* After 188 days and 1,291 regular-season games contested, the teams competing in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially set after the Flyers, Kings and Ducks clinched the final three berths. It’s a postseason that features the second-highest total for year-over-year playoff turnover in NHL history.

* The Hurricanes clinched their first-ever conference title, while the Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division, marking their seventh division title in franchise history.

* Two more matchups were secured on Monday with the Penguins and Flyers as well as the Lightning and Canadiens. Pittsburgh has secured the second seed in the Metropolitan and will have home ice advantage, yet the seeding between the second and third spots in the Atlantic is still to be determined.

* Five matchups and one division title still need to be determined as the regular season enters its third-last day – Tuesday will see nine games contested and the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy on display with Nathan MacKinnon (52) and Cole Caufield (51) both in action.

ALL SIXTEEN TEAMS SET FOR THE 2026 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

It was an all-out sprint for postseason berths as we witnessed seven teams secure their spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs over the past three days – a postseason that will feature six teams who did not qualify last year, seven clubs with new head coaches and four teams who occupied the final four positions in their conference 365 days ago.

* The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs saw a six-team turnover with the Sabres, Penguins, Bruins, Flyers, Mammoth and Ducks all qualifying after missing the postseason last year – that is the second-highest total in NHL history behind 2020-21, 2017-18, 2016-17 and 2014-15 (all w/ 7).
 

* Seven head coaches in their first season with a club guided their team into a playoff spot: Glen Gulutzan (DAL), Marco Sturm (BOS), Dan Muse (PIT), Rick Tocchet (PHI), Joel Quenneville (ANA), D.J. Smith (LAK) and John Tortorella (VGK). Only one campaign over the past 25 years (excluding 2019-20, when 24 teams qualified for the postseason) featured more: 2002-03 (8; WSH, DET, DAL, PHI, ANA, BOS, NJD & COL).

* The Penguins (13th), Sabres (14th), Bruins (15th) and Flyers (16th) all clinched a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs after finishing in the bottom four spots in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. This marks the first time since 1993-94 that the last four teams in a conference each qualified for the postseason in the following campaign. Of note, 1993-94 was the season the League adopted the Eastern-Western conference format.

FLYERS CLINCH FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT IN EAST, WILL FACE PENGUINS IN FIRST ROUND

The Flyers erased a two-goal deficit before defeating the Hurricanes to clinch their first playoff spot since 2020 and set up the “Battle of Pennsylvania” in the First Round. Philadelphia’s run to qualify for the postseason saw it overcome a nine-point deficit as late as March 10. They became the first team in NHL history to make the playoffs after facing that large of a point deficit through 60 or more games played in a season. Click here for more #NHLStats on Philadelphia’s clinch.

* Porter Martone factored on Trevor Zegras’ tying goal during the comeback win and became the fifth Flyers teenager in the past 30 years to record a point in five consecutive games, following Sean Couturier (6 GP in 2011-12), Matvei Michkov (5 GP in 2024-25), Joel Farabee (5 GP in 2019-20) and Nolan Patrick (5 GP in 2017-18).

* The Flyers will meet the Penguins for the eighth time in the postseason once the First Round commences. The “Battle of Pennsylvania” will tie the “Battle of New York” (NYR & NYI) for the most playoff series involving state or provincial rivals in NHL history.

FINAL TWO PACIFIC DIVISION CLUBS CLINCH MONDAY: KINGS, DUCKS

The Kings and Ducks were the final two clubs to secure their position in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Los Angeles doing so via a victory over the Kraken and a Sharks regulation win against the Predators, while idle Anaheim did so by virtue of San Jose defeating Nashville.

* The Kings extended their winning streak to five games – their longest run this season – as Adrian Kempe hit the 35-goal mark for the fourth time in his career. Only three other Swedish-born players have had as many 35-goal campaigns: Markus Naslund (5), Kent Nilsson (4) and Mats Sundin (4).

* Los Angeles earned its fifth straight berth into the Stanley Cup Playoffs and eyes its first series win since the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. The Kings, who occupy the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, also entered the 2012 postseason as the conference’s lowest seed en route to a Stanley Cup. They are one of five franchises in NHL history to advance to the Final after entering the postseason as the lowest seed, alongside the 2023 Panthers, 2021 Canadiens, 2017 Predators and 2006 Oilers. Click here for more #NHLStats on the Kings’ clinch.

