{"id":513042,"date":"2026-03-09T13:45:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/513042\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:45:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:45:21","slug":"nhl-playoff-standings-the-blue-jackets-path-to-the-playoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/513042\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL playoff standings: The Blue Jackets’ path to the playoffs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> made a valiant effort to qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, falling just short but playing meaningful hockey games in April. The preseason prognosticators didn’t necessarily project a similar fate this spring, as the club’s preseason over\/under point total was 84.5.<\/p>\n

However, with over a month left, they are right in the mix for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, and could eclipse that preseason over\/under pretty easily.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n

2 Related<\/p>\n

Columbus hosts the Los Angeles Kings<\/a> for a late-afternoon tilt on Monday (4 p.m. ET, ESPN+<\/a>), and begins play three points behind the Boston Bruins<\/a> for the second wild-card spot, five points behind the Montreal Canadiens<\/a> for the first wild card, and four points behind the New York Islanders<\/a> for the No. 3 position in the Metro Division.<\/p>\n

After Monday’s game against the Kings, the Blue Jackets have 19 games left on the schedule. The bad news is that 12 of those 19 are against teams currently in playoff position, making theirs one of the tougher remaining schedules. The good news is that 12 of those 19 are against teams currently in playoff position, and each of them represents a “four-point swing game” if they can win in regulation.<\/p>\n

So far this season, the Blue Jackets have played 31 games against playoff teams, and gone 16-9-6 in those contests. So though it’ll be a tough road to the postseason, there’s proof of concept showing that they can get there. Stathletes projects their chances at 74.1%, better than some of the teams currently ahead of them.<\/p>\n

Every team has around 20 games left before the 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 detail 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>
Sunday’s schedule<\/a>
Saturday’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 Montreal Canadiens<\/a>
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> vs. A3 Detroit Red Wings<\/a><\/p>\n

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

Western Conference<\/p>\n

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

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

Monday’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

All 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

Los Angeles Kings<\/a> at Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>, 4 p.m.
New York Rangers<\/a> at Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Calgary Flames<\/a> at Washington Capitals<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Utah Mammoth<\/a> at Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>, 8:30 p.m.
Ottawa Senators<\/a> at Vancouver Canucks<\/a>, 9 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday’s scoreboard<\/p>\n

Colorado Avalanche<\/a> 3, Minnesota Wild<\/a> 2 (SO)
Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> 5, Boston Bruins<\/a> 4 (OT)
Buffalo Sabres<\/a> 8, Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> 7
Dallas Stars<\/a> 4, Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> 3 (OT)
Detroit Red Wings<\/a> 3, New Jersey Devils<\/a> 0
St. Louis Blues<\/a> 4, Anaheim Ducks<\/a> 0
Edmonton Oilers<\/a> 4, Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> 2<\/p>\n

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

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 18
Points pace: 107.6
Next game: vs. SJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.2%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 20
Points pace: 108.5
Next game: vs. CBJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 18
Points pace: 101.2
Next game: @ FLA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 46.3%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 20
Points pace: 103.2
Next game: vs. TOR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 83.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 19
Points pace: 98.9
Next game: vs. LA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 75.3%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 20
Points pace: 93.9
Next game: @ VAN (Monday)
Playoff chances: 70%
Tragic number: 35<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 84.6
Next game: vs. DET (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 3.7%
Tragic number: 27<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 83.3
Next game: @ MTL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 25<\/p>\n

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

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 19
Points pace: 111.9
Next game: vs. PIT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 19
Points pace: 101.5
Next game: @ CAR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 57.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 18
Points pace: 98.7
Next game: @ STL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 60.7%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 20
Points pace: 96.6
Next game: vs. LA (Monday)
Playoff chances: 74.1%
Tragic number: 37<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 20
Points pace: 91.3
Next game: vs. NYR (Monday)
Playoff chances: 8.2%
Tragic number: 33<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 88.4
Next game: vs. CGY (Monday)
Playoff chances: 12.5%
Tragic number: 29<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 84.6
Next game: vs. CGY (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 8.2%
Tragic number: 26<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 15
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 20
Points pace: 74.1
Next game: @ PHI (Monday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 20<\/p>\n

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

Points: 95
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 20
Points pace: 125.7
Next game: vs. EDM (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 19
Points pace: 114.5
Next game: vs. VGK (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 18
Points pace: 108.9
Next game: vs. UTA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 19
Points pace: 93.7
Next game: @ CHI (Monday)
Playoff chances: 98.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 83.3
Next game: @ SEA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 7.6%
Tragic number: 35<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 20
Points pace: 82
Next game: vs. ANA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 11.4%
Tragic number: 35<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 76.8
Next game: vs. NYI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 1%
Tragic number: 30<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 74.2
Next game: @ UTA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 29<\/p>\n

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

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 19
Points pace: 95
Next game: @ WPG (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 97.3%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 72
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 18
Points pace: 92.3
Next game: @ DAL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 97.3%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 89.7
Next game: @ COL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 82.1%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 20
Points pace: 88.6
Next game: vs. NSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 23.8%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 21
Points pace: 88.7
Next game: @ BUF (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 72.1%
Tragic number: 41<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 16
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 20
Points pace: 84.7
Next game: @ CBJ (Monday)
Playoff chances: 8.5%
Tragic number: 37<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 20
Points pace: 75.4
Next game: @ WSH (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 30<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 46
Regulation wins: 13
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 59.9
Next game: vs. OTT (Monday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 17<\/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>. Sitting atop draft boards for this summer is Gavin McKenna, a forward for Penn State.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 46
Regulation wins: 13<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 15<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 18<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 23<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 16<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 25<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 18<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 26<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 25<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 22<\/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 Columbus Blue Jackets made a valiant effort to qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, falling just…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":513043,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[385,99],"class_list":["post-513042","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nhl","tag-nhl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/513042","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=513042"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/513042\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/513043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=513042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=513042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=513042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}