NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 14, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

NHL Playoff Picture Solidifies & Division Shocks

The National Hockey League’s final seeding races saw dramatic shifts on Monday, highlighted by the Buffalo Sabres clinching the Atlantic Division title, marking their first divisional crown since the 2009-10 season immediately after ending their playoff drought. The Western Conference bracket also took shape as the Anaheim Ducks secured a berth despite a mediocre 3-5-2 record in their last ten contests, capitalizing on the San Jose Sharks' 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference saw the Philadelphia Flyers punch their ticket by defeating the top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout, celebrating their first appearance since 2020 under first-year coach Rick Tocchet. Analysts are now closely monitoring Tuesday's slate to finalize the remaining spots and determine the exact draft lottery order for eliminated clubs.

Veterans Depart & Franchise Futures Loom

The closing days of the regular season marked significant career milestones, as 40-year-old goaltender Jonathan Quick, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, played his final NHL game, making 14 saves in the New York Rangers' 3-2 defeat. Injury concerns are also mounting for playoff-bound teams, with Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann sidelined indefinitely after suffering a lower-body injury, forcing him to miss the final three regular-season contests. Away from on-ice competition, teams facing the offseason pivot are already planning strategies, with experts forecasting the necessary free agency and draft maneuvers for non-playoff contenders leading into the 2026-27 campaign. Furthermore, organizational development continues off the ice, as the Florida Panthers announced plans for a new girls travel hockey program set to launch later this year, managed by the brother of Head Coach Granato.