With the 2025-26 NHL regular season entering its final month, the league's 32 teams are defined by their positions in the playoff chase or the draft lottery. The standings as of mid-March show a tight battle in both conferences, with several clubs fighting for the final wild-card spots.
In the Eastern Conference, traditional powerhouses like the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers are jockeying for top seeding, while teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals are in a fierce struggle for the last playoff berths. Out West, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars lead the conference, but the race for the wild cards remains highly volatile.
For teams out of contention, including the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, the focus shifts to developing young talent and improving draft lottery odds for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Key injuries to star players in recent weeks have also impacted the stretch drive, altering the trajectory for several franchises.
The final weeks will determine not only playoff matchups but also the futures of general managers and coaches on underperforming teams, setting the stage for an active offseason.
