NHL Playoffs 2023 is going to get started and all the Hockey fans are anxiously awaiting the commencement of the thrilling playoffs.
The tournament promises to be fierce and action-packed with the top clubs from the Eastern and Western Conferences competing for the prized Stanley Cup trophy. The top 16 teams from the regular season, seeded based on their standings performance, will compete in the 2023 playoffs. The 2023 NHL Playoffs will undoubtedly be a memorable event for players and spectators alike since the stakes are so high and the pressure is so intense.
NHL Playoff Bracket: How It Works and What You Need to Know
The NHL playoffs consist of 16 teams, with eight teams from each of the two conferences qualifying. In each conference, the top three teams from both divisions will earn a playoff berth, along with two wildcard teams based on their regular season performance.
This format results in eight first-round matchups, with no teams receiving a bye in the first round. The absence of byes adds to the excitement and competitiveness of the playoffs, with every team having to fight for their spot in the later rounds of the tournament.
2023 NHL playoff standings
| EASTERN CONFERENCE | WESTERN CONFERENCE |
| Atlantic Division Boston Bruins (105 points)Toronto Maple Leafs (89 points)Tampa Bay Lightning (86 points) Metropolitan Division Carolina Hurricanes (96 points)New Jersey Devils (94 points)New York Rangers (86 points) | Central Division Dallas Stars (87 points)Minnesota Wild (86 points)Colorado Avalanche (82 points) Pacific Division Vegas Golden Knights (90 points)Los Angeles Kings (87 points)Edmonton Oilers (82 points) |
These teams are the most likely to secure a spot in the 2023 NHL playoffs, while other teams that are ranked closely behind them have a good chance of making it to the playoffs entry if they perform well in their upcoming regular season matches.
Probable Teams to enter the Wild Card:
- Eastern Conference: Pittsburgh Penguins,New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres.
- Western Conference: Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues.
While these teams have a higher likelihood of making it into the NHL Wild Card, it’s important to note that other teams with lower point standings may still have a chance if they excel in their remaining games.
The competition is expected to be fierce and unexpected, from the first-round games through the wild-card candidates. Fans around the world will be watching to find out who will win the Stanley Cup trophy and be named the 2023 NHL playoffs winner.
