Apr 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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NHL Wild Card Race – Which teams are still in contention for the Wild Card Spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Which teams are still in contention for the NHL Wild Card spots? Stay updated on the playoff push and standings.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs promise high-intensity matchups as teams compete for the most coveted trophy in hockey. The Wild Card system adds an extra layer of excitement to the NHL postseason picture, giving teams that may not finish in the top three of their division a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.

The top two Wild Card teams from each conference earn a spot in the playoffs, where they face the highest-seeded division winners in the first round. This format often results in dramatic finishes as teams push to earn valuable points in the standings. With only a limited number of Wild Card berths available, every point matters, and teams must maintain consistency to secure their place.

Eastern Conference wild card standings:

the Red Wings can keep their playoff hopes alive with a regulation win tonight. A loss, and those hopes would be all but officially ended. pic.twitter.com/KiZAlBlsVo
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) April 8, 2025

How the NHL Wild Card Race Works

The NHL playoffs feature 16 teams—eight from each conference. The top three teams from each division automatically qualify, while the final two spots in each conference are awarded to the teams with the next-best records, regardless of division. These teams are classified as Wild Card teams and will face the top-seeded division winners in the first round of the playoffs.

Wild Card tiebreakers are determined by the following factors:

Total points in the standings
Regulation wins (RW)
Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
Head-to-head record (if teams played an equal number of games)
Goal differential (goals scored minus goals allowed)

Teams in Contention for the Wild Card Spots

The current Wild Card race features several teams that are battling to secure a postseason berth. Based on their recent performances, standings, and point totals, these teams remain in contention for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

Eastern Conference Wild Card Race:

Pittsburgh Penguins – With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Penguins are pushing for a playoff berth, relying on the brilliance of Sidney Crosby and their defensive depth.
Detroit Red Wings – Detroit remains in the hunt, riding their high-powered offense and improving defensive play.
New York Islanders – Strong goaltending and a well-structured defensive system make them a tough opponent in the Wild Card chase.
Buffalo Sabres – Young stars like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin are leading Buffalo’s resurgence, keeping them within striking distance.
Washington Capitals – Led by Alex Ovechkin, Washington remains a contender as they aim to extend their playoff streak.

Western Conference Wild Card Race:

Seattle Kraken – After their strong postseason run last year, the Kraken are hoping to return to the playoffs with another late-season push.
Calgary Flames – Calgary is in the mix, looking to capitalize on their strong defensive core and goaltending.
Nashville Predators – Consistency has been a challenge, but the Predators remain within reach of a playoff spot.
St. Louis Blues – A balanced offensive approach keeps them in contention for one of the Wild Card spots.
Minnesota Wild – A well-rounded roster and strong performances from Kirill Kaprizov could push them into the postseason picture.

Current NHL Wild Card Standings

Eastern Conference Wild Card Race:

In the Eastern Conference, the Wild Card spots are highly contested. The Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens are currently leading the race, holding the two Wild Card positions. The New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Columbus Blue Jackets are close behind, each striving to secure a postseason berth.

Western Conference Wild Card Race:

The Western Conference also presents a heated battle for the Wild Card spots. The St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild occupy the two Wild Card positions, with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks trailing closely. The Utah Hockey Club remains in the mix, aiming to capitalize on any slip-ups by the teams above them.

Key Factors Influencing the Wild Card Race:

Recent Performances: Teams like the Calgary Flames have bolstered their playoff hopes with significant victories, such as their recent 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks.
Strength of Schedule: The remaining games for each team will play a pivotal role. Facing off against direct competitors or top-tier teams can significantly impact a team’s chances.
Injuries and Roster Changes: The health and availability of key players can influence outcomes. Teams with deeper rosters may have an advantage during this critical stretch.

Wild Card Tiebreaker Rules

If two or more teams finish the regular season with the same number of points, the NHL uses a series of tiebreaker rules to determine which team secures the Wild Card spot.

1. Regulation Wins (RW)

The first tiebreaker is the number of wins a team has in regulation (excluding overtime and shootout wins).
The team with more regulation wins and secures the higher position.

2. Regulation + Overtime Wins (ROW)

If teams are still tied, the next tiebreaker is the total number of wins in regulation and overtime (excluding shootout wins).
The team with more ROW wins gets the advantage.

3. Total Wins (W)

If teams remain tied, the total number of wins, including shootout victories, is considered.
The team with more total wins earns the higher Wild Card spot.

4. Head-to-Head Record

If two teams are still tied after the previous tiebreakers, their head-to-head record during the regular season is examined.
The team with the better head-to-head record advances.

5. Goal Differential

If teams remain deadlocked, goal differential (total goals scored minus total goals allowed) is used.
The team with the higher goal differential wins the Wild Card spot.

6. Goals Scored

If goal differential is also tied, the team that has scored the most goals in the season advances.

7. Fewest Games Played

If the tie still isn’t broken, the team that has played fewer games will be ranked higher.

8. Coin Toss (Final Tiebreaker)

In an extremely rare case where all the above tiebreakers fail to determine a winner, a coin toss is conducted by the NHL to decide which team secures the Wild Card spot.

Image Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!