Monday’s final slate of ten games decides the last playoff seeds and the order of the 2026 draft lottery. Tampa Bay Lightning fight for the Atlantic top spot, which would pair them with Boston or Ottawa in round one. Detroit’s season ends early, leaving its first‑round pick at 14th overall pending lottery results. A win for Tampa Bay also improves its tiebreaker against the Sabres.

Carolina clinches the Metro Division and edges toward the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed; a win or overtime loss secures it. Philadelphia, fresh off a playoff push, can lock a first‑round berth with any victory, while an OT loss would eliminate Columbus. Meanwhile, Dallas holds the Central’s No. 2 seed, guaranteeing home ice against Minnesota. Minnesota, locked as the No. 3 seed, cannot break the franchise points record.

Colorado, fresh off the Presidents' Trophy, keeps home‑ice advantage as long as it stays alive and will meet the West’s second wild‑card winner. Los Angeles, riding a 6‑1‑3 surge, eyes the wild‑card slot that could knock out both Winnipeg and Nashville. With every team playing three or fewer games, Monday finishes the regular season and fixes the playoff picture.