The Los Angeles Kings are coming off a huge victory against their Pacific Division rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, on Saturday. That 1-0 win pushed Los Angeles back into the playoff picture in the second wild-card position.

However, it might not be the last time that the Kings would need to record a big win against the Oilers in April.

The way the standings currently shape up, Los Angeles isn't set to face Edmonton in the first round of the upcoming playoffs. But that hypothetical situation isn't far from becoming a reality.

As it stands, the Kings would face the mighty Presidents' Trophy winners, the Colorado Avalanche, in the opening round. But even with just three games left for Los Angeles, change is still possible in terms of seeding in the Western Conference, specifically the Pacific Division.

The Kings are just a pair of points behind the Anaheim Ducks, who are third in the Pacific. If Los Angeles can overtake Anaheim, and Edmonton remains in the second spot of the division, those two would face off in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the fifth straight season.

Western Confrence Standings Watch: Can The Kings Catch Edmonton And Anaheim? The NHL season is coming to a close, and the Kings can finish as high as second or completely miss out on the playoffs for the rest of the summer in the West.

There is another possibility for these two familiar foes to meet in the first round for the fifth consecutive post-season. If the Oilers win the division, which is very possible considering they are just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights for top spot, the Kings would need to overtake the Utah Mammoth for the first wild-card position in the West.

But because the Mammoth are in the Central Division and have more points than the Ducks, it's more likely for the Kings and Oilers to meet as the third and second seed in the Pacific Division.

Of the last four meetings between the Kings and Oilers in the post-season, Edmonton has owned Los Angeles, winning all four series.

Last year, it looked like Los Angeles was finally going to advance past the first round. They had a 2-0 series lead and a 4-3 lead in Game 3, but the Oilers went on to win the best-of-seven series in six games.

This time around, Los Angeles might get another shot at slaying Edmonton, and on its fifth attempt, the result might be different.

---

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It appears that the Abbotsford Canucks are dealing with yet another injury. As reported by Rick Dhaliwal of "Donnie and Dhali", forward Nils Åman, "broke his toe over the weekend, his season is over." Abbotsford has two games remaining this year, with both on the road. 

Åman has spent the last four seasons with the Canucks organization. This year, he played two games in the NHL, while suiting up for 55 in the AHL. Åman leads Abbotsford with 41 points, while his 35 assists are tied for 22nd in the league. 

This season was the second of a two-year deal Åman signed in 2023. He will enter the off-season as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. In 132 career NHL games, Åman has scored eight goals while recording 29 points. 

As for his time with Abbotsford, Åman has recorded 95 points in 123 games. He ranks in the top 10 for points and top five for assists. Åman was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2020 and signed with the Canucks in 2022 as a free agent. 

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Talk about the game with Pens fans here!

The Colorado Avalanche have suffered a litany of injuries this season, but I didn’t expect that trend to strike the coaching staff. Here we are, though, as the Avalanche made a concerned comeback effort that fell short in a game where a stray puck caught their lead bench boss up-high.

Following the game, the Avalanche informed the public that Bednar was “fully alert and conscious” but was heading for a CT scan. Now we know the loose puck resulted in an orbital abrasion and facial fractures that will not require surgery, but will keep him from traveling with the team on their upcoming two-game road trip.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion. He will not require surgery at this time and is expected to make a full recovery.

Avalanche assistant coaches Nolan Pratt and… pic.twitter.com/6VupeAD82E

— P – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 12, 2026

As far as the rest of the game went, Vegas clinched a playoff birth on the back of a Jack Eichel OT winner in what played out as a back-and-forth slugfest.

The Game

Establishing a lead has been a common goal for the Avalanche this season, and last night’s game started with a goal from none other than Devon Toews.

His tally at the 9:17 mark was the result of a point wrister that was screened beautifully by Gabe Landeskog and went right through the seven-hole. 1-0 good guys.

Get us started, Devon! pic.twitter.com/5V81WFQBhk

— P – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 12, 2026

The Golden Knights would only need four and a half minutes to log an equalizer.

Mark Stone scored on the power play on an odd-bounce play where Mitch Marner threw the puck toward the net. It bounced off two players (including Mark Stone himself), fell to Stone’s feet, and he was able to tuck it past Blackwood, and we were tied at one a side after one period of play.

Pavel Dorofeyev scored his 36th goal of the season by picking the top corner over Blackwood’s right shoulder just two minutes and nine seconds into the second period, and the Knights took the 2-1 lead.

It was Nicolas Roy and Nick Blankenburg combining on a tying goal, Colorado style, as Blankenburg’s shot from the blue line hit the post, went off of Carter Hart, and into the net.

That was Nick Blankenburg’s 7th of the season, and although I’ve been critical of his defensive play in the past, I do see him making strides inside this system. His first goal as an Avalanche should propel that even further.

Nick's first as an Avalanche player! pic.twitter.com/thUDC9O8gV

— P – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 12, 2026

The third period would come and go all knotted at two a side, and this contest would require OT.

Jack Eichel would prove the OT hero for the Vegas Golden Knights after Martin Necas and Devon Toews nearly combined on a game-winner. The puck fluttered off of Toews’ stick on a grade A chance, which resulted in an odd man rush the other way.

With Mark Stone on his left, Jack Eichel broke in and decided he’d go with the shot rather than the pass and beat Blackwood for the win.

