Three California Teams Fighting for the Playoffs, and Only the Ducks Look Safe Right Now
We're in the final stretch of the regular season, and the California hockey teams are all making noise at once. For the first time in a while, all three of them are still battling for a playoff spot as April kicks off. But here's the thing: only one of them looks like they've got a real lock on it.
The Ducks Are In, But the Kings and Sharks Are Sweating It Out
The Anaheim Ducks are sitting pretty on top of the Pacific Division with 87 points and 24 regulation wins through 74 games. According to Stathletes, they've got a 99.9% chance of making the playoffs, so yeah, they're basically in. The Sharks and Kings? That's where it gets messy.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiSan Jose has 75 points with 22 regulation wins in 72 games. They're close to making a push but they're still on the outside looking in. The good news for the Sharks is they've got games in hand on Nashville for that second wild-card spot. They're also sitting games in hand on Edmonton and Vegas if things break right. Their playoff chances sit at 60.5%, so they've got real hope. But they'll need to win those games they've got left to matter.
Los Angeles? That's the real problem. With 76 points and only 19 regulation wins in 73 games, the Kings are in tough. Here's the brutal part: they have the fewest regulation wins of any team fighting for a playoff spot. In fact, the only team worse is the Vancouver Canucks, and they're 20 points back from everyone else. Stathletes gives L.A. just a 22.6% chance of making the playoffs. They need to start racking up wins fast and consistently, or they're done.
Wednesday Night Could Tell Us Everything
All three teams have games coming up Wednesday. The Ducks head to San Jose to take on the Sharks at 9 p.m. ET on TNT. The Kings host St. Louis at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+. These matchups could be huge for positioning down the stretch.
It's mathematically possible for all three to qualify if Edmonton or Vegas completely collapse in the final stretch. But realistically? The Ducks are in, the Sharks are fighting hard, and the Kings need a miracle. Every team has 10 or fewer games left before the season wraps on April 16. Stay locked in on how this one plays out.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about San Jose Sharks.
View X conversation →This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.