NHL playoff standings: Resetting the postseason races - ESPN

The trade deadline for the 2025-26 NHL season was Friday at 3 p.m. ET, and although several deals weren't announced until over an hour later, we can officially say that there won't be any more. It was quite a wild deadline week, including Nazem Kadri heading back to the Colorado Avalanche, John Carlson joining the Anaheim Ducks, and the Buffalo Sabres adding a trio of veterans in Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn and Sam Carrick.

Now, the race for the playoffs is officially on!

In the Eastern Conference, two teams have reigned supreme for much of the season, and as play begins Saturday, the Tampa Bay Lightning (80 points in 60 games) and Carolina Hurricanes (86 in 62) remain the division leaders. The race is far from over for the Lightning, however, as the resurgent Sabres (80 in 62) are deadlocked with Tampa Bay in the points column, while the Detroit Red Wings (77 in 63) and Montreal Canadiens (76 in 61) aren't far behind.

As for the Canes, their lead in the Metro Division is more substantial, as the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins both have 75 points, and the Isles have played two additional games.

The Eastern wild-card race includes the Canadiens and Boston Bruins in the coveted spots. The Columbus Blue Jackets — who added Conor Garland at the deadline — are a point back of the B's, and the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals are four points back.

Out West, six teams have a playoff chance percentage greater than 90%, per Stathletes: the three Central Division juggernauts — the Avalanche, Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars — along with the Utah Mammoth, Vegas Golden Knights and Ducks.

You'll notice the Edmonton Oilers aren't in that cohort: Connor McDavid & Co. have an 85% chance of qualifying, and the San Jose