* Anaheim is making its first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2018 and seeks its first series win since the 2017 Second Round. Overall, the Ducks own a .600 winning percentage at home during the Stanley Cup Playoffs since their first-ever postseason appearance in 1997. 

* Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson and Beckett Sennecke currently lead the Ducks in scoring this season with just two games remaining. Anaheim would be the seventh team in NHL history to enter the Stanley Cup Playoffs with their top three scorers all age 22 or younger. The others: 2017-18 Maple Leafs, 2008-09 Penguins, 2007-08 Capitals, 1982-83 Oilers, 1981-82 Oilers and 1980-81 Oilers. Click here for more #NHLStats on the Ducks’ clinch.

HURRICANES FINISH FIRST IN THE EAST, SABRES EARN DIVISION TITLE

Two more titles were secured Monday as the Hurricanes claimed first place in the Eastern Conference, while the Sabres earned the Atlantic Division title.
 

* Nikolaj Ehlers (1-1—2) helped Carolina clinch its first conference title Monday after collecting a point against Philadelphia. Ehlers (25-45—70) became just the second player in Hurricanes team history (since 1997-98) to record 70-plus points in their first season with the club, following Cory Stillman (76 in 2005-06). Ehlers also joined Vegas’ Mitch Marner (23-56—79) as the only players on new teams this season to reach the 70-point mark.

* Tage Thompson scored twice to record his third career 40-goal season as the Sabres (50-23-8, 108 points) clinched the Atlantic Division title by virtue of a regulation win against the Blackhawks and a Lightning overtime victory versus the Red Wings – their seventh division title in franchise history and first since 2009-10. Thompson became the fifth player in Sabres history to post three or more 40-goal seasons.

KUCHEROV HITS 130 POINTS AS LIGHTNING LOCK IN FIRST ROUND VS. CANADIENS

Nikita Kucherov (1-1—2) continued to make his case in the Art Ross Trophy race with his 130th point of the season as the Lightning (50-25-6, 106 points) locked in a First Round matchup with the Canadiens (48-23-10, 106 points) by virtue of the Sabres clinching the No.1 seed in the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay and Montreal each have one game remaining with home advantage yet to be decided.

* Kucherov (44-86—130) recorded his second career 130-point season and became the second active player with multiple, following Connor McDavid (3). Kucherov trails McDavid by four points in the Art Ross Trophy race with one game remaining but leads the League in four-point outings with nine on the season – the next closest players are McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon (both w/ 6).
 

* The Lightning and Canadiens will play their fifth head-to-head playoff series and first since Tampa Bay’s five-game win in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. The Lightning have a 3-1 record through the four previous meetings, with the Canadiens’ lone victory being a four-game sweep during the 2014 Conference Quarterfinals.

BOURQUE SCORES FIRST HAT TRICK AS STARS COMPLETE RARE RALLY
Mavrik Bourque (3-1—4) scored his first NHL hat trick as the Stars rallied from 3-0 and 5-3 deficits to defeat the Maple Leafs and earn their first multi-goal third-period comeback win in regulation since Dec. 23, 2023 (3-2 W at NSH). Dallas (49-20-12, 110 points) hit the 110-point mark in a season for the fifth time in franchise history and has a chance to reach 50 wins for the third straight campaign.

* Bourque became the fifth player in Stars team history (since 1993-94) to record at least three goals and four points on the road. Wyatt Johnston was the last to achieve the feat (3-2—5 on March 5, 2024).

* Johnston netted his 27th power-play goal of the season and tied Sam Reinhart (27 in 2023-24) as well as six others for the 13th most in a campaign in NHL history. The only active player with more is Leon Draisaitl (32 in 2022-23).
 

MORE NOTABLE #NHLSTATS FROM MONDAY’S LIVE UPDATES           

With 20 teams in action, Monday’s Live Updates was full of #NHLStats, including ones from Macklin Celebrini, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Quick.

* Celebrini tied Owen Nolan (44 in 1999-00) and Patrick Marleau (44 in 2009-10) for the second-most goals in a single season in Sharks history, a list topped by Jonathan Cheechoo (56 in 2005-06). He also recorded his 46th career multi-point game and will finish with the fifth most by a teenager in NHL history. The only players with more: Sidney Crosby (67), Wayne Gretzky (66), Dale Hawerchuk (54) and Jimmy Carson (51).