Takeaways

I think it’s safe to say most fans are cool with not seeing the Avalanche in those Nordiques jerseys. They haven’t had much success in them, and now they’ve seen their Head Coach leave the game during a Nords night. It might seem silly, but humans are superstitious, and hockey fans and players take that to a whole other level.

As previously mentioned, it’s nice to see Blankenburg taking steps in the right direction, and moreover, Devon Toews play in the absence of Cale Makar has noticeably improved.

Obviously, not having Makar is less than ideal, but the added pressure has fallen on the remaining defense, and it’s brought out the best in Toewser. Sure, he’d likely want that two-on-one potential game-winner back, but we know about bounces here in Colorado.

Not sure what is happening on home ice for the Avalanche of late, but I’m not going to get too worked up about it. When playoff hockey comes around, having the crowd on your side will go a long way, and if the Avalanche can establish early leads at home, it will prove tough for any opposition to stage a comeback.

One last thing, Erik Johnson is quickly becoming my favorite hockey media personality. Obviously, I have my bias, but putting that aside, he’s been really good at his job and appears more than capable of providing answers we might not get if the questioner were different.

Holy smokes EJ is made for this. #GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/owME6y07ak

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) April 12, 2026

Upcoming

The Avalanche will head to Edmonton for a showdown with the Oilers tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Let us know what you thought of this contest in the comments!

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was rushed to the hospital after taking a puck to the face on Saturday, which resulted in facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.

Bednar, 54, will now miss the Avs’ upcoming two-game road trip, at the very least, due to the injuries suffered.

The freak accident took place during Colorado’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.

Bednar was admitted to a nearby hospital following the incident and was fully conscious, according to a spokesman for the Avalanche, and underwent a CT scan for an advanced evaluation of the injuries.

Avs head coach Jared Bednar took an attempted dump-in from Keegan Kolesar to the side of the head and has left the bench pic.twitter.com/Qh0uQQSXgd

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 12, 2026

Bednar was standing behind the Colorado bench as a puck bounced off Knights defenseman Keegan Kolesar’s stick, flying over the boards and hitting the Avs head coach in the face as 16:39 remained in the third period.

He was ultimately aided to the locker room by one of the team’s athletic trainers and replaced in the interim by Avs assistant coach Dave Hakstol.

With three games to go, Colorado has and will finish with the top spot in the NHL’s regular season, currently at 115 points on the year.

The Avalanche have seven more points than anyone in the league, with the Western Conference foe Dallas Stars sitting behind them at 108.

Colorado is currently the betting favorite to win the 2026 Stanley Cup with a goal differential of +94, which is 34 goals better than the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are second at +60.

The Buffalo Sabres positioning for the upcoming playoffs improved slightly after Saturday’s results, as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens used up their games in hand and now have two games left before the end of their regular season on Wednesday.  The Sabres chances of finishing first or second in the Atlantic Division and securing home-ice advantage per Moneypuck.com are at 96.4%. The Lightning won 2-1 over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden and moved to within two points of the Sabres for top spot in the Atlantic, while Montreal remained two points back of Buffalo after a 5-2 loss to Columbus at the Bell Centre. 

The Canadiens received some bad news in the contest, as the club revealed on Sunday that defenseman Noah Dobson suffered an upper-body injury on Saturday and will be re–evaluated in two weeks, which likely excludes the veteran blueliner from seeing action until late in the first round. Montreal recalled defenseman David Reinbacher from AHL Laval, where the former top-five pick has played 57 games this season. 

The Habs play the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Sunday, and if they lose in regulation, the Sabres will clinch at least second place in the Atlantic and home ice in the opening round of the playoffs. Buffalo can also clinch if they win in Chicago against the Blackhawks on Monday. Tampa finishes off its regular season schedule with home games against Detroit on Monday and the NY Rangers on Wednesday, while the Sabres finish off their regular season with Fan Appreciation Night against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. 

Other Sabres Stories

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

If the Sabres win the Atlantic, they are guaranteed to face an Atlantic Division foe in the opening round. The Ottawa Senators clinched a wildcard spot with a 3-0 win over the Islanders on Saturday afternoon, and moved into a tie with the Bruins. The Senators occupy the first wildcard spot due to a tiebreaker, and that spot would face the Atlantic Division winner, while Carolina has clinched home-ice through the Eastern Conference Final and will play the second wildcard club.

Both the Bruins and Senators play on the road on Sunday, with Boston facing the much tougher matchup in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. The Senators take on the Devils in Newark.  The Bruins finish off their season at home against New Jersey on Tuesday, while the Senators play in Kanata on Wednesday against Toronto. 

The Sabres practiced at KeyBank Center on Sunday morning before departing for Chicago to face the last-place Hawks on Monday night. With Alex Lyon out for at least a week, it is expected that Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff will give Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and rookie Colten Ellis each a start. Luukkonen was in the starter’s net on Sunday, which is a preliminary indicator that the veteran will get the start at the United Center. 

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

As the 2025-26 NHL regular season and the Eastern Conference playoff push winds down, there are teams that have seized the moment and strung wins together like the Penguins, Flyers and Senators, and there are teams that have spiraled out of previously promising positions to leave an empty feeling like the Red Wings and Islanders.

