{"id":567688,"date":"2026-03-27T11:22:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T11:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/567688\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:22:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T11:22:24","slug":"nhl-playoff-standings-projecting-the-red-wings-chances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/567688\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL playoff standings: Projecting the Red Wings’ chances"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Buffalo Sabres<\/a> have the NHL’s longest postseason drought, with the club last appearing in a postseason game in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs.<\/p>\n

It appears that Buffalo will not only make the playoffs this season — the Sabres might go in as one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n

2 Related<\/p>\n

The NHL’s second-longest postseason drought belongs to the Detroit Red Wings<\/a>, whose last appearance was in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Will their playoff-less streak also end in 2026?<\/p>\n

Coincidentally, the two teams meet Friday (7 p.m. ET, NHL Network<\/a>) for the final time this season. Given the current standings, one of the two teams needs a win a bit more than the other.<\/p>\n

The Red Wings enter the game with 84 points and 27 regulation wins through 71 games. That puts them one point and five RW behind the Ottawa Senators<\/a> for the second wild card, as well as four points and two RW behind the Boston Bruins<\/a> for the first.<\/p>\n

Detroit does not have any games remaining against Ottawa or Boston, so the Red Wings can’t directly beat the teams they are chasing.<\/p>\n

Of the Red Wings’ final 10 games, just four are against teams currently in the playoffs; oddly, three of the remaining 10 are against the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>, who are also on the playoff bubble.<\/p>\n

Playoff Hockey Challenge<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Who will lift the Stanley Cup? Create up to two brackets today. Create A Bracket<\/a><\/p>\n

How does that compare with the teams Detroit is chasing? Ottawa has 10 games remaining, including five against current playoff teams, while Boston’s final 10 games include seven games against teams in playoff position.<\/p>\n

Stathletes gives the Red Wings a 34.7% chance of qualifying for a playoff spot, which trails the Senators (79.7%) and Bruins (66.9%).<\/p>\n

Every team has around 10 games remaining before the regular season concludes April 16, and we’ll help you keep track of it all here on the NHL playoff watch every day. As we traverse the final stretch, we’ll provide details on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2026 NHL draft lottery.<\/p>\n

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.<\/p>\n

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups<\/a>
Today’s schedule<\/a>
Last night’s scores<\/a>
Expanded standings<\/a>
Race for No. 1 pick<\/a><\/p>\n

Current playoff matchups<\/p>\n

Eastern Conference<\/p>\n

A1 Buffalo Sabres<\/a> vs. WC1 Boston Bruins<\/a>
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> vs. A3 Montreal Canadiens<\/a><\/p>\n

M1 Carolina Hurricanes<\/a> vs. WC2 New York Islanders<\/a>
M2 Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> vs. M3 Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a><\/p>\n

Western Conference<\/p>\n

C1 Colorado Avalanche<\/a> vs. WC2 Nashville Predators<\/a>
C2 Dallas Stars<\/a> vs. C3 Minnesota Wild<\/a><\/p>\n

P1 Anaheim Ducks<\/a> vs. WC1 Utah Mammoth<\/a>
P2 Edmonton Oilers<\/a> vs. P3 Vegas Golden Knights<\/a><\/p>\n

Today’s games<\/p>\n

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+<\/a> (local blackout restrictions apply).<\/p>\n

Detroit Red Wings<\/a> at Buffalo Sabres<\/a>, 7 p.m. (NHLN)
Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> at New York Rangers<\/a>, 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Last night’s scoreboardAll of ESPN. All in one place.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. Sign Up Now<\/a><\/p>\n

Montreal Canadiens<\/a> 2, Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> 1
Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> 4, Ottawa Senators<\/a> 3 (SO)
Seattle Kraken<\/a> 4, Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> 3 (OT)
Minnesota Wild<\/a> 3, Florida Panthers<\/a> 2
New York Islanders<\/a> 2, Dallas Stars<\/a> 1
Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> 5, Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> 1
St. Louis Blues<\/a> 2, San Jose Sharks<\/a> 1 (OT)
New Jersey Devils<\/a> 4, Nashville Predators<\/a> 2
Colorado Avalanche<\/a> 3, Winnipeg Jets<\/a> 2
Washington Capitals<\/a> 7, Utah Mammoth<\/a> 4
Anaheim Ducks<\/a> 3, Calgary Flames<\/a> 2 (OT)
Edmonton Oilers<\/a> 5, Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> 3 (OT)
Los Angeles Kings<\/a> 4, Vancouver Canucks<\/a> 0<\/p>\n

Expanded standingsAtlantic Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 96
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 109.3
Next game: vs. DET (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 10
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 11
Points pace: 108.6
Next game: vs. OTT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 12
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 11
Points pace: 103.9
Next game: @ NSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 93%
Magic number: 16
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 100.2
Next game: vs. MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 66.9%
Magic number: 18
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 97.9
Next game: @ TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 79.7%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 97.0
Next game: @ BUF (Friday)
Playoff chances: 34.7%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 84.3
Next game: @ STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 6<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 84.3
Next game: @ NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 8<\/p>\n

Metro Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 96
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 110.9
Next game: vs. NJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 10
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 100.2
Next game: vs. DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 80%
Magic number: 18
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 10
Points pace: 99.1
Next game: vs. SJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 91.7%
Magic number: 19
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 97.7
Next game: vs. FLA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 43.7%
Magic number: 19
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 94.7
Next game: @ DET (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 7.1%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 17<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 9
Points pace: 91.0
Next game: @ VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 3%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 12<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 87.8
Next game: @ CAR (Saturday
Playoff chances: 0.3%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 11<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 74.0
Next game: vs. CHI (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: OUT<\/p>\n

Central Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 106
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 11
Points pace: 122.4
Next game: vs. WPG (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Magic number: IN
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 110.5
Next game: @ PIT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Magic number: IN
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 105.6
Next game: @ BOS (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 2
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 9
Points pace: 89.9
Next game: @ LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98%
Magic number: 16
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 10
Points pace: 88.0
Next game: vs. MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 46.9%
Magic number: 19
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: @ COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 5.1%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 15<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: vs. TOR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 7.8%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 16<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 76.3
Next game: @ NYR (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 10<\/p>\n

Pacific Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 10
Points pace: 97.9
Next game: @ EDM (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Magic number: 10
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 9
Points pace: 91.0
Next game: vs. ANA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 88.4%
Magic number: 15
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 9
Points pace: 88.7
Next game: vs. WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 97.9%
Magic number: 17
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 86.6
Next game: vs. UTA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 36.7%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 85.5
Next game: @ BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 2.3%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 83.2
Next game: @ CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 16.9%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 18<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 10
Points pace: 77.4
Next game: vs. VAN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: 11<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 11
Points pace: 57.8
Next game: @ CGY (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Magic number: N\/A
Tragic number: OUT<\/p>\n

Note: An “x” with a team’s name means the club has clinched a playoff spot. An “e” means that the club has been mathematically eliminated.<\/p>\n

Race for the No. 1 pick<\/p>\n

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the draw for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process can be found here<\/a>. Atop draft boards for this summer is Gavin McKenna, a forward for Penn State.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 26<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 24<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 27<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 25<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 23<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 25<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 31<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 22<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 27<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 32<\/p>\n

*Note: The Maple Leafs’ pick belongs to the Bruins, unless it lands in the top five.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Buffalo Sabres have the NHL’s longest postseason drought, with the club last appearing in a postseason game…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":567689,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[556],"tags":[64,63,575,85],"class_list":["post-567688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nhl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-nhl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567688","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=567688"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567688\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/567689"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=567688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=567688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=567688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}