Who's in 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest standings, bracket and tiebreakers

The Buffalo Sabres will try again to clinch a playoff spot and end their 14-season postseason drought. The Sabres lost on Thursday in their first attempt, but if they beat the Washington Capitals on Saturday, April 4, they will end the NHL 's longest drought. In addition to making the playoffs, the Sabres could reclaim the Atlantic Division lead if they gain one more point than the Tampa Bay Lightning .

The Lightning can also clinch a playoff berth on Saturday and the Carolina Hurricanes can clinch the Metropolitan Division title. Saturday's 15-game schedule is full of playoff implications. Ottawa, which holds the second wild-card spot in the East on a tiebreaker, is in action, as are Detroit and Columbus.

All three teams have 88 points. Columbus could jump to third in the Metropolitan Division if it wins and the Islanders lose. San Jose, Nashville and Los Angeles, battling for the second wild-card spot in the West, are in action.

All three are tied with 79 points. The Sharks hold the spot and host the Predators. Edmonton and Anaheim, tied at 87 points in the Pacific Division race, are in action.