The Red Wings were officially eliminated last night, coughing up multiple leads against the Devils in front of a quiet home crowd that turned into a minutes-long chorus of boos as Detroit officially reached a decade without a playoff appearance. Will the Islanders earn such a reaction? It probably depends on their effort over the next two games, but they’ve done themselves no favors.

Columbus (92 pts.) is still in the picture, interrupting their tailspin with a win over the Canadiens last night. The Flyers (94 pts.) put pressure on everyone by convincingly destroying the Jets in Winnipeg. The Islanders (91 pts.) and Capitals (91 pts.) still have outside chances, but only if everything goes right for them and everything wrong for Philadelphia and Columbus.

The Isles’ foe tonight is the Canadiens, who were beaten by the Blue Jackets at home last night but still have a chance to secure home ice advantage or even a division-winning seed.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News

• Special teams killed them again. [Newsday | LHH | Post]
• How are things looking? Not good! [Newsday | Post]
• Takeaways: Special teams, of course, which DeBoer noted. Also: “It doesn’t feel great right now, but we’re still alive. We have to win our last two games.” [Isles]
• Previewing tonight: here come the Habs. [Isles]
• The Islanders created a special night for Cole, the younger brother of Connor Kasin, the varsity hockey player who lost his life during a charity game in 2024. [Post]
• Denver University won its 11th NCAA championship, topping Wisconsin and Isles prospect Quinn Finley. [NHL]

Elsewhere

• The Habs will be without Noah Dobson, who left yesterday’s game with a thumb injury “caused by blocking his NHL-leading 188th shot.” Re-evaluated in two weeks, so that is brutal timing for them. [Sportsnet]
• Jared Bednar took a puck to the face and had to go the hospital. [TSN]
• That NCAA UFA and Hobey Baker finalist TJ Hughes who was “linked” to the Isles? He is now inked with the Avs. [TSN]

Before a bell similarly tolls for the Islanders, here’s some Red Wings Collapse Porn:

• Todd McLellan: “It’s just a microcosm of the year, really, and where we are as an organization. We have to get better top to bottom.” [NHL]
• “If something can be unacceptable and predictable at the same time, this was it. It happened again, in the same ridiculous manner with the same ridiculous mistakes.” [Detroit News]
• Todd McLellan: “I don’t even know if they want a Stanley Cup Championship anymore. They just want a team that’s going to come in and give them something to cheer about.” [Athletic]
• “When it mattered most, they looked lackadaisical. It is one thing to lose on skill, but what excuse is there for being outworked, again and again?“ [Detroit Free Press]

With a better showing over the final two games, the Islanders can avoid some of those condemnations — and they’re in year 1 of a new regime, with a new coach, so it’s not the same as what’s happening in Detroit. But still, the position they were in, the additions that were made to theoretically reinforce the effort, it’s all going to bring up some core questions if/when they fall short.

The Western Conference playoff race is beginning to heat up. With the Oilers and Golden Knights clinching a playoff spot on Saturday, Los Angeles is now four points behind Vegas for the first seed, three points behind Edmonton for the second seed, and two points behind Anaheim for the third seed. 

It's still not clear as to how the seedings will look in the division; no team has locked in a spot yet, making the last few games an incredible watch to end the season. It's a log-jam featuring the Kings, Ducks, Golden Knights, and Oilers, all battling for the third, second, and first seed. 

The @EdmontonOilers and @GoldenKnights clinched their spots in the #StanleyCup Playoffs tonight!

Who will take the last two spots in the Western Conference? 💬 pic.twitter.com/jWGtlA1KPp

— NHL (@NHL) April 12, 2026

Here's a look at the current playoff standings at the top of the division:

1. Vegas Golden Knights - 37-26-17, 91 points

2. Edmonton Oilers - 40-30-10, 90 points

3. Anaheim Ducks - 42-32-5, 89 points

4. Los Angeles Kings - 34-26-19, 87 points

All four teams have their flaws, making it possible for the seedings to change at the end of the regular season. The Pacific Division, especially, has been one of the worst divisions we've seen in a very long time, so it wouldn't surprise anyone if Los Angeles moves up to second or third to end the season.

 If the Kings win out their remaining regular-season games and Edmonton loses one of its two remaining games, it's very possible LA can finish at best as the third seed. 

To finish higher than that, they'll need Anaheim to lose two of their last three games or lose all of them. Vegas at this point looks like it will finish at the top of the division, now holding a four-point lead over Los Angeles, and since firing its head coach, they are 5-0-1. 

That would be remarkable if Los Angeles could somehow secure home ice in the first round of the playoffs, something that was out of the question just a week ago. 

The most important thing is for the Kings to draw a favorable matchup in the postseason. A team like Edmonton, which is missing Leon Draisaitl for probably most of the first round of the playoffs, can be a favorable matchup, or against the Ducks, who are a young team and have had trouble playing consistent team defense.

One way or another, we will just have to wait until next week to find out who the Kings will be playing or if they will be out of the playoffs.  

Let’s take a look at the big games to watch around the league for the next couple of days and who Kings fans should be rooting for.

Sunday

Canucks at Ducks - 

Unless Vancouver can pull off this upset like they did when they defeated the Colorado Avalanche last week or keep this game close, it's unlikely they can win this game on the road against Anaheim, which desperately needs this win to stay afloat in the playoff race. 

