NHL playoff races intensify as trade deadline and injuries reshape the season's final stretch
The NHL season is heating up with just over 25 games left for most teams. Playoff races remain wide open, with tight divisional battles and wild card spots still up for grabs. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche sit comfortably as Stanley Cup favourites after dominating the league with a 34-5-9 record.
The trade deadline looms on March 6, leaving teams just 10 days to strengthen their rosters. Injuries, goaltending performances, and late-season surges will all play a role in deciding which franchises secure postseason berths—and which ones fall short.
The Eastern Conference is seeing a late push from teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals, both fighting to climb back into contention. The Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin in what may be his final season, are eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card spot. Ovechkin's last chance at another playoff run adds urgency to their campaign.
In the Pacific Division, the race for the top three spots has turned into a free-for-all. The Vegas Golden Knights and Seattle Kraken are among the teams still in the hunt, while the Los Angeles Kings have bolstered their offence with the addition of Artemi Panarin. He will make his debut against the Golden Knights on Wednesday, giving the Kings a much-needed boost in their playoff push.
Injuries have hit key players hard, with Sidney Crosby, Mikko Rantanen, and Victor Hedman all missing time during the Olympics. Their teams are eager for their return as the postseason nears. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers, aiming for a historic three-peat, have struggled with injuries and now trail Boston by eight points in the wild card race.
The Art Ross Trophy race is also tightening, with Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov all vying for the scoring title. In San Jose, rookie Macklin Celebrini has emerged as a standout, leading the Sharks' unexpected playoff charge and putting himself in contention for the Hart Trophy if they qualify.
The Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres, both long absent from the playoffs, are now in strong positions to end their droughts. Detroit's goaltending has improved with John Gibson's resurgence, while Buffalo's consistency has kept them in the mix. The NHL's parity means even a late surge could be enough for teams to sneak into the playoffs—if they make the right moves before the March 6 deadline.
With the trade deadline approaching and injuries shaping team fortunes, the final stretch of the season will be decisive. The Avalanche remain the team to beat, but divisional battles and wild card races ensure that many franchises still have a shot at the playoffs. Player health, goaltending, and last-minute roster moves will determine which teams advance—and which ones see their seasons end early.
