NHL standings 2026: Updated Stanley Cup playoff bracket, clinching scenarios through April 6
Here is a look at the updated Stanley Cup playoff bracket and how teams can clinch today.
NHL standings 2026: Updated Stanley Cup playoff bracket, clinching scenarios through April 6 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The end of the 2025-2026 NHL regular season is approaching, but worry not, fans, playoff hockey rises above all other sports, so some of the most exciting action of the entire year is almost upon us.
Sixteen teams, eight from each conference, will make the playoff field. The final games of the regular season are scheduled for Thursday, April 16, with the first-round playoff matchups set to begin the following weekend. The Stanley Cup Finals will be held in June, giving us almost two months of playoff hockey.
The Florida Panthers won the 2025 Stanley Cup, the franchise's second consecutive trophy. Ironically, they played the Edmonton Oilers both years. With two weeks left in the regular season, the Panthers are sitting outside of the playoff picture, suggesting there will likely be a new champion crowned in 2026.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. SN's NHL HQ: Live NHL scores | Updated NHL standings | Full NHL schedule NHL playoff bracket 2026 Bracket as of results on April 6 Eastern Conference (A1) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (WC1) Boston Bruins (A2) Buffalo Sabres vs.