The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs represent the most intense and celebrated phase of the hockey season. With a rich tradition and fiercely competitive structure, the playoffs are where champions are made. Here’s a breakdown of how the NHL’s postseason works:
Who Makes the Playoffs?
A total of 16 teams qualify—eight from each conference (Eastern and Western). The league is divided into four divisions, and the playoff spots are allocated as follows:
The top three teams from each division automatically earn a place. Two additional teams from each conference are selected as wild cards based on overall points, regardless of division.
This system ensures the best teams advance, while preserving the excitement of divisional rivalries.
Seeding and Matchups
The first round of the playoffs is structured to emphasize division rivalries:
The division winner with the better record faces the lower-ranked wild card. The other division winner plays the higher-ranked wild card. The second- and third-place teams within each division square off in the opening round.
This format means that the early rounds often feature familiar foes, heightening the drama and emotional stakes.
Series Format: Best-of-Seven
Each playoff series is played in a best-of-seven format:
The higher-seeded team gets home-ice advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. The lower-seeded team hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. The first team to win four games advances to the next round.
This format rewards consistency while allowing room for comebacks and epic storylines.
Playoff Progression
Teams battle through four rounds:
First Round Second Round (Division Finals) Conference Finals Stanley Cup Final
In the Stanley Cup Final, home-ice advantage goes to the team with the better regular-season record—no matter the conference.
A Format That Sparks Debate
First introduced in 2014, this playoff format has sparked both praise and criticism. Fans enjoy the rivalries and regional matchups, but detractors argue it can cause powerhouse teams to face off too early, potentially preventing marquee matchups in the later rounds.
Nonetheless, the NHL postseason remains one of the most thrilling and grueling paths to a championship in professional sports.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to hockey, understanding the playoff structure deepens your appreciation for every overtime winner and every hard-fought series that defines the road to the Stanley Cup.
