NHL Hockey 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 12:54 PM ET
NHL Playoff Picture
The Anaheim Ducks' Pacific Division title chances remain mathematically alive but require a near-perfect finish and significant help from other teams. With just seven games remaining, the Ducks trail the Edmonton Oilers by eight points in the division standings, though they hold a game in hand. The playoff picture across the Western Conference continues to tighten dramatically as teams jockey for positioning, with the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars battling for the top wild card spot that could determine first-round matchups.
League Standings Update
Saturday's results shook up the playoff race as several bubble teams either gained momentum or saw their postseason hopes dim. The Minnesota Wild's overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights propelled them into the second wild card position, while the Los Angeles Kings' regulation loss to the San Jose Sharks effectively ended their playoff chances. The NHL's lottery standings shifted significantly with the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens both moving up in the weighted draft order after weekend defeats.