* Kane collected an assist and became the fourth active player to reach 1,400 career points (508-892—1,400 in 1,368 GP), joining Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin.

* Quick announced he was playing in his final NHL game prior to Monday’s contest – his Rangers teammates paid tribute to his prolific career by wearing his number during warm-ups and the Panthers did so by shaking his hand post-game. Quick ended his career as a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a Conn Smythe Trophy winner (2012) while also owning the most wins by an American goaltender in NHL history and ranking 12th on the League’s all-time list.
 

WOMEN IN HOCKEY CANADIAN TIRE SPOTLIGHT: MAPLE LEAFS’ ANALYST, JILL REINER

The final Women in Hockey presented by Canadian Tire spotlights Jill Reiner, a hockey research and development analyst with the Maple Leafs. Reiner evaluates team and player performance using data and statistical analysis, helping inform decisions on player personnel and on-ice strategy. Click here for her feature.
 

QUICK CLICKS

* Anton Forsberg, Linus Ullmark, Dylan Larkin named NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO

* Jake Neighbours talks Blues’ ASL Awareness Night in Q&A with NHL.com
* NHL EDGE stats behind Jonathan Quick’s elite goaltending career
* Leon Draisaitl back at Oilers practice, status for start of playoffs uncertain
* Color of Hockey: Abby Roque ‘at home’ inspiring Indigenous girls in Montreal

SCORING RACES AND MORE MILESTONES STILL TO BE DETERMINED

With all 16 playoff spots now captured, the focus shifts to seeding and scoring races, while an ESPN doubleheader features Alex Ovechkin (vs. CBJ) and Sidney Crosby (vs. STL) looking to achieve more notable feats in each of their final games of the 2025-26 regular season.

* Nathan MacKinnon (52-74—126) and Cole Caufield (51-37—88) are the only players so far this season to reach the 50-goal threshold and are both in action tonight as they pursue the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Caufield can become the first Canadiens player to finish a season first in goals since Guy Lafleur (60 in 1977-78), while MacKinnon looks to become the second Avalanche player to win the award since its introduction in 1998-99 (Milan Hejduk in 2002-03).

* Ovechkin needs one goal to tie Patrick Kane (29) for the most in NHL history against the Blue Jackets and two to make Columbus the 15th different franchise he has tallied 30 against, which would pass Phil Esposito (14) for the second most in League history behind Wayne Gretzky (16).

* Crosby enters his final contest of the season two assists back of Joe Thornton (1,109) for seventh on the NHL’s all-time assists list and one goal back from his 14th career 30-goal campaign. He would tie Marcel Dionne, Gretzky and Gordie Howe for the fourth most in League history, trailing only Ovechkin (20), Mike Gartner (17) and Jaromir Jagr (15).

Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC
Faceoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM EDT / 7:00 PM PDT
TV: ESPN+, FDSNSC, Sportsnet

This Pacific Division matchup features a Kings team still battling for the final Western Conference wild-card spot against a Canucks squad that has been eliminated from playoff contention for weeks and is firmly in rebuild mode. Los Angeles sits with 89 points and a -21 goal differential, holding the eighth spot in the West; Vancouver has just 56 points and a league-worst positioning in the Pacific with a dismal -60+ goal differential.

Team Records & Recent Form

Kings (35-26-19, 4th Pacific / 8th West): Los Angeles has surged down the stretch, winning four straight games (including a 1-0 shutout of Edmonton on Apr 11, a 4-1 win over these same Canucks on Apr 9, a 3-2 SO victory vs. Nashville on Apr 6, and a 7-6 OT thriller vs. Toronto on Apr 4). They are approximately 6-3-1 in their last 10 and boast a strong 20-9-10 road record. The Kings average roughly 2.7 goals per game while allowing 3.0, relying on elite goaltending and defensive structure to stay in the playoff hunt.

Canucks (24-48-8, 8th Pacific): Vancouver has shown slight improvement in the final weeks but remains one of the NHL’s weakest teams, going 2-3-0 in their last five (wins in OT over Anaheim on Apr 12 and SO over San Jose on Apr 11, sandwiched around losses to the Kings and Golden Knights). They are 8-27-5 at home and score just 2.55 goals per game while allowing 3.6+, making them highly vulnerable against motivated opponents.

Injury Report

Los Angeles Kings

Kevin Fiala (LW): Out for season (leg).

Andrei Kuzmenko (LW): Out (knee) / IR (return Apr 16).

