NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 17, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Seeding and Final Regular Season Action

As the regular season concluded, the final day's slate of games determined six crucial playoff seeds and finalized the draft lottery order across the league. The Anaheim Ducks secured the third spot in the Pacific Division following a tight 5-4 victory over the Nashville Predators clinching their desired seeding. Separately, the Buffalo Sabres capped their successful year by capturing the Atlantic Division title, marking their first such achievement since the 2009-10 campaign after ending their long drought. Meanwhile, the league continues to grapple with league-wide trends, evidenced by the fact that the average NHL goaltender save percentage has dipped below .900 for the first time in three decades hitting a 30-year low.

Team Management and Player Futures

Offseason personnel decisions are already taking shape for several franchises, with the Chicago Blackhawks announcing the extension of General Manager Kyle Davidson's contract just days before the end of the season securing front-office stability. Davidson immediately identified securing star rookie Connor Bedard's long-term status as an "important" priority, though it is widely expected that the restricted free agency situation will be resolved before any lengthy negotiation period keeping Bedard happy remains key. In contrast, high-profile contract uncertainty looms for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as captain Auston Matthews remained noncommittal regarding his future, stating Thursday that he "can't predict the future" concerning a return next season Matthews stays noncommittal.

Coaching Stability and Personnel Moves

The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed Rick Bowness will return to the bench next season after agreeing to a new contract Bowness agrees to return, a move that follows a disappointing finish where Bowness publicly blasted his players for lacking desire in their season-ending defeat to the Capitals torching players for poor effort. In player transactions, the San Jose Sharks signed Hobey Baker Award finalist Eric Pohlkamp to a two-year, entry-level deal on Thursday, adding the NCAA champion to their prospect pool Sharks sign champion prospect. On the international front, Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov confirmed he has received medical clearance and will represent Finland in the upcoming World Championship in May, despite missing the entire NHL season due to injury recovery Barkov joins Finland squad.

Playoff Picture: Injuries and Previews

As the postseason looms, several contenders are dealing with significant injury setbacks that cloud their championship aspirations identifying flaws for top teams. The Dallas Stars will be without top-line center Roope Hintz when the playoffs commence after he suffered a setback during his recovery from a lower-body ailment Hintz misses playoff start, although the club is seeing positive movement elsewhere in its lineup. Meanwhile, Minnesota Wild coaching staff remains secretive regarding their Game 1 starter against Dallas, keeping both Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt off the record as potential netminders Wild coach remains vague. analysts are already deep into prognostications, with one roundtable predicting which teams might outperform expectations and forecasting the ultimate Stanley Cup victor Postseason roundtable discusses predictions.

Offseason Focus & League Controversy

Beyond the immediate playoff races, eliminated teams are already looking toward major offseason maneuvers involving the draft and free agency planning next season's moves. Amidst the final competitive push, the New York Islanders drew scrutiny for a recent jumbotron promotion encouraging fans to donate funds to a former police sergeant convicted of manslaughter Islanders face promotion backlash. Separately, Colorado Avalanche star Nathan Mac Kinnon is generating debate over whether his sustained elite performance has elevated him above franchise legend Joe Sakic as the Avalanche's greatest player of all time MacKinnon compared to Sakic.