoff picture in the Pacific Division remains uncertain as the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Anaheim Ducks all vie for top positions. The Utah Mammoth will make their playoff debut as a wild card team.