Throughout the National Hockey League’s standard season, specific weekdays are frequently packed with numerous matchups. These commonly include Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The upcoming Saturday marks the initial one among the NHL’s concluding four Saturdays for the 2025-26 season, and indeed, a total of 11 contests are scheduled. The day’s events commence with the Winnipeg Jets visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins at 1 p.m. Eastern Time and conclude with the Tampa Bay Lightning facing the Edmonton Oilers, beginning at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Clubs still possess opportunities to alter their positions concerning playoff qualification, and the rankings for the draft lottery are likewise largely undetermined – with the exception of the Vancouver Canucks, who seem fated to possess the highest probability in the lottery.
The following details the significance of each of the 11 encounters taking place on this significant Saturday:
Winnipeg Jets at Pittsburgh Penguins
1 p.m. (NHL Network)
These clubs appear to have reversed their fortunes from the previous campaign; the Jets secured the Presidents’ Trophy as the premier regular-season squad in 2024-25 but find themselves five points adrift of the second Western wild card position heading into Saturday. Currently, Winnipeg occupies the sixth spot in the draft lottery rankings. Conversely, the Penguins, having ended last season 11 points outside of a wild-card berth, are now positioned second in the Metro Division, trailing the Carolina Hurricanes by 10 points. Beyond their pursuit of the Canes, Pittsburgh must fend off the aggressive Blue Jackets and Islanders, both of whom are a single point behind.
Vegas Golden Knights at Nashville Predators
2 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Golden Knights maintain a fairly secure position for a Pacific Division playoff berth, possessing a four-point advantage over the Kings trailing them. However, considering the competitive balance within that division, they are also merely four points adrift of the Anaheim Ducks for the top position in the Pacific. Concurrently, the Predators are actively competing for the second wild card slot (which would set up a preliminary playoff encounter with either the Colorado Avalanche or Dallas Stars), sitting one point behind the Kings, yet boasting a 23-18 lead in regulation victories.
Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild
4 p.m. (ESPN+)
The most thrilling playoff series of the prior year featured the Stars and Avalanche; given the established seeding rules, this confrontation unfolded in the opening round. It remains highly probable that we will witness another memorable clash with the second versus third seed pairing from the Central Division, and it could very well involve these two particular teams battling it out. This encounter actually represents the second-to-last meeting between these organizations in the current regular season, as they are scheduled to compete once more on April 9 in Dallas.
Buffalo Sabres at Los Angeles Kings
4 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Sabres persist in garnering praise for their outstanding performance during the latter portion of this season. With Saturday’s games commencing, they are in close competition with the Hurricanes for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and it is not unreasonable to anticipate them contending for the Presidents’ Trophy as they strive to conclude a 14-year absence from the playoffs. The Kings have not progressed past the first round since 2014, but to break this pattern, they must first secure a playoff spot. They currently occupy the second wild card position, but four other teams are within a five-point range, and each of those teams boasts a greater number of regulation victories.
Philadelphia Flyers at San Jose Sharks
4 p.m. (ESPN+)
It is conceivable that both these squads — showcasing energetic young players alongside experienced veterans — could reach the 2026 postseason. However, the NHL calendar presents a competitive environment where only a finite number of points are available in the standings. Philadelphia commences this match six points behind the Eastern wild-card threshold, while San Jose trails by two points in the Western wild-card pursuit.
Seattle Kraken at Columbus Blue Jackets
5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Even though they are only a single point shy of the wild-card pursuit (and five points behind the Golden Knights for third place in the Pacific), the Kraken are not considered strong favorites to advance: Stathletes assigns Seattle an 8.2% likelihood of qualifying. Conversely, the Blue Jackets belong to a congested group of six Eastern Conference challengers, all possessing 83 or 84 points; Stathletes anticipates their prospects to be considerably greater, at 90.4%. Regardless, both organizations desperately need these two points!
New York Islanders at Montreal Canadiens
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
The exchange of defenseman Noah Dobson from the Islanders to the Canadiens during last June’s draft appears beneficial for both parties. Dobson is averaging 22:35 of ice time per game, having accumulated 45 points in 68 appearances for the third-ranked Habs. Dobson’s departure paved the way for Islanders’ newcomer Matthew Schaefer — and the top selection from the 2026 draft has capitalized fully, dominating the Calder Trophy race and guiding the Islanders to the precipice of playoff qualification. New York starts the day trailing Columbus by a tiebreaker for third in the Metro Division, and one point behind both Detroit and Boston for the wild card positions.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Barely a year past, the rivalry known as the Battle of Ontario manifested as an intense opening-round playoff contest. While the Senators persist in their quest for one of the remaining Eastern Conference berths, Toronto seems headed for the draft lottery. As has been frequently noted, the Maple Leafs’ first-round draft selection will be transferred to Boston as part of the Brandon Carlo transaction from the previous season — unless it falls within the top five picks. Consequently, additional defeats (or some favorable lottery fortune) might not be detrimental for the Leafs. Regarding the Senators, they must accumulate five points to overtake the three clubs directly ahead of them. Matches such as this one are vital for achieving that objective.
