Stanley Cup Playoffs power rankings entering NHL postseason

The 2025-2026 NHL regular season has ended. The Eastern Conference’s top four seeds are set, and the 5th seed, 6th seed, and two wild-card seeds are still in play. In the Western Conference, only the top three seeds are set. The 4th seed, 5th seed, 6th seed, and two wild card seeds are up for grabs. The playoffs begin on April 18th. Here are the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs power rankings.

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1. Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche will enter the playoffs as winners of this year’s Presidents Trophy. Colorado was the league’s best team throughout the season. They end the season 1st in goals scored and goals allowed per game. In round one, they will face the Western Conference’s second wild-card team.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Apr 13, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) tosses the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Carolina’s season was overshadowed by Colorado. The Hurricanes were the top Eastern Conference team and ranked 2nd overall during the regular season. They ranked 2nd in goals scored per game, 8th in goals allowed per game, and 4th on the power play. In the first round of the playoffs, they will face the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card team.

3. Dallas Stars

Dallas was consistent throughout the regular season, finishing as runners-up to Colorado in the Central Division. The Stars’ defense and goaltending ranked 2nd in goals allowed per game, anchoring the team throughout the season. The Edmonton Oilers were the only team ranked above the Stars in power play percentage.

4. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres were the best story of the season. They conquered the adversity they faced early in the season and propelled themselves to the top of the Atlantic Division. The young Buffalo team finished 5th in goals scored per game.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning had the league’s best hot streak from December 20th to February 25th. They catapulted to the top of the Atlantic Division and fell below 2nd place once. They ended the regular season ranked 4th in goals scored and 3rd in goals allowed per game.

6. Montreal Canadiens

Apr 12, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Zachary Bolduc (76) celebrates a third period goal with center Kirby Dach (77), defenseman Lane Hutson (48) and defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images

Montreal hit a rough stretch but ended the regular season on a high note. The Canadiens’ offense was electric throughout the season, finishing 6th in goals scored per game. As the team enters the playoffs, they must increase production in the defensive zone.

7. Minnesota Wild

Minnesota is another team whose great season was overshadowed by foes not only in the same conference, but in the same division. The Wild were outstanding this season and were one of the league’s most consistent performers. They ranked 4th in defensive efficiency.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh is ready to head into the playoffs with its veteran squad. The roster is full of playoff experience and will be a tough matchup for any opponent. The Penguins were top 10 in goals scored per game, power play percentage, and penalty kill percentage.

9. Boston Bruins

Boston limps into the playoffs after struggling in April. Its defense gave the team a chance to win, but its offense was stagnant. The Bruins offense must be rejuvenated quickly, or an early playoff exit can occur.

10. Ottawa Senators

Apr 12, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Ottawa’s second half was a complete 180 from its first half of the season. The team looked down and out by All-Star Weekend, but found life as play resumed. The team will use its grit to push any playoff series to the final game.

11. Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia’s defense and goaltending carried the team throughout the regular season. However, the offense received an immediate boost when the team called up top prospect Porter Martone. He has barely 10 games of experience under his belt, but the team will rely heavily on the rookie winger.

12. Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights underachieved this season, but the regular season goes out the window when the first puck drops in the playoffs. Vegas’ roster is highly talented and is ready to put its talent on display. The Golden Knights must be taken seriously in the playoffs.

13. Edmonton Oilers

It will be tough for Edmonton to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a third consecutive season. Defensively, the Oilers are one of the league’s worst defensive teams. The team’s glaring issue is playing this postseason without superstar Leon Draisaitl.

14. Utah Mammoth

Apr 12, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Utah Mammoth right wing Clayton Keller (9) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Utah is a dark horse in the year’s playoffs. The team is talented and will be a tough matchup in the opening round. The Mammoth’s offense didn’t rank as high as other playoff teams, but their defense and goaltending are as good as any team in the playoffs.

15. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim is young and added crucial points to the standings. The Ducks’ defense and goaltending finished the regular season ranked the lowest of any playoff-bound team, but their offense kept them in games. The Ducks finished the season ranked 18th in goals scored per game.

16. Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles isn’t in the postseason because of its offense. The Kings’ offense ranks the lowest in efficiency of all 16 playoff teams. However, standout defense and goaltending lead teams to the postseason, and this is why they clinched a playoff berth.

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