{"id":515517,"date":"2026-03-10T18:45:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T18:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/515517\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T18:45:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T18:45:21","slug":"nhl-playoff-standings-who-are-winning-the-west-wild-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/515517\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL playoff standings: Who are winning the West wild cards?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There’s about a quarter of the season left for NHL teams, so a lot can change. But as of March 10, it looks like the cost of admission (by standings points) to the Eastern Conference playoff bracket is going to be a bit higher than qualifying in the West.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, eight teams will qualify from the conference. Three of those slots are almost 100% spoken for by the Colorado Avalanche<\/a>, Dallas Stars<\/a> and Minnesota Wild<\/a>. The Pacific Division’s top three — the Anaheim Ducks<\/a>, Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> and Edmonton Oilers<\/a> — are well on their way.<\/p>\n

But what about the wild cards?<\/p>\n

Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n

2 Related<\/p>\n

As the games begin on Tuesday, the Utah Mammoth<\/a> are in the first wild-card spot, with 73 points through 64 games. The Mammoth have gone 4-2-1 since the Olympic break, including three straight wins prior to Monday’s OT loss. Tuesday, they face off against the Wild (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+\/Hulu<\/a>), whom they have beaten in both matchups thus far this season.<\/p>\n

Beyond Tuesday’s game, the Mammoth have 17 games remaining, eight of which are against teams currently in playoff position. How does that stack up against the teams chasing them?<\/p>\n

The Seattle Kraken<\/a> are in the second wild-card spot, with 67 points through 62 games. Including Tuesday, the Kraken have 20 games remaining, including 10 against current playoff teams. <\/p>\n

The San Jose Sharks<\/a> have 66 points through 61 games. Of their remaining 21 games, just eight are against playoff teams.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Kings<\/a> also have 66 points, but through 63 games. Their remaining 19 games include only seven matchups against playoff teams.<\/p>\n

The Nashville Predators<\/a> remain on the bubble, with 64 points in 63 games. With 19 games remaining, they’ll take on playoff teams in 10 contests.<\/p>\n

As far as the projections are concerned among those teams, Stathletes gives the best playoff chances to the Mammoth (98.9%) and Sharks (71.9%), followed by the Kraken (23.3%), Kings (8.4%) and Predators (6.9%).<\/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>
Tuesday’s schedule<\/a>
Monday’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

Tuesday’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 Boston Bruins<\/a>, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks<\/a> at Buffalo Sabres<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> at Montreal Canadiens<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> at Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings<\/a> at Florida Panthers<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Calgary Flames<\/a> at New York Rangers<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> at Carolina Hurricanes<\/a>, 7 p.m.
New York Islanders<\/a> at St. Louis Blues<\/a>, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)
Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> at Dallas Stars<\/a>, 8 p.m.
Utah Mammoth<\/a> at Minnesota Wild<\/a>, 8 p.m.
Anaheim Ducks<\/a> at Winnipeg Jets<\/a>, 8:30 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers<\/a> at Colorado Avalanche<\/a>, 10 p.m. (TNT)
Nashville Predators<\/a> at Seattle Kraken<\/a>, 10 p.m.<\/p>\n

Monday’s scoreboard<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Kings<\/a> 5, Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> 4 (OT)
New York Rangers<\/a> 6, Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> 2
Washington Capitals<\/a> 7, Calgary Flames<\/a> 3
Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> 3, Utah Mammoth<\/a> 2 (OT)
Ottawa Senators<\/a> 2, Vancouver Canucks<\/a> 0<\/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: 99.5%
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: 51.2%
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: 83.3%
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: 71.5%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 95.0
Next game: vs. MTL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 69.3%
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: 3.9%
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: 64.6%
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: 59.4%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 96.3
Next game: @ TB (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 73.1%
Tragic number: 36<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 89.6
Next game: @ PHI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 12.3%
Tragic number: 29<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 89.8
Next game: vs. WSH (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 8%
Tragic number: 31<\/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: 4%
Tragic number: 26<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 16
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 75.5
Next game: vs. CGY (Tuesday)
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: 73
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 18
Points pace: 93.5
Next game: @ MIN (Tuesday)
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: 6.9%
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%
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: 1.5%
Tragic number: 30<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 75.6
Next game: @ UTA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 28<\/p>\n

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

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 19
Points pace: 95.0
Next game: @ WPG (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 96.8%
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: 96.3%
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: 84.9%
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: 23.3%
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: 71.9%
Tragic number: 41<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 16
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 85.9
Next game: @ BOS (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 8.4%
Tragic number: 37<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 74.2
Next game: @ NYR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 28<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 46
Regulation wins: 13
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 58.9
Next game: vs. NSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: 15<\/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: 57
Regulation wins: 21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 16<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 18<\/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: 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: 16<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 27<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 26<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 74
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":"There’s about a quarter of the season left for NHL teams, so a lot can change. But as…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":515518,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[385,99],"class_list":["post-515517","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\/515517","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=515517"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/515517\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/515518"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=515517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=515517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=515517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}