NHL’s Final Week: Playoff Races & Division Battles Are Coming Right Down To The Wire

The Locked On NHL podcast dives into the final week of the 2026 NHL regular season, where playoff races and division titles are still wide open across both conferences. In the Western Conference, the race for the final wild card spot is neck-and-neck between the Nashville Predators, LA Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets, with San Jose holding a game in hand and the Predators riding a surprising late-season surge despite being sellers at the trade deadline. The Eastern Conference is even more intense, with the Atlantic Division a three-way tie between Tampa Bay, Montreal, and Buffalo, all vying for home ice and division supremacy. The Metropolitan Division is effectively decided, but the final wild card spot remains contested by the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and others. The podcast highlights the emotional stakes, goaltending performances, and key players like Macklin Celebrini, Jakob Doberschütz, and Cole Smith, while also addressing the psychological toll of playoff pressure on fans. With every game carrying high leverage, the final stretch promises drama, urgency, and unforgettable moments. Key takeaways include: 1) San Jose Sharks have the inside track in the West due to their game in hand and strong late-season play; 2) The Atlantic Division race hinges on the high-stakes Tampa vs. Montreal showdown; 3) The Flyers’ resurgence is fueled by strong goaltending and smart roster moves; 4) Ottawa’s playoff hopes depend on winning two of their final four games to avoid a tense Game 82; 5) The league’s overtime/shootout format continues to create tight, unpredictable races; 6) Goaltending remains the most critical factor in playoff survival; 7) Teams like Nashville and Winnipeg are defying early-season expectations; 8) The final week is a true test of mental toughness and consistency. The overall sentiment is highly positive, celebrating the excitement and unpredictability of the final stretch.