NHL Playoff Results and European Football Update

The National Hockey League has finalized its field of 16 teams for the 2025-26 postseason following a series of decisive matchups on April 13, 2026. The Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks secured the final remaining playoff berths, while the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks were officially eliminated from contention.

The Philadelphia Flyers returned to the postseason for the first time since the 2019-20 season, clinching their spot with a shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on April 13, 2026. In that contest, Matvei Michkov scored a goal and Taras Foerster added an assist to help the Flyers secure their berth.

The Los Angeles Kings also advanced after defeating the Seattle Kraken 5-3. Key contributions came from Quinton Byfield, who recorded two goals and three points, and Tyler Moore, who tallied a goal and three points.

The Anaheim Ducks ended an eight-year playoff drought by clinching their spot in the postseason. These three teams represent the final additions to the 16-team bracket as the league prepares for the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Eliminations and Division Titles

The Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks were both eliminated from playoff contention on April 13, 2026. The two teams faced each other in a game that the Sharks won 3-2. San Jose’s Mack Celebrini scored two goals, while Nashville’s Luke Evangelista also netted two goals in the losing effort.

The elimination of the Predators marks the end of the season for star defenseman Roman Josi. Outside of the postseason race, the Buffalo Sabres claimed the Atlantic Division title following a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Tage Thompson led the Sabres with two goals, while Andrei Tuch added a goal and an assist.

In the Atlantic Division, the Tampa Bay Lightning moved into second place after an overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings. Nikita Kucherov scored the overtime winner in the contest, which also featured a goal from Jake Guentzel.

First-Round Matchups and Seeding

While many seedings are still being finalized, some first-round matchups have already been established. The Pittsburgh Penguins are confirmed to play the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference first round.

According to analysis of the current standings as of April 14, 2026, other potential matchups include the Buffalo Sabres, as the Atlantic Division champion, facing the top wild-card team, currently the Boston Bruins. The Tampa Bay Lightning, sitting second in the Atlantic, would face the Montreal Canadiens, who hold the third spot in the division.

The Buffalo Sabres cannot overtake Carolina for the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference despite their division title. The Boston Bruins currently hold the lead for the first wild-card spot, though that position could shift depending on the outcome of their season finale against New Jersey and the result of the Ottawa Senators’ game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Player Milestones and Retirements

The events of April 13, 2026, also marked significant milestones for several NHL veterans and rising stars. Jonathan Quick played his final NHL game for the New York Rangers in a 3-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. Quick stated that it felt like the right time to retire from professional hockey.

In other notable performances, Dallas Stars center M. Bourque recorded his first NHL hat trick in a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, supported by three assists from Matt Duchene. For the St. Louis Blues, Pavel Buchnevich reached a career milestone by recording his 200th NHL goal during a 6-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.

Additional statistical highlights from the day include:

• Carter Robertson scored his 45th goal of the season for the Florida Panthers.
• The Colorado Avalanche continued their road success, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a shootout to mark their seventh consecutive road win.
• The San Jose Sharks’ Mack Celebrini scored two goals in the victory over Nashville.