Jeff Malott (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed) / expected out until Apr 18.

Alex Turcotte (C): Out for this game.

Vancouver Canucks

Thatcher Demko (G): Out for season (hip).

Derek Forbort (D): Out (undisclosed) / LTIR.

Evander Kane (LW): Out (upper-body).

Filip Chytil (C): Out (face).

Vancouver’s goaltending falls to backups (likely Anton Forsberg or Pheonix Copley on the opposing side for LA, but Canucks netminders have struggled). Both teams are thin up front, but the Canucks’ depleted blue line and season-long absences create major matchup disadvantages.

Key

Player Matchups to Watch

Kings’ veteran core (Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe) and goaltending (Anton Forsberg hot streak) vs. Canucks’ depleted attack: Forsberg has been outstanding in recent wins (multiple shutouts and low GA); Vancouver’s offense, missing Kane and others, will struggle to generate sustained pressure.

Canucks’ young forwards (Brock Boeser, emerging prospects) vs. Kings’ shutdown defense: LA’s blue line has been stout late-season; expect heavy checking and transition opportunities for the Kings.

Special teams: Kings power play and penalty kill have been reliable; Canucks rank near the bottom league-wide on both, especially at home.

Goaltending battle: With Demko done for the year, Vancouver’s backup tandem faces a Kings team averaging low-event, grind-it-out hockey on the road.

Series History

The Kings have dominated the 2025-26 season series, winning the most recent meeting 4-1 in Los Angeles on Apr 9. Vancouver is just 3-6-1 in their last 10 against LA overall. All-time the teams are relatively even, but Los Angeles has owned recent head-to-head play, particularly when Vancouver is shorthanded.

Betting Trends

Kings are on a 4-game win streak and strong as road favorites.

Canucks are 2-3 in last 5 overall and have gone Over in 3 of last 5, but rank among the worst defensive teams.

Totals trend Under when Kings play low-event road games late in the season; LA performs well in the final stretch when playoff motivation is high.

Game Odds

Los Angeles Kings            – 162

Vancouver Canucks         6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM CDT / 9:30 PM EDT
TV: ESPN, TVAS, SN-PIT

This late-regular-season contest pits a Penguins team fighting for Metropolitan Division positioning and playoff seeding against a Blues squad that has already been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention. Pittsburgh sits with 98 points and a +27 goal differential; St. Louis has 80 points and sits at -31.

Team Records & Recent Form

Penguins (41-24-16, 2nd Metropolitan, ~5th East): Pittsburgh has been a top-10 offense all season (3.52 GPG) but has hit a rough patch lately, going 1-2-0 in their last three and losing their final two games to Washington (6-3 on Apr 11 at home; 3-0 on Apr 12 on the road). They are 21-11-8 on the road this year and enter this matchup on the tail end of a condensed schedule. Despite the recent skid, the Penguins remain dangerous when healthy and motivated to tune up before the playoffs.

Blues (34-33-12, 7th Central, eliminated): St. Louis has been inconsistent down the stretch, posting roughly a 4-5-1 record in their last 10. They most recently earned a 5-3 road win over Chicago on Apr 11 (snapping a two-game skid) but dropped decisions to Winnipeg (Apr 9) and Colorado (Apr 7). The Blues rank near the bottom in scoring (2.68 GPG) and have been outscored in recent home games. They are 18-14-7 at Enterprise Center but lack the consistency needed to climb back into the wild-card picture.

Injury Report

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby (C): Lower-body – Day-to-day (returned Apr 12 after missing Apr 11).

Evgeni Malkin (C): Upper-body – Day-to-day / questionable (returned Apr 12).

Bryan Rust (RW): Lower-body – Day-to-day.

Kris Letang (D): Upper-body – Day-to-day (returned Apr 12).

Erik Karlsson (D): Lower-body – Day-to-day (returned Apr 12).

Ben Kindel (C): Upper-body – Day-to-day / OUT (remained out Apr 12).

Anthony Mantha (RW): Lower-body – Day-to-day.

Noel Acciari (C): Upper-body – Day-to-day.

Connor Clifton (D): Upper-body – Day-to-day.

Ryan Shea (D): Upper-body – Day-to-day.

Connor Dewar (C): Lower-body – Week-to-week.

