The Anaheim Ducks are on the cusp of securing their first playoff berth since the 2017-18 National Hockey League (NHL) season. The team can clinch a spot by defeating the Vancouver Canucks in any fashion on Sunday, April 12, according to Daily Faceoff.
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches its conclusion on April 16, several teams are vying for critical playoff spots and division titles. Sunday’s six-game slate holds significant implications for multiple clubs.
In other crucial matchups, the Washington Capitals (41-30-9) face elimination from the Stanley Cup playoff race if they suffer a regulation loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. The Capitals are mathematically eligible only for the No. 3 Metropolitan Division seed, currently held by the Philadelphia Flyers.
The New York Islanders (43-32-5) are also in a precarious position for the No. 3 Metropolitan Division playoff spot. They will be eliminated if they lose to the Montreal Canadiens in regulation, or if both the Capitals beat the Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets defeat the Boston Bruins in regulation.
Several other scenarios could lead to the Islanders’ elimination on Sunday, all contingent on the results of the Capitals’ and Blue Jackets’ games. The intensity of the final week of the regular season highlights the high stakes for these competitive teams.
Individual milestones are also within reach for several players. Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer tied Brian Leetch’s record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in NHL history three days ago. Schaefer needs one more goal to claim the standalone record with 24 goals this season.
Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki is just one point away from becoming the franchise’s first 100-point scorer since Mats Naslund achieved the feat in the 1985-86 season, 40 years ago. Furthermore, Blue Jackets blueliner Zach Werenski can set a new franchise single-season record for assists with 60 if he registers one assist on Sunday.