Examining the current NHL standings, numerous teams, particularly in the Eastern Conference, on the fringes of playoff contention might believe they still have a reasonable opportunity to battle their way into a playoff position.
However, the question remains: how many teams genuinely remain in contention?
With insights from SN Stats and the NHL, we delve into the teams that have orchestrated the most significant surges into a playoff spot within the final 10 games of a regular season over the past 20 years (the salary cap era).
Since the 2005-06 season, 11 teams have successfully reached the playoffs after overcoming a deficit of at least three points in the standings at some juncture during their last 10 regular-season games. The most remarkable comeback within the last 10 games has been from a five-point gap, a feat achieved only twice.
Presently, seven teams outside the playoff picture are entering their final 10 games of the season. More teams will join this group as the weekend progresses. As we approach the 72-game mark for all teams, we present a historical overview of teams that rallied from a three-point or greater deficit to secure a playoff spot within the last 10 games, exploring their methods and their subsequent playoff performance.
- FIVE POINTS BACK
- 2013-14 Dallas Stars
- 2023-24 New York Islanders
- FOUR POINTS BACK
- 2005-06 San Jose Sharks
- 2007-08 Washington Capitals
- 2018-19 Colorado Avalanche
- 2007-08 Nashville Predators
- 2006-07 New York Islanders
- THREE POINTS BACK
- 2018-19 Columbus Blue Jackets
- 2022-23 Florida Panthers
- 2012-13 Detroit Red Wings
- 2014-15 Ottawa Senators
FIVE POINTS BACK
2013-14 Dallas Stars
The situation: With 10 games left, the Stars held a 34-27-11 record and were five points outside a playoff spot. The Arizona Coyotes occupied the West`s second wild-card slot with only eight games remaining, and no other teams separated them in the standings.
The schedule: Dallas`s remaining schedule included six away games and four home games, featuring three back-to-back sets. While they won the first game in each back-to-back, they lost the second in two instances. The Stars` record in their final 10 games was 6-4-0, including three regulation losses in their last five games.
The outcome: This comeback was largely due to the Coyotes` struggles. In a seven-game stretch from March 29 to April 12, Arizona failed to win and only gained three points from overtime losses. Dallas and Arizona played each other in the regular-season finale, but Arizona`s poor form had diminished the game`s significance. Arizona won 2-1 but finished two points behind the Stars. The Coyotes scored 11 goals in their last eight games, while Dallas scored 31 in their final 10 and clinched the second wild-card spot.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Stars faced the Anaheim Ducks, the West`s top seed, and lost in six games.
2023-24 New York Islanders
The situation: With nine games remaining, the Islanders were five points away from a playoff spot. The Washington Capitals held the second wild-card spot, and New York also needed to overtake Detroit, who were three points ahead in ninth place in the conference.
The schedule: Five of the Islanders` final nine games were at home, with only one back-to-back situation, both of which they won. The Islanders won seven of their last eight games, with their only loss being a shootout against the Rangers, still earning them a point.
The outcome: New York controlled their playoff destiny with their strong finish. They not only secured a playoff spot but also climbed to the Metropolitan Division`s third seed, aided by the Capitals` and Flyers` slumps. The Islanders finished three points ahead of Washington and faced the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, losing in five games after a brief rally.
FOUR POINTS BACK
2005-06 San Jose Sharks
The situation: With 10 games remaining, the Sharks were four points out of the last playoff spot in the West, trailing the Edmonton Oilers. No other teams were between them.
This era predated the wild card and divisional guarantees, with the top eight teams from each conference making the playoffs.
The schedule: The Sharks had a busy finish with 10 games in 17 days, half at home and half away, including three back-to-back sets where they went 6-0. Their only two losses in April were an overtime loss and a regulation shutout loss after clinching a playoff spot.
The outcome: The Sharks surged to second in their division and fifth in the Western Conference. Despite a tight race among teams from fifth to ninth, San Jose`s strong finish put them seven points clear of the playoff cut-off. Vancouver Canucks, who were previously in seventh, missed the playoffs after a poor finish. San Jose defeated Nashville in the first round but lost to Edmonton in the second round.