St. Louis Blues at Vancouver Canucks
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Concerning the draft lottery, these represent two of the primary candidates for the premier selection. Vancouver holds an 11-point lead over the subsequent lowest-ranked team (the inactive Calgary Flames). While they could potentially experience a surge during this concluding month of the season and forfeit their leading position in the lottery, this outcome appears improbable. The Blues commence Saturday occupying the fifth position in the draft lottery standings, a single point “behind” both the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers.
Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings
8 p.m. (ABC)
Encounters of this nature are precisely what fans anticipate as the season draws to a close. The Bruins and Red Wings share an equal number of standings points (84) across an identical count of games played (69), with Boston holding a single regulation victory advantage (28-27). Considering the impressive performance of all the “bubble” teams in the Eastern Conference, matches against rival contenders carry amplified significance. A squad securing a regulation triumph in this game achieves a prized “four-point shift” by boosting their own standing while preventing their adversary from earning any points.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Edmonton Oilers
10 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Oilers have experienced consecutive defeats in the Stanley Cup Finals against opponents from the Lightning’s Floridian rivalry. Could this matchup offer a glimpse of the championship series scheduled for this June? Having dominated the Atlantic Division for a significant portion of the season, the Lightning now trail Buffalo by four points. Concurrently, the Oilers commence Saturday’s action a single point behind the Ducks for the top position in the Pacific.
Each club has 15 or fewer contests left before the regular campaign concludes on April 16, and we will assist you in monitoring all developments daily through the NHL postseason tracker. As we navigate this concluding phase, we will furnish information on every playoff chase – alongside the organizations vying for placement in the 2026 NHL draft lottery.
Disclaimer: Playoff probabilities are sourced from Stathletes.
Navigate to:
Present postseason pairings
Today’s fixture list
Scores from yesterday evening
Detailed league standings
Competition for the top draft selection
Present postseason pairings
Eastern Conference
Atlantic 1 Buffalo Sabres versus Wild Card 1 Boston Bruins
Atlantic 2 Tampa Bay Lightning versus Atlantic 3 Montreal Canadiens
Metropolitan 1 Carolina Hurricanes versus Wild Card 2 Detroit Red Wings
Metropolitan 2 Pittsburgh Penguins versus Metropolitan 3 Columbus Blue Jackets
Western Conference
Central 1 Colorado Avalanche versus Wild Card 2 Los Angeles Kings
Central 2 Dallas Stars versus Central 3 Minnesota Wild
Pacific 1 Anaheim Ducks versus Wild Card 1 Utah Mammoth
Pacific 2 Edmonton Oilers versus Pacific 3 Vegas Golden Knights
Scheduled games for today
Information: All listed times are Eastern Time. Every game not broadcast on TNT or NHL Network can be accessed via ESPN+ streaming (subject to regional broadcast limitations).
Winnipeg Jets opposing Pittsburgh Penguins, 1 p.m. (NHLN)
Vegas Golden Knights opposing Nashville Predators, 2 p.m.
Dallas Stars opposing Minnesota Wild, 4 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres opposing Los Angeles Kings, 4 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers opposing San Jose Sharks, 4 p.m.
Seattle Kraken opposing Columbus Blue Jackets, 5 p.m.
New York Islanders opposing Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs opposing Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
St. Louis Blues opposing Vancouver Canucks, 7 p.m.
Boston Bruins opposing Detroit Red Wings, 8 p.m. (ABC)
Tampa Bay Lightning opposing Edmonton Oilers, 10 p.m.
Results from yesterday’s games
Carolina Hurricanes 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 3 (Overtime)
Washington Capitals 2, New Jersey Devils 1
Colorado Avalanche 4, Chicago Blackhawks 1
Calgary Flames 4, Florida Panthers 1
Anaheim Ducks 4, Utah Mammoth 1
Comprehensive standings
Atlantic Division
Total Points: 92
Victories in Regulation: 36
Postseason Placement: Atlantic 1
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 109.3
Upcoming Match: Away versus LA (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.9%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 88
Victories in Regulation: 33
Postseason Placement: Atlantic 2
Remaining Contests: 15
Projected Points Rate: 107.7
Upcoming Match: Away versus EDM (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.9%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 84
Victories in Regulation: 25
Postseason Placement: Atlantic 3
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 101.3
Upcoming Match: Home versus NYI (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 79.4%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 84
Victories in Regulation: 28
Postseason Placement: Wild Card 1
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 99.8
Upcoming Match: Away versus DET (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 60.9%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 84
Victories in Regulation: 27
Postseason Placement: Wild Card 2
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 99.8
Upcoming Match: Home versus BOS (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 53.3%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 79
Victories in Regulation: 29
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 95.3
Upcoming Match: Home versus TOR (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 60.9%
Elimination Number: 23
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 27
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 84.4
Upcoming Match: Home versus SEA (Tuesday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 0.4%
Elimination Number: 13
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 21
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 12
Projected Points Rate: 83.2
Upcoming Match: Away versus OTT (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: ~0%
Elimination Number: 11
Metro Division
Total Points: 94
Victories in Regulation: 31
Postseason Placement: Metropolitan 1
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 111.7
Upcoming Match: Away versus PIT (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.9%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 84
Victories in Regulation: 29
Postseason Placement: Metropolitan 2
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 101.3
Upcoming Match: Home versus WPG (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 83.4%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 83
Victories in Regulation: 25
