The 2025–26 NHL regular season is entering its final three weeks with a playoff race characterized by extreme volatility in both conferences. Only the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars have officially clinched NHL odds postseason berths. Specifically, both represent the Central Division, where the Avalanche currently leads the league with 106 points and is on pace to win the Presidents’ Trophy.
In like manner, the Buffalo Sabres hold a narrow lead in the Atlantic Division with 98 points while the Tampa Bay Lightning trails by only two points. The Metropolitan Division remains just as competitive, with the Carolina Hurricanes sitting at 98 points and holding a comfortable lead over the second-place New York Islanders, who have 89 points.
Additionally, the wild card race in the East is a massive logjam, with the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets currently occupying the two spots with 90 and 87 points, respectively. They are being hunted closely by the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings, who are both tied at 86 points and sit just outside the postseason picture. However, gamblers suggest that the Senators have a high probability of overtaking one of these spots. Due to having games in hand and a superior regulation-win tiebreaker over their closest rivals
The Western Conference presents a distinct contrast between a settled top tier and a chaotic middle. Behind the clinched Avalanche and Stars, the Minnesota Wild have firmly established themselves as the third seed in the Central Division with 94 points. The Pacific Division race is tightening as the Anaheim Ducks lead with 86 points, but the Edmonton Oilers are only three points behind them. The Vegas Golden Knights hold third place with 80 points but are struggling after winning only three of their last ten games. This Offshore betting slump has opened the door for a fierce wild card battle, where the Utah Mammoth currently leads the pack with 82 points.
The final NHL betting playoff spot in the West is the most contested position in the league, as the Nashville Predators hold it with 77 points. The Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, and San Jose Sharks are all within four points of the postseason. Analysts expect the Kings to make a final push given their upcoming seven-game homestand, which could determine the final seeding in the conference before the regular season concludes on April 16, 2026.
2025-26 Stanley Cup Championship Futures
Monday features a massive Metropolitan Division clash between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Islanders at 7:00 PM ET. Following that are the Vancouver Canucks traveling to the Vegas Golden Knights at 10:00 PM ET.
Tuesday is headlined by the Dallas Stars visiting the Boston Bruins at 7:00 PM ET. The night concludes with the Nashville Predators at the Edmonton Oilers at 9:00 PM ET. And then Wednesday’s slate is led by the Vancouver Canucks facing the Colorado Avalanche at 8:30 PM ET.
Thursday offers a packed schedule. Including the Buffalo Sabres at the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins at the Florida Panthers, both starting at 7:00 PM ET. Late-night action includes the Nashville Predators at the Los Angeles Kings at 10:30 PM ET. Friday features the Philadelphia Flyers at the New York Islanders at 7:00 PM ET.
Saturday concludes the week with high-stakes matchups starting with the Detroit Red Wings at the New York Rangers at 12:30 PM ET. Next is the Colorado Avalanche at the Dallas Stars at 3:00 PM ET. The evening wraps up with the Vegas Golden Knights at the Edmonton Oilers at 10:00 PM ET.