Monday

Avalanche at Oilers - 

The Avs already have the No. 1 seed locked up in the Central Division, while the Oilers are battling Anaheim and LA for the No. 2 seed. But, Edmonton didn't look good against LA today, so it's very possible Colorado can win this game. But if Edmonton wants to win this game, they can, recognizing the urgency and the potential for home ice on the line. 

Sharks at Predators - 

San Jose is pretty much out of playoff contention at this point, while Nashville is still fighting with the Kings to secure the final wild-card spot. At home, it's very likely the Predators come out and do everything they can to win this game. 

Jets at Golden Knights - 

Vegas has looked very good under John Tortorella, going 5-0-1 under him and defeating the Avalanche in a thrilling overtime game on Saturday. Winnipeg, meanwhile, is also fighting LA and Nashville for the final playoff spot, essentially needing to win all its remaining games, so it should be very motivated to pull off this upset. 

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Five years ago today, the Detroit Red Wings made one of the defining trades of their rebuild, sending Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik, a 2021 first round pick, and a 2022 second round pick.

At the time, the deal reflected two teams moving in opposite directions. Detroit was deep in a rebuild and looking toward the future, while Washington aimed to strengthen its roster for another Stanley Cup run.

In the immediate aftermath, Vrana looked like a centerpiece addition as the Czech winger exploded out of the gate with eight goals in just 11 games, showcasing the elite scoring touch that made him so highly regarded. But his tenure in Detroit never found stability. Injuries and time in the NHL Player Assistance Program disrupted his progress, and by 2023 he was moved to the St. Louis Blues.

Panik’s role proved far more limited, appearing in only 12 games for the Red Wings before being assigned to the American Hockey League and eventually moving on, leaving little impact on the rebuilding club.

Meanwhile, Mantha’s stint in Washington produced mixed results. Though he showed flashes of offensive ability, inconsistency and injuries prevented him from becoming the top-line force the Capitals envisioned. He settled more into a middle-six role during his time with the team.

As the years passed, the true weight of the trade shifted to the draft picks, which ultimately defined its long-term impact. The 2022 second round selection became Dmitri Buchelnikov, a dynamic forward who has continued to develop in Russia.

Now 22, Buchelnikov is viewed as a rising prospect with significant offensive upside and has begun drawing attention from NHL clubs, including interest from St. Louis in trade discussions, where he would be eventually dealt in the trade deadline move for defenseman Justin Faulk.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

The 2021 first round pick, however, took a far more consequential path as Detroit packaged that selection in a draft-day trade with the Dallas Stars to move up to 15th overall, where they selected goaltender Sebastian Cossa, now widely regarded as the organization’s top prospect in net.

In exchange, Dallas received the 23rd overall pick, along with additional second- and fifth-round selections. With that 23rd pick, the Stars drafted Wyatt Johnston. That decision has since become one of the most talked-about ripple effects of the original trade.

Johnston quickly emerged as a cornerstone player in Dallas with the now 22-year-old, Toronto native producing at a star level and is on pace for 87 points this season, including a record-setting 26 power play goals.

While Cossa remains a highly promising goaltender, he has yet to make the full-time jump to the NHL. Johnston, on the other hand, has already become the type of top-six center the Red Wings have been searching for. 

Detroit acquired assets that aligned with its long-term vision, while Washington addressed an immediate need. But years later, it is the indirect outcome, Dallas landing a rising star in Johnston, that continues to shape how the deal is remembered.

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It might only be April, but it was looking a little like football season up in Winnipeg.

The Philadelphia Flyers delivered an overwhelming performance against the Winnipeg Jets in a 7–1 road victory that did more than added two points to the standings and reasserted identity at the most critical moment of the year.

And yet, even in the aftermath of a dominant performance, captain Sean Couturier framed it with clarity: “The job’s not finished yet.”

---

1. A Statement Win That Reinforces What the Flyers Are About

The most important aspect of this victory is the manner in which it happened.

From the opening puck drop, the Flyers dictated terms. They played with pace, but not recklessness and attacked with intent, but not desperation. They controlled the game with a balance that had wavered just days earlier in Detroit.

This is what a mature response looks like.

After a loss that exposed lapses in discipline and cohesion, the Flyers went further than just correcting those issues—they eliminated them. This game never became a track meet. It remained firmly within Philadelphia’s control.

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2. Young Talent Is Driving Play 

Porter Martone continues to operate at a pace that feels both pleasantly surprising and increasingly sustainable.

His opening goal—his seventh point in his first seven NHL games—set the tone early, but the broader context is even more striking. Martone now owns the second-most points through a player’s first seven games in Flyers history since 2000–01, and leads all NHL rookies in scoring since his debut on March 31.

THE KID. SET UP BY THE VET. #PHIvsWPG | #LetsGoFlyerspic.twitter.com/i4PXBdIgN2

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 11, 2026

That’s impact, and it’s emblematic of a larger trend.

The Flyers’ younger players are not being sheltered. They are being trusted with the big moments, and in return, they are delivering infectious energy, impressive production and invaluable composure in these high-leverage moments.

That matters now more than ever, because in games of this magnitude and potentially into the postseason, depth simply isn’t optional.

---

3. Leadership Is Translating Into Production and Tone

The young guns get a lot of the attention (and deservedly so), but this was a game where you have to give massive credit to the Flyers' veterans as well. 

Sean Couturier’s two goals and one assist marked his second three-point game of the season, a standout performance from the captain that blended opportunism with control. 

