The Stanley Cup Chase Is Bonkers Right Now, and We're Less Than Two Weeks Away

With less than two weeks left in the 2025-26 NHL regular season, the playoff races are tighter than a defensive stand at Climate Pledge Arena. The Eastern Conference has six teams separated by just three points fighting for two spots. Out West? Six teams are bunched within eight points for the final spot. This is chaos. This is hockey.

Atlantic Division: Three Teams Within Two Points

The Lightning and Sabres are locked in a dead heat at 102 points each, with the Canadiens just two points back at 100. Tampa Bay had won two straight before dropping a 4-2 road loss to Buffalo on Monday, but they're still eyeing the division title and that No. 1 seed in the East. They've got a brutal stretch ahead with their next four games against division opponents, three of them on the road.

Buffalo already clinched a playoff berth with that win, though they could still take the division or fall to third behind Montreal. The Canadiens had their chance to tie for first but got shutout 3-0 at home against New Jersey on Sunday. Don't sleep on them yet, though. They can still win the division and claim that top seed.

The Bruins are sitting eight points back at 95 and appear locked into the first wild card spot, though they're still technically in the mix for a top-three finish in the division.

Metropolitan Division: The Hurricanes Are Rolling

Carolina looks like they're cruising to the division crown with 104 points and the ability to still grab the East's top seed. They've got two more points than the Lightning, though the Lightning have a slight edge in the first tiebreaker (regulation wins, 39-36).

Pittsburgh appears locked into second place in the Metro. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson are looking like they're getting one more playoff run.

The Flyers jumped back into playoff position by winning two straight over the weekend, including a 2-1 overtime thriller against Boston where rookie Porter Martone scored his first NHL goal. They've got a gauntlet ahead with all five remaining games against teams either fighting for spots or seeding, but they're in position to make the postseason under coach Rick Tocchet.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.