Story perspectives

NHL Playoffs Set to Begin; Sabres End Drought

4/5/2026

Summary

Playoff Push Begins

The NHL playoffs will begin on April 18, 2026, with several teams vying for postseason spots.
The Buffalo Sabres have ended a 14-season playoff drought.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have secured their ninth consecutive playoff berth.
The Montreal Canadiens can clinch a playoff spot against the New Jersey Devils.
The Colorado Avalanche can clinch the Central Division and Western Conference titles with a win over the St. Louis Blues.

Summary

Red Wings' Playoff Struggles

The Detroit Red Wings lost to the Eastern Conference's last-place team, hurting their playoff chances.
Coach Todd McLellan's team has won only twice in 26 games, highlighting a slump.
They face the Minnesota Wild today, needing a win to stay in contention.
The Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers faced setbacks, with the Panthers eliminated from playoff contention.
The Philadelphia Flyers beat the New York Islanders, aided by Matvei Michkov's performance.

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Playoff Push Begins

The NHL playoffs will begin on April 18, 2026, with several teams vying for postseason spots.
The Buffalo Sabres have ended a 14-season playoff drought.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have secured their ninth consecutive playoff berth.
The Montreal Canadiens can clinch a playoff spot against the New Jersey Devils.
The Colorado Avalanche can clinch the Central Division and Western Conference titles with a win over the St. Louis Blues.

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