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NHL Hockey 24 Hours

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Last updated: April 5, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Picture Finalized

The Eastern Conference saw dramatic reversals as the injury-decimated Panthers officially missed the postseason following a decisive 9-4 defeat against Pittsburgh, ensuring a new champion will be crowned for the first time since 2023. This result contrasted sharply with the Western Conference action, where the Sabres finally clinched a playoff spot for the first time in a league-record 14 consecutive seasons, providing long-awaited relief for that franchise. All eyes now turn toward the remaining qualification battles, as the league navigated a massive Statement Saturday featuring 15 high-stakes contests across the schedule that determined the final seeds for the approaching tournament.