Joel Quenneville‘s team snapped an eight-year playoff drought, but their final position in the Western Conference remains undecided. They arrive with 90 points and locked in a tight Pacific Division race alongside teams like the Oilers.

Meanwhile, Andrew Brunette‘s team has already been eliminated from playoff contention, but the Predators still bring competitive form into the finale and recently defeated Anaheim 5-0 in their last meeting.

What happens if Ducks beat Predators today?

If the Anaheim Ducks beat the Nashville Predators, they earn 2 points and can move up to second place in the Pacific Division if the Edmonton Oilers lose in regulation, improving their playoff seeding and first-round matchup.

That jump is critical for playoff positioning. Finishing second would likely set up a first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, while remaining in third would mean facing the Edmonton Oilers instead.

What happens if Ducks and Predators tie today?

If the Ducks and Predators are tied after regulation, Anaheim secures at least 1 point, while the overtime or shootout winner earns 2 and the loser gets 1, keeping their playoff seeding scenario open.

There are no ties in the NHL standings, so any game tied after 60 minutes goes to overtime. That guarantees them at least one point, which can still be valuable in a tightly packed race where a single point can determine final seeding.

They could still finish in a Pacific Division spot, but would need other results to go their way to avoid slipping into a wild-card position, where the playoff path becomes significantly tougher.

What happens if Ducks lose to Predators today?

If the Ducks lose in regulation, they earn 0 points, while an overtime or shootout loss gives them 1 point, and either outcome could push them toward a wild-card spot in the Western Conference standings.

Even though Anaheim has already clinched a playoff berth, their margin in the standings remains tight. A regulation loss would leave them exposed to being overtaken by nearby teams, potentially dropping them out of the top three.

That shift would have major consequences. Instead of a divisional matchup, the Ducks would likely face a top-seeded team in the first round—most notably the Colorado Avalanche, who finished with the best record in the conference.

It’s actually pretty simple. Mutter, Bancroft, and Rizzo have yet to make their NHL debuts, and it’s now guaranteed they won’t take their rookie laps in the 2025–26 season. The three players are in the AHL, and because the minor league will have its deadline on March 13, teams can still make moves. The Bruins and Predators did just that.

The only condition for making a trade is that the players involved can’t compete in an NHL game. Thus, although the latest move was confirmed by the Bruins and Preds, it involves players who will spend the final games of the campaign with their affiliates—the Providence Bruins and Milwaukee Admirals, respectively.

Bruins brace for playoff push

After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the 2024–25 NHL season, the mission for the Bruins was clear in 2025–26. However, the road to the postseason in the East is truly a bloodbath, and Boston finds itself in the midst of it all.

With fewer than 20 games left on their schedule, the Bruins brace for what’s set to be a frenetic home stretch of the regular season. Boston currently owns the last wild card spot, but it’s hanging on by the skin of its teeth. The fact that the Bruins haven’t won consecutive games since January does little to help their case.

Struggling to build momentum while many teams get scorching hot, it may as well be a lethal cocktail for an organization that took a rather shy approach to the NHL trade deadline. Now, Boston may be paying the price for it.

Among the dozens of outdoor NHL games, a handful have flirted with warmth rather than winter’s bite. In 2020, Dallas hosted a Winter Classic under surprisingly mild skies, but it wasn’t the warmest test the league ever faced.

Looking back in the NHL’s outdoor record books, a 2016 matchup stands out: temperatures well above freezing turned a classic winter tradition into a near-springtime scene on the ice, rewriting what “winter” could mean.

The warmest NHL Winter Classic on record

While snowy New Year’s Days often define the Winter Classic’s iconic imagery, one edition stood out for a very different reason. The 2020 Winter Classic in Dallas, Texas, saw game-time temperatures hover near 55°F (13°C), unusually warm for a contest that trades its roots in frigid outdoor hockey for a spectacle in sun-splashed stadiums.

That Cotton Bowl showdown between the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators brought a summer-like feel to a winter event. The mild air may have softened the frost on fans’ cheeks, but it didn’t cool the competitive fire on the ice, as the Stars captured a 4–2 victory in front of tens of thousands, a crowd that made it the second-most attended Winter Classic in league history.

The Dallas game’s warmth hinted at the NHL’s evolving relationship with outdoor weather, a dynamic balance between nostalgia and the realities of climate, venue and scheduling. Outdoor contests now embrace a range of conditions, from bitter cold to spring-like warmth, each leaving its own mark on the lore of hockey’s annual outdoor showcase.

The warmest NHL outdoor game ever played

Though the Winter Classic name is most often tied to January outdoor games, the broader series of NHL outdoor contests includes some even warmer days. On Feb. 27, 2016, at Coors Field in Denver, the puck dropped under skies where the thermometer read 65°F (18°C) — still the highest ambient temperature documented for an NHL outdoor game.

