20. New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n
Entering the week, the Devils are chasing an Eastern Conference wild card with five games remaining. The team\u2019s remaining games are against opponents with playoff aspirations. New Jersey\u2019s lack of goal scoring has been an issue throughout the season.<\/p>\n
19. Vegas Golden Knights<\/p>\n
![\"Vegas](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/default-2107-1024x683.jpg\")
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Unless they collapse during the final week of the regular season, the Golden Knights are heading to the postseason. They\u2019ve battled their Pacific Division foes throughout the campaign, encountering ups and downs. The team\u2019s roster has the talent to compete in the Western Conference playoffs.<\/p>\n
18. Utah Mammoth<\/p>\n
The Mammoth currently hold a Western Conference wild card. One of the league\u2019s most underrated teams, Utah will make noise in the playoffs. The team\u2019s offense and defense have ranked top five in efficiency.<\/p>\n
17. Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n
Anaheim\u2019s young team has fought tooth and nail for the Pacific Division crown. The team\u2019s offense has led the way to their success. The Ducks\u2019 downfall is their defense and goaltending.<\/p>\n
16. Washington Capitals<\/p>\n
The Capitals have four games remaining and are currently on the outside looking in. They join the Islanders, Red Wings, and Blue Jackets in the fight for an Eastern Conference wild card. Washington needs a week of perfection to ensure they reach the playoffs.<\/p>\n
15. Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n
Edmonton has battled and currently sits atop the Pacific Division. However, when the playoffs start, they will be without key forward Leon Draisaitl. The team must reach deep to repeat as Western Conference champions.<\/p>\n
14. Detroit Red Wings<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/default-203-1024x683.jpg\")
Apr 2, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) reacts after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
A rough stretch bumped Detroit out of a playoff spot. The team finds themselves chasing an Eastern Conference wild card with five games remaining. The Red Wings\u2019 offense has regressed since the first half of the season.<\/p>\n
13. Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n
Columbus has battled throughout the regular season. At the midway point, the team looked dead in the water. However, their road to the playoffs comes down to the final five games of the season, all of which are against teams fighting for the playoffs.<\/p>\n
12. New York Islanders<\/p>\n
The Islanders have four games remaining and are one point behind an Eastern Conference wild card. The team made a tough move, firing head coach Patrick Roy. The front office is hoping the move gives the team the motivation to reach the playoffs in the final week of the regular season.<\/p>\n
11. Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n
The Flyers hold a playoff spot thanks to the team\u2019s defense and goaltending. Philadelphia\u2019s offense has been one of the league\u2019s worst in efficiency. The path to the Stanley Cup Finals will be tough if the offense cannot find ways to manufacture goals.<\/p>\n
10. Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n
Ottawa continues to win games. The team has done their best to hold an Eastern Conference wild card. The team has five games to ensure they clinch a playoff berth.<\/p>\n
9. Boston Bruins<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/default-343-1024x683.jpg\")
Jan 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Bruins have four games remaining, and the first two are against the Hurricanes and Lightning. The team must find a way to win at least one game. If they drop both games, they will be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.<\/p>\n
8. Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n
The Penguins are gearing up for the playoffs. Captain Sidney Crosby returned to action on March 18th and immediately gave the lineup a boost. Pittsburgh\u2019s objective is to enter the playoffs as healthy as possible.<\/p>\n
7. Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n
The Canadiens are heading to the playoffs. The team is eager to feature its offense on the national stage. This season, Montreal\u2019s offense has ranked 5th in efficiency.<\/p>\n
6. Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n
This season, Minnesota has played second fiddle to Colorado and Dallas. The Wild has featured one of the league\u2019s best offenses and defenses. They will be a dark horse to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.<\/p>\n
5. Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n
Buffalo hasn\u2019t slowed down since the calendar changed to the New Year. They continue to win and have become one of the best stories of the season. The Sabres offense has shown the ability to go toe to toe with the league\u2019s best.<\/p>\n
4. Dallas Stars<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_27992469_168396541_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
Jan 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Dallas has played well throughout the season. They\u2019ve performed well on both sides of the ice. This season, the offense has ranked in the top 10 in efficiency, and the defense has ranked 2nd.<\/p>\n
3. Tampa Bay Lightning<\/p>\n
Tampa Bay went on a tear in mid-December and didn\u2019t look back. They currently lead the Atlantic Division. The team\u2019s offense and defense rank in the top four in efficiency.<\/p>\n
2. Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n
The Hurricanes have been the Eastern Conference\u2019s best team this season. They\u2019ve played consistent hockey since their first game of the season on October 9th. When the playoffs start, Carolina will be a favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.<\/p>\n
1. Colorado Avalanche<\/p>\n
Colorado has six games left, and it seems unlikely another team will end the season with more points in the standings. The Avalanche have been the NHL\u2019s best team throughout the season. They rank first in offensive and defensive efficiency.<\/p>\n