Multiple recalls from AHL (McGroarty, Koppanen, Koivunen) have been used to fill gaps. Pittsburgh’s lineup could look significantly different depending on final decisions for this road game.

St. Louis Blues

No significant injuries reported. The Blues are expected to dress a full, healthy roster (including Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, and goaltenders Joel Hofer / Jordan Binnington).

Key Player Matchups to Watch

Pittsburgh’s star centers (Crosby/Malkin) vs. Blues’ top defensive pair and Thomas line: If healthy, Pittsburgh’s veteran core will test St. Louis’ ability to contain elite skill. Crosby’s playmaking and Malkin’s scoring punch remain high-upside even in limited minutes.

Blues’ scoring threats (Kyrou, Holloway, Thomas) vs. Penguins’ depleted blue line: With Karlsson, Letang, and others questionable, St. Louis may find transition opportunities against a thinner Penguins defense.

Goaltending: Penguins’ netminder (likely the recently acquired or backup option) faces a Blues attack averaging under 2.7 goals; Hofer has been solid (2.59 GAA, .911 SV% in recent starts). Expect a lower-event game if Pittsburgh rests key bodies.

Special teams: Penguins power play has been middle-of-the-pack; Blues PK has been vulnerable lately. St. Louis’ man-advantage (around 17-18%) could be a factor if Pittsburgh’s penalty kill is short-handed.

Series History

The Penguins lead the 2025-26 season series 1-0 after a 6-3 home win over St. Louis on Oct 27. The Blues will be looking to avoid a season-series sweep and salvage some pride in their final home games. All-time the teams have been relatively even, but Pittsburgh has owned recent matchups when healthy.

Betting Trends

Penguins are strong historically as road favorites of -110 or better but have gone 5-11 in last 16 games on one day’s rest and are coming off back-to-back losses.

Blues have gone Over in several recent home games but rank low in scoring overall.

Pittsburgh performs well in the final week when playoff motivation is high; St. Louis has been 6-3-1 in select recent segments but is playing out the string.

Game Odds

Pittsburgh Penguins       6.5

St. Louis Blues                   – 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM MDT / 9:00 PM EDT
TV: ESPN+, Sportsnet West (SNW), KUSA, ALT, KTVD

This late-season matchup features the NHL’s top Western Conference team visiting a Pacific Division also-ran that has been eliminated from playoff contention. The Avalanche enter with 115 points and the league’s best goal differential (+94), while the Flames sit at 75 points with a -47 differential.

Team Records & Recent Form

Avalanche (52-16-11, 1st Central, 1st West): Colorado has been one of the league’s most consistent teams all season, posting a 27-7-5 road record. Their recent form shows resilience despite injuries: they are roughly 6-3-1 in their last 10 games, including a 3-1 home win over these same Flames on April 9 and a 9-2 thrashing on March 30. Recent results include an OT loss to Vegas (Apr 11), a win over Calgary (Apr 9), and solid victories against St. Louis. The Avs average 3.70 goals per game while allowing just 2.47.

Flames (33-38-9, 7th Pacific): Calgary has struggled mightily down the stretch, going approximately 4-5-1 in their last 10 (including wins over Utah and Anaheim but losses to Seattle, Colorado, and Dallas). They are 22-12-5 at home but have dropped their last two contests heading into this one. The Flames score just 2.55 goals per game and allow 3.15, making them one of the weaker defensive units in the conference.

Injury Report

Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar (D): Upper-body injury (since Mar 30) – OUT (expected return for playoffs).

Nazem Kadri (C): Finger injury – OUT (expected to miss several games; possible playoff return).

Josh Manson (D): Upper-body – Day-to-day / OUT for this game.

Artturi Lehkonen (LW): Undisclosed – Expected out until at least Apr 14 (questionable).

Calgary Flames

Yan Kuznetsov (D): Upper-body – Day-to-day.

Other long-term IR players (e.g., certain Flames forwards listed since September) are season-long and not expected back. Colorado’s defensive depth will be tested without Makar and possibly Manson, while Calgary’s blue line is already thin.

Key Player Matchups to Watch

Nathan MacKinnon (COL C) vs. Flames’ top defensive pair: MacKinnon remains one of the league’s most dynamic threats. With Makar out, he’ll shoulder even more offensive responsibility alongside Mikko Rantanen. Expect heavy minutes and matchup advantages against a Flames defense that has allowed 3+ goals in many recent games.

