With the end of the Olympic Break, it is time for gamblers to focus on the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs drive for the next two months. Certainly, the race is going to be intense with 20-25 games left for most teams. Sixteen teams qualify (8 per conference): top 3 from each division plus 2 wild cards.
Of major concern are the Post-Olympic break momentum (many stars rested), injuries/health, and late trades (deadline passed, but chemistry is key). East parity vs. West dominance is another factor. So too are the Playoff NHL Odds matchups. Set bracket means tough 1st-round matchups.
The Eastern Conference is competitive in the Atlantic and Metropolitan, led by strong Atlantic teams. At the same time, the Western Conference features dominant Central and Pacific frontrunners. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche stand out as top contenders. In turn, the Florida Panthers (recent back-to-back champs) are struggling unusually.
Detroit Red Wings – Ending a Decade Drought
The Detroit Red Wings are firmly in the playoff hunt, sitting at 33-19-6 (72 points through 58 games, .621 points percentage). They’re holding the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic Division (behind Tampa Bay Lightning at 78 pts and Montreal Canadiens at 72 pts). Consider that they would be qualifying for a direct playoff berth if the season ended today. This marks a strong sports betting position in their push to end a nine-year playoff drought (last appearance: 2015-16).
Detroit’s NHL betting strengths include a solid goaltending upgrade (John Gibson acquisition shining: strong GAA/save % in reports). Detroit boasts balanced scoring (Lucas Raymond leading with 60 pts, Alex DeBrincat with 30 goals). The defensive core is maturing (Moritz Seider pairing well; Simon Edvinsson’s return boosts the blue line). Detroit has been competitive despite mini-slumps; they’ve climbed from gloomy early predictions. Also, Detroit has built a reliable home ice advantage. The Red Wings are a strong 18-10-2 at Little Caesars Arena.
On the other hand, Detroit’s five-on-five offense needs fixing. The Red Wings are struggling to generate/consistently score at even strength. Detroit’s goal differential is near even (-1), raising sustainability questions vs. elite teams.
Detroit injuries include Simon Edvinsson (lower body/undisclosed, surgery during absence). He has missed since Jan 21 but is expected back soon (practicing, ready for upcoming games like at Ottawa Feb 26). Otherwise, no other major long-term issues were reported.
Of great concern is that Detroit has a tough stretch run. Their remaining schedule includes key divisional and wild-card battles. The Red Wings need consistency to avoid March collapses (a narrative from prior years).
Western Conference Playoff Picture (Projected if Season Ended Today)
Central Division (Top 3 qualify):
- Colorado Avalanche — ~55 GP, 37-9-9 range, 83 pts, elite (top projected in many models).
- Minnesota Wild / Dallas Stars — Close pack (e.g., 34-14-9/10, 77-78 pts).
- Contenders like the Winnipeg Jets or others in the mix.
Pacific Division (Top 3 qualify):
- Vegas Golden Knights — Strong lead in snapshots.
- Los Angeles Kings / Anaheim Ducks — Anaheim in WC contention (30-23-3).
- Seattle Kraken / Edmonton Oilers pushing.
Wild Cards:
- WC1: Utah (or similar rising).
- WC2: Anaheim Ducks (strong push, potential drought-breaker).
Projected West Bracket:
- (C1) Avalanche vs. (WC2) Ducks/Anaheim
- (C2) Minnesota vs. (C3) Dallas
- (P1) Vegas vs. (WC1) Utah
- (P2) LA Kings vs. (P3) Seattle/Edmonton
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture (Projected if Season Ended Today)
Atlantic Division (Top 3 qualify):
- Tampa Bay Lightning — 55 GP, 37-14-4, 78 pts, +59 diff, W5 streak — Dominant, elite offense/defense.
- Montreal Canadiens — 57 GP, 32-17-8, 72 pts — Solid resurgence.
- Detroit Red Wings — 58 GP, 33-19-6, 72 pts — Climbing, drought-breaking potential.
Metropolitan Division (Top 3 qualify):
- Carolina Hurricanes — 57 GP, 36-15-6, 78 pts, +34 diff, strong recent form (W3).
- Pittsburgh Penguins — 56 GP, 29-15-12, 70 pts.
- New York Islanders — 58 GP, 32-21-5, 69 pts.
Wild Cards (top 2 overall non-division leaders):
- WC1: Buffalo Sabres (32-19-6, hot 21-5-2 stretch recently).
- WC2: Boston Bruins (close behind, e.g., 32-20-5 in snapshots).
Projected East Bracket (if today, set format):
- (A1) Lightning vs. (WC2) Bruins
- (A2) Canadiens vs. (A3) Red Wings
- (M1) Hurricanes vs. (WC1) Sabres
- (M2) Penguins vs. (M3) Islanders