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The tight playoff race among California’s NHL teams is captured in a cubist, geometric interpretation of the action on the ice.San Jose Today
As the 2025-26 NHL regular season enters its final stretch, the three California-based teams – the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks – are all still in the playoff hunt, making for an exciting race in the Pacific Division and wild-card spots. The teams’ ability to win consistently down the stretch will be key to their postseason hopes, with the Kings needing to improve their regulation win total and the Sharks hoping to capitalize on their games in hand.
Why it matters
The potential for all three California teams to make the playoffs would be a dream scenario for hockey fans in the state, showcasing the competitiveness of the league. The upcoming games, including a crucial matchup between the Kings and Sharks, will be pivotal in determining the playoff picture.
The details
The Ducks currently lead the Pacific Division, but the Kings and Sharks are close behind and still have a chance to make the playoffs. The Kings’ lower regulation win total compared to other teams puts them at a slight disadvantage in tiebreakers, while the Sharks have a few games in hand that could be an advantage if they can win them.
The 2025-26 NHL regular season is entering its final stretch.The crucial matchup between the Kings and Sharks is scheduled for Wednesday.
The players
Anaheim Ducks
One of the three California-based NHL teams currently in the playoff hunt.
Los Angeles Kings
One of the three California-based NHL teams currently in the playoff hunt, with a lower regulation win total compared to other teams.
San Jose Sharks
One of the three California-based NHL teams currently in the playoff hunt, with a few games in hand that could be an advantage if they can win them.
Gavin McKenna
A forward for Penn State who is at the top of many draft boards for the upcoming NHL draft lottery.
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What’s next
The upcoming games on Wednesday, including the crucial matchup between the Kings and Sharks, will be pivotal in determining the playoff picture.
The takeaway
The race for the playoffs in the Pacific Division and wild-card spots is heating up, with all three California-based teams – the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks – still in the hunt. Their ability to win consistently down the stretch will be key, and the potential for all three teams to make the playoffs would be a dream scenario for hockey fans in the state.