Sean Couturier with some silky mitts to extend the Flyers' lead to 6-1 in Winnipeg 👀 pic.twitter.com/JQxPxy7LUv

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 12, 2026

Alongside him, Noah Cates delivered a three-point night of his own (1G, 2A), tying his career high and reinforcing the connective role he plays within the lineup.

His postgame assessment captured the collective mindset, telling media, “Everyone’s playing their best hockey. Everyone’s playing for the crest.”

---

4. Depth Production and Blueline Activation Are Elevating the Ceiling

One of the Flyers' enduring strengths this season has been their ability to change lines, swap players in and out of the lineup, and still be able to find chemistry. And that chemistry is turning into production that's coming from everywhere in the lineup.

Travis Sanheim scored his 11th goal of the season, setting a new career high and moving into a tie for fourth on the franchise’s all-time goals list among defensemen, while fellow blueliner Nick Seeler added his fourth goal of the season, continuing a quietly impactful stretch with two goals in his last three games.

Travis Sanheim restores the Flyers' three-goal lead 💪 pic.twitter.com/qqPvMAOzea

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 4, 2026

Matvei Michkov (1G, 1A) and Rasmus Ristolainen (2A) each recorded multi-point performances, while Christian Dvorak reached a significant milestone with his 300th NHL point.

This is what a complete performance looks like.

The Flyers are generating offense from multiple layers without sacrificing the structure that allows them to sustain it, which is a difficult thing to achieve, but it's a formula they're comfortably maintaining.

---

5. Continued Road Excellence 

This victory marked the Flyers’ 23rd road win of the season, their highest total since 2011–12 and the fourth-most in franchise history in the 82-game era.

Winning on the road requires a specific kind of discipline—an ability to simplify, to remain composed in hostile environments, and to execute without external momentum. The Flyers have embraced and perfected that identity.

And should they find themselves in the playoffs, that ability to travel—both physically and mentally—becomes a serious competitive advantage.

---

6. The Mindset Remains Fixed

The most telling takeaway from this game is found in the messaging.

Head coach Rick Tocchet made it clear that, despite the magnitude of the win, the approach cannot change,

He told media, “We’ve just got to take care of business. If we start scoreboard watching, the other teams lose, then what? Are we supposed to relax? Matter of fact, we shouldn’t even worry about the standings. ‘We control our destiny’ type of attitude.”

#Flyers coach Rick Tocchet on NYI loss

"We just got to take care of business. If we start scoreboard watching, the other teams lose, then what? Are we supposed to relax? Matter of fact, shouldn't even worry about the standings. [Have a] we control our destiny type of attitude."

— Jackie Spiegel (@jackiespiegel93) April 11, 2026

That’s discipline of a different kind. The Flyers are, of course, aware of the pressure. They see the standings, and they're certainly not blind to the implications of every result. But they are choosing not to be governed by them, and that choice is what allows performances like this to happen.

Sunday's NHL schedule is full of playoff permutations but the biggest question is whether this will be Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin's final home game and final meeting with the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby.

Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, has said he won't make a decision on his future until he talks with his family and team management during the offseason. But the Capitals don't have any more home games after the Sunday, April 12 matchup against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, barring a longshot chance to make the playoffs. They need one point in this game to stay alive and a win would be better.

The Capitals captain, who broke Wayne Gretzky's record last season, is in the final year of his contract and will turn 41 in September. He scored his 929th career goal on Saturday, April 11 in Pittsburgh.

Also on Sunday, the Anaheim Ducks can end their seven-year playoff drought and move into second place in the Pacific Division. The Montreal Canadiens could reclaim second place in the Atlantic Division, the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins (tied in points as Eastern Conference wild cards) are in action, and the Columbus Blue Jackets could tie for third place in the Metropolitan Division, although the Philadelphia Flyers would have a game in hand.

Here's what to know about the NHL standings, including the latest playoff bracket, Sunday's clinching scenarios and the tiebreaker procedures for the 2025-26 season:

Third period underway

1-0 Capitals. If this holds up, Washington stays alive in the playoff hunt.

Alex Ovechkin vs Sidney Crosby stats

Through two periods, Alex Ovechkin has three shots and four hits. Sidney Crosby has two shots and two hits.

End of second period: Capitals 1, Penguins 0

Trevor van Riemsdyk scores his third goal of the season to give the Capitals the lead in what's essentially a must-win game for Washington. Alex Ovechkin had a good chance off a Capitals faceoff win but is stopped by Stuart Skinner. Washington's Logan Thompson stops a partial breakaway by Sidney Crosby.

Tom Wilson injury update

He's back on the bench in the final seconds of the second period.

Tom Wilson injury

Washington's Tom Wilson is down on the ice after blocking a shot from Erik Karlsson. He eventually gets up and limps toward the dressing room. The Capitals kill of the rest of the Penguins power play, allowing no shots.

Penguins power play

Washington's Martin Fehervary is called for tripping, his second penalty of the game.

Capitals score: Trevor van Riemsdyk opens scoring

The Capitals take the lead with the first goal of the game. Trevor van Riemsdyk is down low and taps in a loose puck in the crease. It's his third goal of the season. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Connor McMichael pick up the assists. Capitals 1, Penguins 0

Third whack's a charm pic.twitter.com/TsGBKxqttv

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 12, 2026

Midway through game

Still scoreless.

