2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Clinching scenarios for Thursday, April 9
With the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs just over a week away, there’s still plenty to be determined.
Thursday is a particularly important day as multiple playoff spots and the Presidents’ Trophy can be clinched.
Here’s the full list of clinching scenarios for Thursday, April 9.
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Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh Penguins clinch playoff spot:
- If they win against New Jersey Devils (7p.m. ET) in any fashion
OR
- If they secure one point against New Jersey AND the Buffalo Sabres beat the Columbus Blue Jackets (7 p.m ET) in any fashion.
OR
- If the Toronto Maple Leafs win against the New York Islanders (6:45 p.m. ET) in any fashion AND the Sabres beat the Blue Jackets in regulation.
Boston Bruins (not playing) clinch playoff spot:
- If the Maple Leafs win against the Islanders in regulation AND the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. ET) in regulation AND Buffalo defeats Columbus in regulation.
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche clinch Presidents’ Trophy:
- If they win against the Calgary Flames (9 p.m. ET) in any fashion.
OR
- If they get one point against Calgary AND the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Carolina Hurricanes (8:30 p.m. ET) in any fashion.
OR
- The Blackhawks defeat the Hurricanes in regulation.
Utah Mammoth clinch playoff spot:
- If they win against the Nashville Predators (9 p.m. ET) in regulation AND the Anaheim Ducks beat the San Jose Sharks (10 p.m. ET) in any fashion.