Dustin Wolf / Devin Cooley (CGY G) vs. Colorado’s high-octane attack: Calgary’s goaltending has been serviceable but inconsistent. Wolf has started most recently; the Avs’ 3.70 GPG offense will test him heavily, especially on the rush.

Flames’ scoring threats (e.g., potential top-line forwards) vs. Colorado’s secondary defense: Without their stars healthy, the Flames will rely on depth forwards and special teams. Colorado’s penalty kill (84.1%) has been strong all year.

Special teams: Avalanche power play sits at 17.9% (solid); Flames at 16.1%. Both teams have been middling on the man advantage lately.

Series History

The Avalanche have dominated the 2025-26 season series, winning both meetings convincingly: 9-2 (Mar 30 at home) and 3-1 (Apr 9 at home). All-time, the teams are nearly even (roughly 82-81-20-2 favoring Colorado slightly in recent decades), but Colorado has owned recent head-to-head play, especially when healthy.

Betting Trends

Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 games overall and have gone Over in 4 of their last 5.

Avalanche are strong as road favorites (-151 to -200 range historically).

Colorado performs well in the 4th game of a 4-in-6 stretch.

Totals have leaned Over in recent Tuesday games for both sides.

Game Odds

Colorado Avalanche       – 155

Calgary Flames                 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah

Faceoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM local
Broadcast: Utah 16 / ESPN+

Venue

Delta Center — Salt Lake City, Utah
A mid‑size, altitude‑influenced building where Utah has been a respectable 21‑15‑3 at home this season.

Recent Form

Winnipeg Jets — Last 5

L 7‑1 vs PHI

W 3‑2 @ STL

W 6‑2 vs SEA

W 2‑1 @ CBJ

L 3‑0 @ DAL

Trend: Winnipeg is 3‑2 in its last five, but the 7‑1 loss to Philadelphia exposed defensive gaps and poor goaltending form.

Utah Mammoth — Last Known Result

L 4‑1 vs Calgary Flames (29 shots, 0/3 PP)

Trend: Utah’s offense cooled in its last outing, but season‑long scoring metrics remain stronger than Winnipeg’s.

Injury Report

Winnipeg:

John Marino — Day‑to‑Day

Utah:

Karel Vejmelka — Day‑to‑Day

Jack McBain — OUT

Barrett Hayton — OUT

Goaltending Matchup

Winnipeg Jets

Eric Comrie projected starter

Career: 45‑45‑4, 3.01 GAA, .898 SV%

Season: 12‑9‑1, 2.90 GAA, .897 SV%

Utah Mammoth

Karel Vejmelka (if healthy)

35‑19‑3, 2.71 GAA, .898 SV%

Vitek Vanecek (if Vejmelka unavailable)

5‑11‑3, 2.87 GAA, .886 SV%

AccuScore projection:

Hellebuyck (Jets) forecasted 24 saves vs. Vejmelka’s 22; Jets slight 51% win probability.

Key Player Matchups

Winnipeg Jets

Mark Scheifele — 34 G, 63 A, 97 P; elite playmaking form.

Kyle Connor — 38 G, 51 A, 89 P; primary shooting threat.

Gabriel Vilardi — 29 G, 35 A; strong secondary scoring.

Utah Mammoth

Clayton Keller — Team’s top point producer (recent 9 assists in last 5).

Logan Cooley — 5 goals in last 5; high‑tempo center.

Dylan Guenther — AccuScore projects 3.4 shots and 0.49 goals.

Matchup Edge:
Utah’s forward group is deeper and more dynamic, while Winnipeg leans heavily on Scheifele/Connor for scoring bursts.

Series History

AccuScore’s historical matchup data:

Utah Mammoth vs Winnipeg Jets: Utah is 2‑0 (100%) in their recorded head‑to‑head sample.

Betting Trends

Over/Under Trends (AccuScore)

Jets road O/U: 22‑17 (56% Over)

Mammoth home O/U: 19‑22 (46% Over)

Utah home last 30 days: 67% Over

Situational Trends

Jets as road underdog: 57% win rate last 30 days.

Mammoth at home: 54% win rate overall.

Game Odds

Winnipeg Jets                   6.5

Utah Mammoth               – 175

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026

Grand Casino Arena — St. Paul, Minnesota

Faceoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT

Venue & Game Context

Arena: Grand Casino Arena, 199 W Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN

Wild are at home, where they hold a strong 22‑10‑8 record.