That Stadium Series matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings turned tradition on its head, as attendees traded bulky winter coats for lighter layers under afternoon sunshine.

The Denver crowd, packed into the baseball park turned hockey venue, watched Detroit skate away with a 5–3 result amid conditions more reminiscent of spring training than a winter showcase.

While this wasn’t officially a Winter Classic under that specific name, its warmth still resonates when discussing the league’s experience with mild weather outdoor hockey, especially as the NHL looks ahead to even more southerly venues in future events.

The Panthers (12-9-1) took care of business during their visit to the 6-12-4 Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Florida knew it couldn’t afford a misstep when facing one of the worst teams in the NHL. Marchand and company came out of the tunnel swinging, as the Cats established their dominance over the Preds.

“I think we’re finding a different way to do it,” Paul Maurice admitted, via NHL.com. “We’ve had to. So we’re a little bit more dynamic in the offensive zone than we’ve been in the past. We’re still pretty legitimate off the rush, but I think that these guys, they’re all-in. They work at it every day.”

Panthers erupt for yet another 8-goal night

In more ways than one, Maurice saw everything he hoped to witness from the Panthers. Coming into the game, the Cats had struggled to score in bunches throughout the 2025-26 NHL season—registering 2.90 goals per game.

However, Florida put up eight goals against the Preds, rising its average goal production to 3.14 tallies per outing. Nashville, on the other hand, now averages 3.68 goals against per game after conceding eight tallies for the first time this campaign.

All hands on deck for the Panthers

On another note, the Panthers had several players putting up points. After relying on Marchand’s production through large stretches of the campaign, the Cats recorded their biggest win of the season on a night Marchand logged only a secondary assist.

Moreover, the Panthers scored all their goals at even strength, proving they can blow opponents out of the water even when the man-advantage units are not firing on all cylinders. Nights like this keep hope alive in Broward County as the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions aim for a three-peat.

Pivotal homestand for Marchand and Panthers

The win over Nashville is key for Florida to build momentum. However, it will all be in vain if the Cats can’t keep the good work when returning home to Sunrise. Up next, the Panthers will stay in the Sunshine State for a while, playing six straight games at Amerant Bank Arena.

• vs Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 26
• vs Calgary Flames on Nov. 28
• vs Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 2
• vs Nashville Predators on Dec. 4
• vs Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 6
• vs New York Islanders on Dec. 7

In the century-long history, hoisting the Stanley Cup is the ultimate prize, the gold standard against which all 32 franchises are measured. While teams boast deep traditions and countless playoff runs, the narrative is different for others.

The NHL‘s expansion era, which began in the late 1960s and continued well into the 21st century, brought the excitement of professional hockey to new markets, spreading the wealth of talent and fan engagement. However, the introduction of fresh clubs also meant starting from scratch.

This disparity creates a compelling backdrop for examining the league’s competitive balance. While perennial contenders often overshadow the less successful teams, it is the franchises with the scarcest Final appearances that tell an equally dramatic tale of organizational growing pains.

Nashville Predators | 1 Stanley Cup Final appearance

Since joining the NHL in 1998, the Nashville Predators have been perennial playoff contenders—but the Stanley Cup Final has eluded them nearly their entire existence. Their lone trip to the Final came in the 2016–17 season, a breakthrough run that saw them upset higher-seeded teams and capture the imagination of a hockey city.

That playoff run was built on grit. As the 8th seed, Nashville swept the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, then proceeded to knock off the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks to reach the Final. But despite their underdog momentum, they fell short in the championship round—denied the ultimate hardware, and left to chase that dream again.

Even after that near miss, the Predators remain defined by ambition. Their only Stanley Cup Final berth stands as a reminder of both how far they’ve come and how much remains to be done. Among NHL franchises, they are a clear example of sustained competitiveness that has yet to cross the final threshold.

San Jose Sharks | 1 appearance

The San Jose Sharks, founded in 1991, came agonizingly close to their first Stanley Cup in the 2016 Final. That season marked a watershed moment: the franchise’s first-ever appearance in the Cup Final after years of regular playoff appearances.

Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Sharks pushed hard, igniting massive passion throughout the Bay Area. But in Game 6 at home, the Penguins pulled away with a 3–1 win, sealing the series 4–2. Despite the defeat, the Sharks’ run remains a defining moment for a team that long seemed cursed outside of regular-season success.

That lone Final appearance still carries weight. For San Jose, it’s more than a missed title: it’s proof that the arena-level brilliance, big-game talent, and high-caliber coaching can converge—if only one more time.