2007-08 Washington Capitals
The situation: In a season with divisional guarantees, Washington was four points behind Philadelphia for the final playoff spot with 10 games left. Buffalo was also ahead of them. Carolina led the division by five points over Washington.
The schedule: The Capitals faced a challenging six-game road trip but won nine of their last 10 games, including all seven against Southeast Division opponents, beating Carolina twice.
The outcome: The Capitals finished first in the Southeast and third in the East. They faced Philadelphia in the first round, losing in seven games despite a valiant effort.
2018-19 Colorado Avalanche
The situation: The Avalanche were four points out of the West`s second wild-card spot with 10 games left. Arizona, Minnesota, and Chicago were ahead of them.
The schedule: Colorado had a balanced schedule and directly faced each of the teams ahead of them, achieving a 7-1-2 record in their final stretch.
The outcome: Colorado`s strong finish propelled them into the playoffs, surpassing Chicago, Arizona, and Minnesota. They defeated Calgary in the first round and lost to San Jose in the second round in seven games.
2007-08 Nashville Predators
The situation: In the same season as Washington`s comeback, Nashville was four points out of the playoffs with only six games remaining. Colorado and Vancouver were ahead of them.
The schedule: The Predators had a condensed schedule with four road games and one back-to-back. They faced tough opponents like Detroit but also weaker teams.
The outcome: Nashville went 4-1-1, benefiting from Vancouver`s poor finish. They made the playoffs but lost to Detroit in six games in the first round, despite making the series competitive.
2006-07 New York Islanders
The situation: On April 4, 2007, the Islanders were three points out of a playoff spot with only three games left, trailing Montreal and Toronto.
After a prior strong position, a four-game losing streak put them in a difficult spot.
The schedule: New York`s final three games were at home against Toronto, and away against Philadelphia and New Jersey.
The outcome: The Islanders won all three remaining games to clinch the eighth seed, surpassing Toronto and Montreal. They defeated New Jersey in a dramatic shootout to secure their spot but lost to Buffalo in the first round.
THREE POINTS BACK
2018-19 Columbus Blue Jackets
The situation: With eight games left, Columbus was three points behind Montreal for the second wild-card spot, holding a game in hand. They were also on a three-game losing streak.
The schedule: Five of Columbus`s last eight games were away, including two back-to-back road sets. They won all five road games, breaking their losing streak with a five-game win streak.
The outcome: Columbus`s 7-1-0 finish was enough to overtake Montreal. They clinched a playoff spot before the final game. This season was notable for Columbus retaining pending free agents and achieving a historic first-round sweep against Tampa Bay, followed by a second-round loss to Boston.
2022-23 Florida Panthers
The situation: The Panthers were struggling, having lost four straight and losing their starting goalie to injury. With eight games left, they were three points behind Pittsburgh for the final wild-card spot.
The schedule: Florida`s schedule was balanced, with few back-to-backs, and they didn`t directly face Pittsburgh.
The outcome: Backup goalie Alex Lyon stepped up, leading the Panthers to a six-game win streak. They clinched a playoff spot after Pittsburgh lost to Chicago. The Panthers went on an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final, defeating record-breaking Boston and other strong teams.
2012-13 Detroit Red Wings
The situation: In a shortened season, Detroit trailed Minnesota and Columbus by three points with four games left after a poor stretch. They had games in hand.
The schedule: Detroit had a favorable schedule with three of four games at home and against non-playoff teams.
The outcome: The Red Wings won all four remaining games to secure a playoff spot, edging out Minnesota and Columbus. They won a first-round series against Anaheim in seven games but lost to Chicago in the second round.
2014-15 Ottawa Senators
The situation: With four games left, Ottawa was ninth in the East, trailing Boston, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. However, they were on a hot streak thanks to goalie Andrew Hammond.
The schedule: Ottawa faced mostly road games but no back-to-backs, and only one playoff team among their opponents.
The outcome: Despite an initial loss, Ottawa won their last three games to clinch a wild-card spot, surpassing Boston. Hammond`s incredible run propelled them to the playoffs. They lost to Montreal in the first round.