Ducks enter as road underdogs, sitting 18‑19‑2 away from Anaheim.

Injury Report

Minnesota Wild

Jonas Brodin (D) — OUT

Mats Zuccarello (RW) — OUT

Brock Faber (D) — OUT

Marcus Foligno (LW) — OUT

Joel Eriksson Ek (C) — OUT

Anaheim Ducks

No major new injuries listed in the available reports.

Recent Team Form

Anaheim Ducks — Last 5

L 4–3 (OT) vs VAN

W 6–1 vs SJ

L 5–0 vs NSH

L 5–3 vs CGY

L 6–2 vs STL

Trend: 1–4 in last five, defensive lapses (3.51 GA/G) and inconsistent goaltending remain issues.

Minnesota Wild — Last 5

L 2–1 @ NSH

L 5–4 @ DAL

W 5–2 vs SEA

W 5–4 @ DET

W 4–1 @ OTT

Trend: 3–2 in last five, strong defensive structure (2.84 GA/G) and elite special teams.

Goaltender Matchup

Anaheim — Lukas Dostal

Record: 30‑19‑4

GAA: 3.10

SV%: .889

Minnesota — Filip Gustavsson

Record: 28‑14‑6

GAA: 2.64

SV%: .906

Edge: Wild — Gustavsson’s consistency and Minnesota’s defensive structure give them a clear advantage.

Key Player Matchups

Cutter Gauthier (ANA) vs. Kirill Kaprizov (MIN)

Gauthier: 40 G, 27 A, 67 PTS

Kaprizov: 45 G, 44 A, 89 PTS

Narrative:
Gauthier is Anaheim’s breakout star, but Kaprizov remains one of the league’s elite drivers of offense. Minnesota’s depth scoring and blue‑line puck movement (Hughes, etc.) amplify Kaprizov’s impact.

Series History & Context

Minnesota is one home win away from a season sweep of the Ducks.

Implication:
Wild have consistently dictated pace and matchup control in previous meetings.

Betting Trends

Ducks allow 3.51 GA/G, Wild score 3.28 GPG → Over is live.

Wild defense at home is strong; Ducks’ offense inconsistent → Under also viable depending on game script.

Minnesota’s home record and Anaheim’s recent form strongly favor the Wild ML.

Game Odds

Anaheim Ducks                 – 130

Minnesota Wild               6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Nationwide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
Broadcast: ESPN / ESPN+

Injury Report

Columbus Blue Jackets

Brendan Smith — Out (Knee)

Dmitri Voronkov — Out (Hand)

Mathieu Olivier — Out (Upper Body)

Damon Severson — Out for Season (Shoulder)

Washington Capitals

Rasmus Sandin — Day‑to‑Day (Leg)

Charlie Lindgren — Day‑to‑Day (Upper Body)

Recent Form (Last 5 Games)

Washington Capitals

W 3‑0 vs PIT

W 6‑3 @ PIT

W 4‑0 @ TOR

L 8‑1 @ NYR

W 6‑2 vs BUF

Columbus Blue Jackets

L 3‑2 vs BOS

W 5‑2 @ MTL

L 5‑0 @ BUF

W 4‑3 SO @ DET

L 2‑1 vs WPG

Momentum Edge: Washington enters with a 3‑game win streak and stronger recent defensive results.

Key Player Matchups

Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin: 32 G, 31 A (63 pts) — still the primary scoring engine.

Tom Wilson: 30 G, 31 A (61 pts) — physical two‑way threat.

Jakob Chychrun: 25 G, 34 A (59 pts) — elite offensive defenseman.

Logan Thompson (Projected Starter): 31‑21‑6, 2.44 GAA, .912 SV% — top‑10 caliber season.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Zach Werenski: 22 G, 59 A (81 pts) — team’s top producer.

Kirill Marchenko: 27 G, 40 A (67 pts) — high‑volume shooter.

Adam Fantilli: 24 G, 35 A (59 pts) — emerging star center.

Jet Greaves (Projected Starter): 26‑18‑9, 2.61 GAA, .908 SV% — stabilizing presence in net.

Series History & Context

Both teams are Metropolitan Division rivals separated by just one point in the standings.

No specific head‑to‑head results were returned in the search, but both teams are fighting for playoff seeding with nearly identical statistical profiles.

Betting Trends & Insights

Washington has won 3 straight and 4 of last 5.