Second period underway

The Penguins kill off the rest of the Sidney Crosby penalty.

End of first period: Capitals 0, Penguins 0

The Capitals appeared to go ahead, but the goal was overturned on a challenge for offsides. Alex Ovechkin's stats so far: one shot, three hits. Sidney Crosby has one shot, two hits, a faceoff win against Ovechkin and a penalty. He'll still be in the penalty box when the second period begins.

Capitals goal overturned

Alex Ovechkin would have drawn an assist as Justin Sourdif scores a power play goal, but the Penguins challenge for offsides. No goal. Still 0-0.

Sidney Crosby goes to penalty box

The Penguins star is called for tripping. Alex Ovechkin is out there for the power play.

Ovechkin-Crosby rivalry acknowledged

The Capitals acknowledge the 100th meeting of the two stars. Ovechkin stands on the bench as fans cheer. Crosby is on the ice with the Penguins about to go on a power play. The Capitals kill off the penalty.

Alex Ovechkin's game so far

Alex Ovechkin, also known for his physical play, lays out Kris Letang with a big hit. Later, his deflection attempt is stopped by Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner.

Alex Ovechkin vs Sidney Crosby

Pittsburgh stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are back in the lineup after sitting out Saturday's game. This is the 100th meeting of Ovechkin and Crosby. Even though Ovechkin is a winger, he took the opening faceoff against Crosby. The Penguins star won.

Dylan Strome got himself excused from the faceoff for so that Alex Ovechkin could take the opening draw against Sidney Crosby. pic.twitter.com/knMwemMz9N

— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) April 12, 2026

Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs?

Eastern Conference: Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Boston

Western Conference: Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota, Utah, Edmonton, Vegas

Who could clinch an NHL playoff berth today?

The Anaheim Ducks will clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Vancouver Canucks.

NHL games today (Sunday, April 12)

• Pittsburgh at Washington, 3, TNT, tru
• Montreal at N.Y. Islanders
• Boston at Columbus, 6, NHL Network
• Ottawa at New Jersey, 7
• Vancouver at Anaheim, 8
• Utah at Calgary, 9

NHL playoff standings

NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26

After April 11 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Metropolitan Division

• y-Carolina Hurricanes (110)
• x-Pittsburgh Penguins (98)
• Philadelphia Flyers (94)

Atlantic Division

• x-Buffalo Sabres (106)
• x-Tampa Bay Lightning (104)
• x-Montreal Canadiens (104)

Wild card

• x-Ottawa Senators (96)
• x-Boston Bruins (96)

Sitting out of playoff position: Columbus Blue Jackets (92), Washington Capitals (91), z-Detroit Red Wings (91), New York Islanders (91), z-New Jersey Devils (85), z-Florida Panthers (80), z-Toronto Maple Leafs (78), z-New York Rangers (75)

NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26

After April 11 games. x-clinched playoff spot. y-clinched division. z-eliminated.

Central Division

• y-Colorado Avalanche (115) - Presidents' Trophy winner
• x-Dallas Stars (108)
• x-Minnesota Wild (102)

Pacific Division

• x-Vegas Golden Knights (91)
• x-Edmonton Oilers (90)
• Anaheim Ducks (89)

Wild card

• x-Utah Mammoth (90)
• Los Angeles Kings (87)

Sitting out of playoff position: Nashville Predators (86), Winnipeg Jets (82), San Jose Sharks (82), z-St. Louis Blues (80), z-Seattle Kraken (79), z-Calgary Flames (73), z-Chicago Blackhawks (70), z-Vancouver Canucks (54)

NHL playoffs if they started today

NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 11:

• Carolina (M1) vs. Boston (WC2)
• Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Philadelphia (M3)
• Buffalo (A1) vs. Ottawa (WC1)
• Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card

NHL Western Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on April 11.

• Colorado (C1) vs. Los Angeles (WC2)
• Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3). This series is set
• Vegas (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
• Edmonton (P2) vs. Anaheim (P3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card

NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?

If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:

1. Regulation wins
2. Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
3. Total wins
4. Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded. When more than two clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any odd games) shall be used to determine standings.
5. Goal differential
6. Total goals

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoff bracket, latest 2026 standings and clinching scenarios

On a night thick with emotion inside Winnipeg Arena, Keith Tkachuk delivered one of the most memorable moments in franchise history, and helped keep playoff hopes alive in what would soon become the end of an era.

With the crowd in a “whiteout” frenzy, Tkachuk scored his 50th goal of the season in the final regular season home game for the original Winnipeg Jets, sealing a 5–3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. The late goal, scored into an empty net with just seconds remaining, clinched a playoff berth and etched Tkachuk’s name into team history as just the third player in the franchise to reach the 50-goal mark. 

The milestone capped a career-best campaign for Tkachuk, who had been drafted 19th overall by Winnipeg in 1990 and developed into one of the greatest power forwards in the league's history. 

During the 1995–96 season, Tkachuk recorded 50 goals and 98 points, leading the team in both categories and producing the highest point total of his career. His physical style and scoring touch made him the centerpiece of a Jets team fighting both on the ice and off it.

That season came under difficult circumstances as the franchise was facing severe financial instability, and even Tkachuk’s own future in Winnipeg had been uncertain following a contract dispute the previous summer. Despite the turmoil, he delivered a historic performance when the team needed it most. The game also marked the beginning of the end for NHL hockey at Winnipeg Arena, which had been the club’s home throughout its WHA and NHL history. 

