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NHL 2026: Playoff Races Heat Up, Upsets Abound
8 Apr
Summary
- Stanley Cup Playoffs begin April 18, 2026, with final possible date June 21.
- Sabres end 14-year playoff drought; Maple Leafs miss first in 10 years.
- Defending champions Florida Panthers fail to qualify for playoffs.
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are nearing, with several teams confirmed to participate. These highly anticipated playoffs are scheduled to begin on or around April 18, 2026, and will conclude no later than June 21, 2026. Teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes have already secured their positions.
A major development this season is the Buffalo Sabres' return to playoff hockey after a 14-season absence, marking their first appearance since 2011. Conversely, the Toronto Maple Leafs will miss the playoffs for the first time in ten years, ending their longest NHL streak.
Another significant storyline involves the Florida Panthers, who, after winning consecutive Stanley Cups, will not compete in the 2026 playoffs. They become the first defending champions since the 2014-15 Los Angeles Kings to miss the postseason.
With all playoff rounds featuring a best-of-seven format, intense competition is expected. The final weeks of the regular season promise excitement as teams vie for remaining playoff berths.
