Flyers clinch playoff berth with shootout win - NHL.com
Dan Vladar holds back the Hurricanes, stopping every shot in a four-round shootout and propelling the Flyers into the playoffs with the victory
www.nhl.comThe latest NHL playoff news is that all 16 Stanley Cup playoff teams have now clinched spots, with the field set as of April 13–14, 2026. Recent headline developments include the Flyers ending a five-year drought, the Ducks clinching for the first time in eight years, and first-round matchups already being announced, including Penguins vs. Flyers and Canadiens vs. Lightning.[1][5]
What changed most recently
The playoff picture tightened sharply in the last few days, and NHL coverage now focuses on clinching scenarios, final seeding, and first-round pairings. NHL.com’s playoff page lists multiple recent updates from April 11–14, including “races remarkably tight,” “Flyers can clinch,” and the confirmed Eastern Conference matchups.[5]
Notable teams
The Flyers have been one of the biggest stories, clinching with a shootout win and earning a first-round series against the Penguins. The Ducks also clinched a berth, their first in eight years, after a Predators loss. Another major storyline is the Canadiens, who are set to face the Lightning in Round 1.[2][3][5]
Bigger picture
The latest playoff chatter suggests the bracket is now shifting from qualification to series preview mode. Recent national coverage highlights which teams are surging, which are fading, and which matchups could produce upsets, with playoff preview discussions already focusing on Cup favorites and a possible Cinderella team.[7][8][1]
Current headline list
- Flyers clinch and meet Penguins in Round 1.[3][5]
- Canadiens will play Lightning in Round 1.[5]
- Ducks clinch a playoff berth for the first time in 8 years.[2][5]
- The league’s playoff field is now complete at 16 teams.[1][5]
Would you like the current bracket and first-round matchups in a clean list?