The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs are set to begin, with two teams, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, already clinching playoff spots. However, other teams have a significant gap to play in the remaining games. In both conferences, wild card races are extremely tight, with the Boston Bruins holding the first wildcard spot, while the New York Islanders are the first team outside the postseason. The Ottawa Senators have also surged into the second wild card spot, but still have little room for error. The Western Conference wild card race is also tightening, with Nashville Predators currently occupying the final wild card position with 77 points. The final guaranteed playoff spot in each Atlantic and Metro Divisions is expected to be a close contest.