The six-team turnover for this season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs as in comparison to final season is the second-highest in NHL historical past (seven-team turnover, thrice). Anaheim, Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Utah all certified after lacking the postseason in 2024-25. 2025-26 is the 9th season within the final 11 to have a playoff turnover of no less than 5 groups.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin every input their franchise-leading sixteenth postseason. Crosby enters the 2026 playoffs tied with Jaromir Jagr (201) for the fifth-most playoff issues in NHL historical past whilst Malkin (180) owns the fourth-most by means of a participant born outdoor of North The usa at the back of best Jari Kurri (233), Jagr (201) and Nicklas Lidstrom (183).
The Lightning prolonged their franchise document with a 9th consecutive postseason look since 2017-18, tied for the longest energetic streak within the NHL (with Colorado). They best the NHL in playoff wins (63), collection wins (13), journeys to the Ultimate (3; tied) and championships (two; tied) over that span.
Utah, which can develop into the twenty third state to host Stanley Cup Playoffs hockey (contains the District of Columbia), joined an inventory of groups within the post-expansion generation (except for groups that joined in 1967-68) to achieve the postseason inside of their first two NHL seasons. The Oilers and Golden Knights each went two-for-two, whilst the Hartford Whalers (now CAR), Quebec Nordiques (now COL), Atlanta Flames (now CGY) and Seattle Kraken all certified as soon as.
Lovers international can percentage their predictions for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and face off in opposition to pals, circle of relatives, colleagues and fellow hockey enthusiasts within the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Problem introduced by means of Expedia. The eligible entrant that finishes atop the leaderboard will win the danger to wait a 2026–27 NHL tournament and an Journey Chrono 41mm NHL Restricted Version Watch by means of Norqain. Consult with NHL.com/Bracket to check in.
First Shift, NHL Now and NHL This night will supply in depth pre- and postgame protection throughout NHL Community during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.