Postseason Placement: Metropolitan 3
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 100.1
Upcoming Match: Home versus SEA (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 90.4%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 83
Victories in Regulation: 25
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 98.6
Upcoming Match: Away versus MTL (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 58.7%
Elimination Number: 25
Total Points: 78
Victories in Regulation: 20
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 94.1
Upcoming Match: Away versus SJ (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 7%
Elimination Number: 22
Total Points: 78
Victories in Regulation: 30
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 12
Projected Points Rate: 91.4
Upcoming Match: Home versus COL (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 4.8%
Elimination Number: 18
Total Points: 72
Victories in Regulation: 23
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 85.6
Upcoming Match: Away versus DAL (Tuesday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 0.9%
Elimination Number: 14
Total Points: 64
Victories in Regulation: 19
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 76.6
Upcoming Match: Home versus WPG (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: ~0%
Elimination Number: 6
Central Division
Total Points: 100
Victories in Regulation: 40
Postseason Placement: Central 1
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 120.6
Upcoming Match: Away versus WSH (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.9%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 96
Victories in Regulation: 33
Postseason Placement: Central 2
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 115.8
Upcoming Match: Away versus MIN (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.9%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 90
Victories in Regulation: 25
Postseason Placement: Central 3
Remaining Contests: 12
Projected Points Rate: 105.4
Upcoming Match: Home versus DAL (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.9%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 78
Victories in Regulation: 28
Postseason Placement: Wild Card 1
Remaining Contests: 12
Projected Points Rate: 91.4
Upcoming Match: Home versus LA (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.2%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 23
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 85.6
Upcoming Match: Home versus VGK (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 13.8%
Elimination Number: 27
Total Points: 67
Victories in Regulation: 23
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 80.8
Upcoming Match: Away versus PIT (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 2.0%
Elimination Number: 23
Total Points: 65
Victories in Regulation: 24
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 78.4
Upcoming Match: Away versus VAN (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 3.7%
Elimination Number: 21
Total Points: 64
Victories in Regulation: 19
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 76.1
Upcoming Match: Home versus NSH (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 1.0%
Elimination Number: 18
Pacific Division
Total Points: 80
Victories in Regulation: 23
Postseason Placement: Pacific 1
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 95.1
Upcoming Match: Home versus BUF (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 99.7%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 77
Victories in Regulation: 26
Postseason Placement: Pacific 2
Remaining Contests: 12
Projected Points Rate: 90.2
Upcoming Match: Home versus TB (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 84.4%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 76
Victories in Regulation: 23
Postseason Placement: Pacific 3
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 90.3
Upcoming Match: Away versus NSH (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 98.7%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 72
Victories in Regulation: 18
Postseason Placement: Wild Card 2
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 86.8
Upcoming Match: Home versus BUF (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 48.8%
Elimination Number: Not Applicable
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 25
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 85.6
Upcoming Match: Away versus CBJ (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 8.2%
Elimination Number: 27
Total Points: 70
Victories in Regulation: 20
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 15
Projected Points Rate: 85.7
Upcoming Match: Home versus PHI (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 40.6%
Elimination Number: 28
Total Points: 63
Victories in Regulation: 23
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 13
Projected Points Rate: 74.9
Upcoming Match: Home versus TB (Sunday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: 0.1%
Elimination Number: 17
Total Points: 50
Victories in Regulation: 14
Postseason Placement: Not Applicable
Remaining Contests: 14
Projected Points Rate: 60.3
Upcoming Match: Home versus STL (Saturday)
Odds of Playoff Qualification: ~0%
Elimination Number: 6
Clarification: An “x” appended to a team’s designation signifies that the organization has secured a position in the playoffs.
Contention for the premier draft selection
The National Hockey League employs a draft lottery system to establish the sequence of the initial round, meaning the club concluding in the lowest overall position is not assured the first choice. Since 2021, an organization can advance by a maximum of 10 positions should it emerge victorious in the lottery, thereby limiting eligibility for the top pick draw to just 11 teams. Comprehensive information regarding this procedure is available here. Leading the draft prospect lists for the upcoming summer is Gavin McKenna, a forward representing Penn State.
Total Points: 50
Victories in Regulation: 14
Total Points: 63
Victories in Regulation: 23
Total Points: 64
Victories in Regulation: 19
Total Points: 64
Victories in Regulation: 19
Total Points: 65
Victories in Regulation: 24
Total Points: 67
Victories in Regulation: 23
Total Points: 70
Victories in Regulation: 20
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 21
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 27
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 23
Total Points: 71
Victories in Regulation: 25
Total Points: 72
Victories in Regulation: 23
Total Points: 78
Victories in Regulation: 30
Total Points: 78
Victories in Regulation: 20
Total Points: 79
Victories in Regulation: 29
Total Points: 83
Victories in Regulation: 25
*Clarification: The Maple Leafs’ draft choice is assigned to the Bruins, unless that selection falls within the initial five positions.