Just days later, the Jets would play their final regular season game, and shortly after that, their final playoff game in the building. By the end of the spring, the team’s departure was confirmed.

The reason was largely financial with Ownership struggling for years to keep the team viable in one of the league’s smallest markets, and in January 1996 agreed to sell the franchise to a group intending to relocate it to the United States. That summer, the Jets officially moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they became the Phoenix Coyotes.  Winnipeg would go 15 years without an NHL team before the Jets name returned in 2011.

That revival came when the Atlanta Thrashers franchise was purchased and relocated to Manitoba, bringing NHL hockey back to the city under the historic Jets name. While the modern Jets are technically a continuation of the Thrashers franchise, the return restored a cultural and emotional connection that had been missing since 1996.

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As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for what could potentially be a month-long search to find their next head of hockey operations, reports suggest fans should brace for possibly just one hire from MLSE.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on Saturday Headlines, the Maple Leafs are going to have a bunch of interviews for the position next week, and it won't be a short process.

"The Maple Leafs are determined to talk to as many people as they can," Friedman said, "and get as many opinions as they can about what they should do."

Several names have already surfaced as potential candidates for the position, like Mike Gillis and Florida Panthers assistant general manager Sunny Mehta. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported this week that Toronto has been granted permission to speak with Mehta.

But as this search goes on, many wonder if Mehta's resume fits the bill to be the head of hockey operations for one of the NHL's most coveted franchises.

I only say that because, according to Friedman, the Maple Leafs are entering this search to hire one person to lead their hockey ops department.

"Now, it doesn't mean that they can't morph into more," Friedman continued, "but they are starting the search with the goal of one person."

Furthermore, Friedman believes Mehta won't be the only person from the Panthers' front office that the Maple Leafs will request to speak with.

"I also believe, we talked about one specific member of Florida's front office (Sunny Mehta). I don't think that's the only request that's going to be made of the Panthers. I think the Maple Leafs could ask for multiple permissions to talk to people with Florida."

Chris Pronger 'Interested In Having A Conversation' With MLSE About Potential Role With Maple LeafsPronger spoke with Sportsnet's Paul D. Grant about his new memoir, as well as the Maple Leafs' latest job opening.

In LeBrun's report, which said Toronto had been granted permission to speak with Mehta, he also wondered if the Maple Leafs would request to speak with another Panthers assistant GM, Brett Peterson.

After his playing career, Peterson was vice president of THE TEAM (formerly Wasserman Media Group) before joining the Panthers' front office in 2020. He had also been a certified NHL player agent with THE TEAM since 2009.

MLSE CEO Keith Pelley said the goal was to have someone hired for the position "in the middle of May, but the end of May, prior to the combine, would be good. But if not, very early June because you need to prep for the draft."

The Edmonton Oilers are going back to the playoffs. For the seventh straight season, Oilers fans can experience playoff hockey in Edmonton. Somewhere, someone in the organization is probably popping champagne.

If so, they might want to wait until they've actually earned it.

Saturday's clinching moment arrived not in the visitors' dressing room at Crypto.com Arena, where the Oilers had just been shut out 1-0 by the Los Angeles Kings, but a few hours later, in a box score from Philadelphia. The Flyers beat the Winnipeg Jets 7-1, and just like that, Edmonton's playoff fate was sealed by a team they weren't playing, in a city they weren't in, on a night they couldn't even score a goal themselves.

That's not exactly how you draw it up.

The Oilers had their chance to do this themselves. A single point against the Kings would have clinched it outright. Instead, Artemi Panarin stole the puck from Evan Bouchard at the blue line, scored on a breakaway in the first period, and that was the game.

Anton Forsberg finished with a 27-save shutout. It was Edmonton's fourth shutout loss of the season.

Connor Ingram Back and Dialed In Despite Loss to KingsDespite a tough loss, Connor Ingram returned, showcasing impressive saves and athleticism, proving that an injury worry might not be a concern.

"We just couldn't find a way to get one," center Adam Henrique said. "I thought we pushed hard throughout the entire game, had a lot of opportunities, but couldn't find a way to get that first one."

So they sat and waited. And the Flyers obliged.

Look, this six-year playoff streak, now seven, didn't come easy. There were stretches this season where it looked like this might be the year it all fell apart.

Multiple Scenarios Will Officially Allow Oilers to Clinch Playoff Spot On SaturdayOne point for the Edmonton Oilers secures their playoff spot. Even a loss might suffice depending on the Jets' game outcome.

Leon Draisaitl went down with a lower-body injury on March 15. He'll miss the rest of the regular season after piling up 97 points in 65 games. Draisaitl had been directly involved in 41 percent of their goals. Zach Hyman went down not long after.

And then suddenly Edmonton's depth was being tested in ways it hadn't anticipated. They went 8-4-1 without their second-best player, who would be the player on almost any other team.

The Oilers have long been vocal about their singular goal—get in, and worry about everything else once you're in. Kris Knoblauch has said it, and McDavid and everybody have implied it.

A Good Problem to Have? Oilers Facing Intriguing Depth Forward DecisionTrent Frederic and Colton Dach are potentially forcing a tough choice on the Edmonton Oilers. There isn't room for everyone as playoff decisions loom.

