2026 NHL Playoff Race: Key Matchups and Standings

As the NHL season progresses, the Anaheim Ducks lead the Pacific Division with 77 points from 67 games, closely followed by the Vegas Golden Knights with 76 points and the Edmonton Oilers at 75 points, both having played 67 and 68 games respectively. The Seattle Kraken currently occupy the second wild card position with 71 points from 66 games, while the Los Angeles Kings also have 71 points but from 67 games. The San Jose Sharks are in contention with 70 points from 65 games, making the playoff race particularly competitive as the regular season approaches its conclusion on April 16.

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The Sharks, who have not qualified for the playoffs since the 2018-19 season, face a crucial stretch of games, including a significant matchup against the Oilers on April 8. Their remaining schedule features 13 games, with only one against a current playoff team, the Buffalo Sabres. This presents an opportunity for the Sharks to improve their standings, especially given their performance in "four-point swing" games against divisional rivals.

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Several key games are scheduled that could impact playoff positioning. Notable matchups include:

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• San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers on April 8

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• Buffalo Sabres at Vegas Golden Knights on April 8

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• Tampa Bay Lightning at Seattle Kraken on April 8

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These games are critical as teams jockey for playoff spots and potential matchups in the postseason.

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The current playoff bracket features several intriguing matchups:

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• Eastern Conference:

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• A1 Buffalo Sabres vs. WC1 Detroit Red Wings

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• A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Montreal Canadiens

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• M1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. WC2 Boston Bruins

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• M2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. M3 New York Islanders

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• Western Conference:

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• C1 Colorado Avalanche vs. WC2 Seattle Kraken

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• C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Minnesota Wild

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• P1 Anaheim Ducks vs. WC1 Utah Mammoth

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• P2 Vegas Golden Knights vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

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The outcome of the remaining games will significantly influence not only the playoff bracket but also the teams' chances in the 2026 NHL draft lottery. The Sharks, in particular, are looking to capitalize on their remaining schedule to secure a playoff berth, which would mark a significant turnaround for the franchise.

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As the playoff race intensifies, teams are focusing on their strategies and performances. The Sharks' management has expressed optimism about their chances, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming games against divisional rivals.

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While projections from Stathletes suggest that the Golden Knights and Ducks could finish with 96 points, there is variability in the standings as teams continue to compete. The Sharks' potential to rise in the standings is contingent on their performance in the final games, which remains uncertain.

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The final weeks of the NHL regular season promise to deliver excitement as teams vie for playoff positions and the chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.

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