NHL Playoff Picture: Wild Card Race Heating Up

As of March 10, 2026, the NHL playoff race is intensifying, particularly in the Eastern Conference where the competition for wild card spots is fierce. The Utah Mammoth currently hold the first wild-card position with 73 points from 64 games, having achieved a record of 4-2-1 since the Olympic break. They will face the Minnesota Wild, a team they have defeated in both previous matchups this season. The Seattle Kraken occupy the second wild-card spot with 67 points from 62 games, while the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings are closely trailing with 66 points each. The Nashville Predators remain on the playoff bubble with 64 points.

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The Mammoth have 17 games left, with eight against playoff contenders, while the Kraken have 20 games remaining, including ten against teams currently in playoff positions. The Sharks and Kings have slightly more favorable schedules, with fewer matchups against playoff teams. According to projections from Stathletes, the Mammoth have a 98.9% chance of making the playoffs, followed by the Sharks at 71.9%, the Kraken at 23.3%, the Kings at 8.4%, and the Predators at 6.9%.

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Several critical games are scheduled that could impact playoff standings. Notable matchups include the Mammoth facing the Wild, and the Kraken taking on the Predators. Other significant games include the Los Angeles Kings at the Boston Bruins, and the San Jose Sharks visiting the Buffalo Sabres. These contests will be pivotal as teams jockey for position in the playoff race.

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The current playoff bracket features several matchups:

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• In the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres are set to face the Montreal Canadiens, while the Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Detroit Red Wings.

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• The Carolina Hurricanes will meet the Boston Bruins, and the Pittsburgh Penguins will face the New York Islanders.

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• In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche will play against the Seattle Kraken, the Dallas Stars will face the Minnesota Wild, and the Anaheim Ducks will take on the Utah Mammoth.

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With approximately a quarter of the NHL season remaining, the race for playoff spots is heating up, particularly for the wild card teams. As the final games approach, the outcomes will significantly influence the playoff landscape, making every match crucial for teams vying for postseason contention. The NHL playoff watch will continue to provide updates on standings and matchups as the season progresses toward its conclusion on April 16, 2026.

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