The thinking is rooted in recent history: this is a team that has played deep into June on the road, in hostile buildings, and found ways to advance. Home ice isn't what it is for other franchises. They've played plenty of playoff hockey without it.

That's fair. And practically speaking, the division race is still alive. Edmonton fell one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights for first in the Pacific on Saturday, though they hold the regulation-wins tiebreaker. Two games remain. Seeding still matters.

But there's a difference between being indifferent to home ice and being indifferent to the performance that earns it. Getting bounced from your own clinching opportunity by a team that was trying to avenge a blowout that happened in February—the Kings referenced an 8-1 home loss from February 26 afterward—and needing a 7-1 win from the Flyers to push you across the finish line isn't a great look heading into the postseason.

McDavid's One-Man Show Carries Oilers Past SharksThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers#google_vignette">Edmonton Oilers</a> were playing the second half of a back-to-back in San Jose on Wednesday night, coming off a deflating 6-5 overtime loss in Utah the night before, down two of their best forwards in Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. The Sharks, meanwhile, were rested, desperate for points in a tight Western Conference wild-card race, and playing at home. On paper, the conditions were ideal for an upset.

The Oilers are a team that always seems to go farther than anyone else expected. McDavid is chasing his first Cup. Draisaitl might return sometime in the first round.

But two straight trips to the Stanley Cup Final, two straight losses, and now a clinch that came courtesy of Philadelphia's generosity—at some point, the bar has to be higher than just getting in.

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DENVER — It was a bittersweet night for Nick Blankenburg, who notched his first goal as a member of the Colorado Avalanche in a 3–2 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena.

With 9:04 remaining in the second period, Blankenburg cashed in on a gritty, hard-earned sequence. After Nic Roy won a battle along the boards and worked the puck free from behind the net, he sent it up the wall to Blankenburg. The defenseman didn’t hesitate, snapping a wrist shot through traffic that rang off the post and in, tying the game at two.

It was a moment that felt earned. Since arriving in Colorado via trade from the Nashville Predators, Blankenburg has been searching for his footing, working to find consistency and confidence in a new system. Lately, though, there have been signs—quicker reads, sharper decisions, and a little more bite to his game. On this play, it all clicked, even if only for a moment.

From there, the night took a turn that had little to do with the score. Despite locking up the Presidents’ Trophy and home-ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Avalanche looked worn down by the final horn. Already without Cale Makar and Nazem Kadri, they absorbed more blows as Josh Manson exited with an upper-body injury. Not long after, head coach Jared Bednar was struck in the face by a deflected puck on the bench and had to be helped off the ice.

With assistant coach Nolan Pratt stepping in, Colorado tried to steady itself, but the feel of the game had shifted. Vegas seized control when it mattered most, and the Avalanche were left chasing a result that suddenly felt secondary to everything else unfolding.

A Milestone Overshadowed

And for Blankenburg, that was what stuck. Scoring your first goal with a new team is something you want to enjoy, but it didn’t feel like that kind of night. Not with teammates going down and the bench thinning out. By the end, the milestone faded into the background, replaced by concern and the reality of how quickly things can change.

“Obviously nice to see that one go in,” Blankenburg said. “Kind of a frustrating (game). Tough to see Manson go down and obviously (Bednar), too. Hopefully they’re both alright. At the end of the day, (Vegas) just buried the last chance in overtime. So just learn from it, move on, and big one in Edmonton up next.”

Faith, Perspective, and Fit

Blankenburg might not be the flashiest name on the roster, but his impact tends to show up in quieter, more meaningful ways. Wherever he’s gone, he’s earned respect quickly—and that was no different in Nashville. After being brought in last season and inserted into the lineup following a late-November call-up, he made a strong enough impression in just a few months to be nominated for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy by the Nashville chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

That recognition says a lot about the kind of player—and person—he is. It’s less about stats and more about presence: the way he approaches the game, the way he carries himself, and how quickly he connects with a room.

That same presence is beginning to surface in Colorado, and Blankenburg credits his faith for helping him navigate the transition.

"That's been the biggest thing that's been grounding me," Blankenburg said of getting adjusted to the team. "I've just been telling myself that God has me here for a reason; he has me here for a purpose.

"What a blessing it is to get traded to the number one team in the league. What an opportunity. Just relying on him and relying on his strength and not on my own. It's a lot easier said than done, but it's been good, and it's definitely revealed some things in my heart and in my life over these last months. Definitely thankful for that."

He’s also found common ground in the locker room, pointing to teammates who share that same foundation.

"Manson's a big believer in his faith and some other guys, too. (Brent Burns). God has me here for a reason."

Settling In and Letting Go

Those connections—and that mindset—have started to translate onto the ice. Early on, there were moments where Blankenburg looked caught between playing his game and trying to do too much, whether it was getting too aggressive up ice or forcing plays that weren’t there. Lately, though, there’s been a noticeable shift.

Part of that comes from a simple message he’s taken to heart.

"I've been having conversations with multiple people about it," he said. "Try not to overthink. Try not to think too much on the ice. Just go out and play my game. Be assertive and compete and the rest will take care of itself."

It’s not groundbreaking advice—but for Blankenburg, it’s been a turning point. And over these last few games, it’s starting to show. There’s a calmness to his game now, a confidence that wasn’t always there earlier on. If the playoffs call his number, the Avalanche won’t be guessing what they have—they’ll know he’s ready.