The NHL playoff race in the Pacific Division is intensifying as the Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, and Edmonton Oilers battle for the top spot. With roughly 20 games remaining before the season ends on April 16, these teams face challenging schedules that could determine who secures the division crown and playoff positioning.
This key contest will be highlighted on Sunday night when the Edmonton Oilers visit the Vegas Golden Knights in a critical matchup that represents a potential four-point swing, underscoring the high stakes defining the NHL Pacific Division race.
The Sunday Night Showdown: Oilers vs. Golden Knights
Sunday’s NHL schedule features a marquee Pacific Division matchup with the Edmonton Oilers visiting the Vegas Golden Knights at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both teams sit near the top of the division and will fight for valuable points in what could be a pivotal game for the final playoff standings.
Surprisingly, the Anaheim Ducks occupy the No. 1 spot in the division as the game begins. Anaheim faces the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, which offers the Ducks a chance to extend their lead by three points over Vegas with a victory combined with a Knights loss. Anaheim’s remaining schedule includes 19 games, with only five against teams currently inside playoff positions. They have already completed their games against Vegas, but still have one more matchup versus Edmonton on March 28.
In contrast, Vegas has 18 games left after Sunday’s home game against Edmonton. Their slate is tougher, with 10 games against playoff contenders, including two more showdowns with the Oilers on March 26 and April 4, as well as challenging matches against the formidable Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars.
The Edmonton Oilers also have 18 remaining games following Sunday, with 10 against teams currently holding playoff spots. Their schedule features two visits against Colorado and an Atlantic-leading Tampa Bay Lightning game, along with a single contest against Dallas. Based purely on the difficulty of remaining opponents, the Ducks hold a slight edge in the race for the division title at this moment.
Upcoming Schedule and Playoff Implications
Each Pacific Division team has about 20 games left before the regular season closes on April 16. The Ducks, Golden Knights, and Oilers are all vying to solidify playoff positioning, with stakes heightened by the difficult schedules each must navigate. The outcome of their late-season performances will have major consequences not only for division rankings but also for potential playoff matchups.
Outside the Pacific, other critical games on Sunday also affect playoff scenarios throughout the league. Notable matchups include Minnesota Wild versus Colorado Avalanche at 2 p.m. ET on TNT and a Boston Bruins game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 4:30 p.m. ET on TNT, where the Penguins will be missing star Evgeni Malkin.
Additionally, top Atlantic Division contenders Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning square off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, offering more pressure-packed action as teams fight for postseason spots.
Current NHL Playoff Matchups and Standings Overview
The playoff battles remain fierce across the league’s conferences and divisions. In the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning hold the top Atlantic Division seed (A1), facing Detroit Red Wings as the first wild-card team (WC1). Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens compete for the remaining Atlantic seeds.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Division features the Carolina Hurricanes leading (M1), followed by New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins battling for playoff contention.
In the Western Conference, the Central Division sees the Colorado Avalanche firmly in control (C1), with Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild also positioned for post-season. The Utah Mammoth currently holds the first wild-card spot in that conference.
The Pacific Division playoff landscape is led by Anaheim Ducks (P1), with Vegas Golden Knights (P2) and Edmonton Oilers (P3) also in playoff positions. The Seattle Kraken hold the second wild-card spot in the West and continue to press for a postseason berth.
Detailed Standings in the Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks lead the division with 73 points and 20 regulation wins across 20 remaining games, maintaining a 96.4% probability of making the playoffs. Their upcoming contest against St. Louis Blues is crucial to sustaining their lead.
Vegas Golden Knights follow closely with 72 points and 21 regulation wins, holding a 96.3% chance for postseason play. Their string of challenging games includes multiple matchups with Edmonton and confrontations with top teams like Colorado and Dallas.
Edmonton Oilers have 68 points and 22 regulation wins with 19 games remaining, carrying a 77% likelihood of reaching the playoffs. The Oilers’ remaining season is demanding, facing tough opponents such as Colorado and Tampa Bay, alongside their divisional rivals.
Seattle Kraken sit just outside the playoff seeds with 67 points and 23 regulation wins, and a 34% chance to qualify, fighting to stay competitive in the late season.
Additional Pacific teams including San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks face uphill battles to overcome low playoff probabilities, with Canucks holding the league’s lowest points total at 46.
Key Matchups Outside the Pacific Division Influencing Playoff Race
Sunday’s schedule also features significant games that affect other divisions and conference playoff races. The Minnesota Wild visit the Colorado Avalanche, who lead the Central Division, adding intensity to that contest at 2 p.m. ET on TNT.
A Boston Bruins squad missing Evgeni Malkin’s presence hosts the Penguins in another intense Metropolitan Division showdown at 4:30 p.m. ET on TNT. The game gains additional weight given these teams’ proximity in the standings and playoff implications.
The Buffalo Sabres welcome Tampa Bay Lightning at 6 p.m. ET as two Atlantic Division contenders battle for critical points.
Recent Results Highlight the Intensity of the Playoff Push
Saturday’s NHL scoreboard featured several tight outcomes: Boston Bruins bested Washington Capitals 3-1, the New Jersey Devils scored 6 against New York Rangers’ 3, and Buffalo Sabres narrowly edged Nashville Predators 3-2. These games show the competitive atmosphere and fine margins defining the playoff chase.
Understanding the Race for the Top Draft Pick
While playoff contention commands much attention, the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft remains highly relevant for teams struggling with performance. The league employs a draft lottery system that allows 11 teams to qualify for the top pick, meaning last place does not guarantee the No. 1 selection.
Currently, the Vancouver Canucks hold the lowest point tally in the NHL with 46 points, closely followed by the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers. Leading prospects, including Gavin McKenna, a forward from Penn State, will be some of the top selections in this year’s draft.
Other teams in the lottery include the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, and various others with sub-.500 records, all hoping to improve through high draft positioning.
Significance of the Pacific Division Race and What Lies Ahead
The NHL Pacific Division race carries major significance for the postseason landscape. The contrasting schedules of Anaheim, Vegas, and Edmonton shape their playoff probabilities and may decide the division champion. While Anaheim holds a slight advantage due to a less strenuous slate, the Golden Knights and Oilers remain serious threats, making every game critical.
Sunday’s pivotal faceoff between Edmonton and Vegas could swing momentum and standings, affecting both teams’ playoff paths. As the season winds down, the excitement and pressure will mount, with tight competition determining who raises the Pacific Division banner and who faces challenges in the postseason.
The daily NHL playoff watch will continue to provide updates on all ongoing races, while teams also prepare for the looming draft lottery that could shape their futures beyond this season.