Ottawa Senators | 1 appearance

The modern Ottawa Senators, re-established in 1992, have only made it to the Stanley Cup Final once, in 2007. It was a milestone for a younger franchise hoping to shake the “expansion team” label, but the outcome was bitter: Ottawa lost the Final 4–1 to the Anaheim Ducks.

That series was the high-water mark for the early Senators era. They entered the playoffs with momentum, but Anaheim’s composure and experience proved too much in the long run.

For Ottawa, that single Final trip is both a source of pride and a frustration. It serves as a reminder that they have tasted what’s possible—but also how far they must go to break through and claim their first Stanley Cup.

Vegas Golden Knights | 2 appearances

The Vegas Golden Knights remain one of the most compelling stories in modern NHL history. As a young expansion team, they stunned the league by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in just their second season (2018), only to fall to the Washington Capitals.

But what makes their legacy even more extraordinary is what came next: in 2023, the Knights returned to the Final and closed the deal, beating the Florida Panthers 4–1. The clincher happened in dramatic fashion — a 9–3 Game 5 at home, highlighted by captain Mark Stone’s hat trick and Jonathan Marchessault earning Conn Smythe honors.

Anaheim Ducks | 2 appearances

The Anaheim Ducks’ journey to the Stanley Cup Final reads like a Hollywood script. Their first appearance came in 2003 when they were still known as the Mighty Ducks — facing the New Jersey Devils in a grueling seven-game series, and ultimately falling short.

But four years later, in 2007, they returned with renewed strength. That year, Anaheim defeated the Ottawa Senators in just five games to claim their first and only Stanley Cup. What makes that victory especially rich in story is that it marked a full-circle moment for a franchise born out of pop culture: the movie-inspired Ducks had become champions in real life.

Carolina Hurricanes | 2 appearances

The Carolina Hurricanes have had their share of Stanley Cup Final drama, and their narrative is as poignant as it is triumphant. Their first Final came in 2002, but they were outclassed by a powerhouse Detroit Red Wings squad.

Undeterred, the Hurricanes returned in 2006 for a rematch on a grand stage — this time against the Edmonton Oilers. Down to the wire, they forced a Game 7 and captured the Cup by winning 3–1 on home ice, with rookie Cam Ward earning Conn Smythe honors. That moment became a defining chapter: a franchise that had tasted disappointment climbing all the way to the summit.

Washington Capitals | 2 appearances

The Washington Capitals’ championship story is rooted in perseverance. Their first Stanley Cup Final came in 1998, but they suffered a sweep at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings.

It would take two decades of near-misses, heartbreaks, and reinvention before they finally broke through. In 2018, led by Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games to win their first-ever Stanley Cup.

Buffalo Sabres | 2 appearances

The Buffalo Sabres’ Stanley Cup Final story is defined by frustration, resilience, and the kind of heartbreak that becomes part of a franchise’s mythology. Their first appearance came in 1975, during the era of the famed “French Connection,” but the run ended at the hands of a dominant Flyers squad.

Decades later, in 1999, Buffalo returned to the Final only to endure one of the most infamous endings in NHL history — Brett Hull’s overtime goal counted despite the disputed “skate in the crease,” sealing the series for Dallas and leaving Sabres fans with a lingering rallying cry: “No Goal”. For a team still chasing its first championship, those near-misses loom larger than any banner.

Colorado Avalanche | 3 appearances

Colorado Avalanche’s relationship with the Stanley Cup Final is a showcase of transformation — from relocation to immediate glory. After moving from Quebec in 1995, the newly minted Avalanche wasted no time, reaching and winning the Final in 1996 behind Joe Sakic’s leadership and Patrick Roy’s brilliance.

Their second title came in 2001, capping off Ray Bourque’s storied career with an emotional finish that remains one of the league’s most iconic moments. And two decades later, the Avalanche surged back in 2022, blending speed, youth, and firepower to defeat Tampa Bay and claim their third championship.

Los Angeles Kings | 3 appearances

The Los Angeles Kings spent decades as an underdog franchise — a team with flashes of star power but little postseason reward. Their first Stanley Cup Final appearance arrived in 1993 during the Wayne Gretzky era, a magical run that ended against the Montreal Canadiens. Nearly twenty years later, Los Angeles reinvented itself with a bruising, defensively suffocating identity that changed everything.

In 2012, the Kings stormed through the playoffs as the unexpected eighth seed, winning the Stanley Cup with a mix of grit and dominance. They returned in 2014 with even greater resilience, surviving three straight seven-game series before defeating the Rangers for their second championship.

Ever since leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning for the Nashville Predators, Steven Stamkos has seen a significant decrease in his production. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and in Music City the tunes are no better than they were in the Big Guava. For the former first overall pick in 2008, a fresh start might make all the difference in the world.