Columbus has lost 3 of last 5, including a 3‑2 home loss to Boston.

Capitals’ defense trending upward: 2.93 GA/G vs. Columbus’ 3.07 GA/G.

Blue Jackets’ home record (20‑12‑8) is strong, but Washington has beaten multiple playoff‑caliber teams recently.

Game Odds

Washington Capitals                      6.5

Columbus Blue Jackets                  – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026

Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT
TV: TSN2, RDS, NBCSP, ESPN+

This late-regular-season Atlantic-Metropolitan crossover features a surging Canadiens squad battling for high seeding in the Eastern Conference against a Flyers team still fighting for Metropolitan positioning and a potential wild-card spot. Montréal enters with 106 points and the league’s 6th-best offense (3.42 GPG), while Philadelphia sits at 96 points with one of the NHL’s stingiest defenses (2.93 GAA, 9th).

Team Records & Recent Form

Canadiens (48-23-10, 2nd Atlantic / ~3rd-6th East): Montréal has been one of the hottest teams in the East, going 8-2-0 in their last 10 games. Recent results include a 4-1 road win over the Islanders (Apr 12), a 5-2 home loss to Columbus (Apr 11), a 2-1 win over Tampa Bay (Apr 9), and a 4-3 SO victory vs. Florida (Apr 7). They are 24-8-8 on the road this season and average 3.42 goals per game while allowing 3.05. Their speed, skill, and special-teams play have carried them through the stretch.

Flyers (42-27-12, 3rd Metropolitan / ~8th East): Philadelphia has been solid but inconsistent lately, posting a 7-3-0 record in their last 10 (including a recent SO win over Carolina and a win over Winnipeg). They are 19-13-8 at home and rank 22nd in scoring (2.91 GPG) but 9th in goals against. The Flyers rely on defensive structure and goaltending to stay competitive in tight games as they push for playoff positioning.

Injury Report

Montréal Canadiens

Alexandre Carrier (D): Upper-body – OUT.

Patrik Laine (LW): Abdomen – OUT.

Noah Dobson (D): Thumb – OUT (missed Apr 11; expected re-evaluation mid-to-late April, likely out for remainder of regular season).

Philadelphia Flyers

Rodrigo Abols (C): Ankle – OUT / IR.

Nikita Grebenkin (RW): Upper-body – OUT (target return ~Apr 18).

Montréal’s blue line is thinned without Carrier and Dobson, forcing more minutes for younger or depth defenders. Philadelphia is relatively healthy up front but missing a couple of depth pieces.

Key

Player Matchups to Watch

Nick Suzuki (MTL C, 101 pts) & Cole Caufield (51 G) vs. Flyers’ top defensive pair and checking lines: Suzuki’s playmaking and Caufield’s elite finishing will test Philadelphia’s ability to contain speed. Expect heavy matchup focus from the Flyers.

Juraj Slafkovský (MTL LW, 73 pts) & Lane Hutson (D, 78 pts) vs. Philadelphia’s transition game: Hutson’s Norris-caliber rookie season (12 G, 66 A) gives Montréal an extra offensive dimension from the back end; Flyers will try to limit his ice time and entry chances.

Flyers scoring threats (Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov) vs. Canadiens’ depleted D-core: With Montréal missing two regulars on defense, Philadelphia may find opportunities on the rush and forecheck.

Goaltending: Jakub Dobes (MTL, 29-9-4, 2.75 GAA, .903 SV%) has been stellar; Philadelphia’s Samuel Ersson or backup tandem faces a high-event Montréal attack. Special teams will be key—Montréal’s PP ranks 9th (23.4%), Flyers’ ranks 32nd (15.7%).

Series History

Philadelphia leads the 2025-26 season series 2-0, with wins of 4-1 (Dec 16 at Montréal) and a 5-4 SO victory (Nov 4). The Flyers have owned recent head-to-head play when healthy, but Montréal has looked stronger overall this season. All-time the rivalry remains competitive, but the current form favors the visitors.

Betting Trends

Canadiens are 13-5 in their last 18 as road favorites of -151 to -200 and 8-2-0 in last 10 overall.

Flyers are 4-1 ATS in last 5 and strong at home but rank low in scoring.

Totals have gone Over in several recent Flyers home games; Montréal contests trend higher-event late in the year.

Game Odds

Montréal Canadiens       – 162

Philadelphia Flyers         6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 13, 2026