NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 14, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Picture Solidifies & Goaltending Woes

The final stretch of the regular season saw several key teams clinch postseason berths, shaping the Western Conference bracket while the Eastern Conference saw a top seed stumble. The Vegas Golden Knights secured their spot after Jack Eichel scored in overtime Saturday night to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2, while the idle Anaheim Ducks punched their ticket despite a tepid 3-5-2 record in their last ten contests, benefiting from the San Jose Sharks falling in a shootout. On the Eastern side, the Philadelphia Flyers earned their first berth since 2020, defeating the conference’s top seed, the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-2 in a Monday night shootout, though the Hurricanes maintained their top seed overall. Conversely, the Islanders' playoff aspirations were dashed following a decisive 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens Sunday, concluding a season where they held a postseason position for the majority of the schedule.

A broader league trend is emerging as netminding performance continues to decline across the NHL, with the average save percentage dipping below .900 for the first time in three decades, indicating a significant shift in scoring dynamics league-wide. This goaltending struggle contrasts with the recent success of the Buffalo Sabres, who clinched the Atlantic Division title Monday, marking their first division crown since the 2009-10 campaign after already ending their lengthy playoff drought this season. In personnel news, veteran netminder Jonathan Quick, 40, concluded his decorated career after nearly two decades, making 14 saves in the New York Rangers' 3-2 loss in his final appearance, while Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann’s season ended prematurely due to a lower-body injury sidelining him for the final three games.

Coaching Setbacks & Final Standings Battles

As teams prepare for the playoffs or dissect their offseason strategy, notable figures faced immediate setbacks this week. Colorado Avalanche Coach Jared Bednar will miss the final road trip after suffering facial fractures from a puck to the face, though he is expected back before the playoffs commence. Meanwhile, with playoff seeding and draft order still being finalized, Tuesday's slate of games offers crucial positioning matchups, mirroring the high stakes involved in Monday's ten contests that dictated much of the final bracket structure last night. For teams already eliminated, attention immediately shifts to the summer, as analysts forecast free agency and draft plans for every non-contender heading into the 2026-27 season expectations.

Awards Watch & Team Foundations

Beyond the ice action, the conversation surrounding individual excellence continues, with the Ted Lindsay Award gaining traction as the league's true MVP trophy, despite the Hart Memorial Trophy retaining greater historical prestige. The official panel of PHWA voters has also identified finalists for the NHL Awards across various categories, revealing some tight races in the final tally this year. Off the ice, the Florida Panthers organization announced community initiatives, with Granato's brother set to manage new girls' travel teams commencing play this year out of the team's facilities. Furthermore, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, facing speculation about his retirement, declined potential farewell handshakes with rivals like Sidney Crosby following the Capitals' 3-0 Sunday loss to the Penguins yesterday.