On that note, the Canucks may offer the best scenario in the NHL. Pettersson and company are witnessing the effects of a lackluster depth at the most important forward position. Though Stamkos’ recent numbers are anything but exciting, the veteran could still revamp the roster in Vancity.

“The Canucks are working the phones. They’re trying to get a centerman, they’ve called everybody. Someone told me the Canucks are poking around Steven Stamkos. It’s no surprise,” as reported on Donnie and Dhali – The Team.

Why not?

At first, trading for a 35-year-old center whose best days in the NHL are past him may sound delusional. However, the Canucks are in a position where such bold moves are needed. They can pay off, or they can backfire tremendously, but staying idle won’t do Vancouver any favors, either.

“If you’re the Canucks and you’ve got 8 guys injured—3 or 4 of them in the top-six— you know your heddle is out. You’re calling every centerman you think could be available,” Rick Dhaliwal and Don Taylor added. “You have to look at everybody, it’s desperation time. Vancouver is calling everywhere.”

Lend them a hand

Still, in order to complete a trade for Stamkos, the Canucks would need some assistance from the Predators—or any other franchise willing to take on dead cap space.

“Nashville would have to eat a part of [Steven Stamkos’ $8 million cap hit]. The Preds would have to eat, at least, $2 to $3 million to make it somewhat [achievable],” Rick Dhaliwal and Don Taylor commented.

Big decision

It’s risky business. The stakes are high for Pettersson and the Canucks in the 2025-26 NHL season. As the saying goes, scared money makes no money. However, committing to a regressing veteran—whose contract runs through the 2027-28 campaign—could chain Vancouver to a top-dollar problem.

On the flip side, perhaps Stamkos’ dip in production is merely a byproduct of the turmoil in Smashville. Who knows what Vancouver might be missing out on by judging a book by its cover.

Evangelista, a 42nd overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is coming off his entry-level contract and has already proven his value as a full-time NHL player. The Predators hoped to secure him with a short-term bridge deal, but the negotiations have revealed a much larger financial gap than expected.

According to insider David Pagnotta, reporting on X, the discussions have focused primarily on a two-year contract, with a three-year option also floated this week. Yet, the issue isn’t term—it’s money. Pagnotta summarized the situation bluntly: “There remains a big $ gap—despite the player adjusting, Preds stuck in the mud. Such a head scratcher.”

Why the stalemate matters

The Predators’ unwillingness to move closer to Evangelista’s demands is raising eyebrows around the league. For a team that has emphasized building around young talent, hesitation to commit financially to a rising player sends a conflicting message about long-term strategy.

What’s next for Nashville and Evangelista?

For now, Evangelista remains in limbo. His commitment to the organization isn’t being questioned, but until the Predators adjust their stance, the 22-year-old forward is stuck on the sidelines. With training camp rapidly approaching, time is running out for both sides to find common ground before the season begins.

The loss to the Florida Panthers in the second-round series put the future of the core led by Matthews in question, which could push the team to reshape its supporting structure around the captain. In that sense, the retooling includes new options.

The extensions of Matthew Knies and John Tavares allow Toronto to retain two important assets despite Marner’s departure. However, the potential arrival of another offensive weapon remains a lingering rumor surrounding the Maple Leafs.

Which Predators forward could the Maple Leafs be interested in?

According to journalist Luke Fox, the Predators could be open to trading forward Luke Evangelista, which, he said, could “represent an opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs to add a hometown talent.”

Evangelista, a Toronto-born forward, has stood out recently, especially in a game against the Maple Leafs on March 22, 2025, where he registered three points with one goal and two assists.

Evangelista’s projection

Evangelista is a 23-year-old forward who has shown strong offensive potential, recording 86 points in 172 games (33 goals and 53 assists) with the Preds. He could fit well on the Leafs’ second or third line, as they look for a complementary piece alongside Matthews.

Reid Schaefer entered the league in 2022 after being selected 32nd overall by Edmonton. However, as part of a major trade involving defenseman Mattias Ekholm, the young prospect ultimately landed with the Predators — still waiting to make his debut with the first team.

In a recent conversation with the media, Schaefer — who has been playing with the AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals — shared how he felt upon learning he was leaving the franchise that had placed its faith in him just a few years earlier.

“I was a little shocked at first. I’ve been an Oilers’ fan for a long time (sweaters all around his house). I was pretty thrilled to be part of that organization but looking back, being part of the Ekholm trade it was a win-win for me,” he said.

“I think there’s more opportunity for me in Nashville, a quicker route to the NHL, where Edmonton’s in a win-now mode,” he said. “I mean it (expletive) (the trade) at first, but looking back, it’s a blessing in disguise.”

Chasing a place on the final roster

Despite not yet having made his official NHL debut, Schaefer will be looking to earn a spot on the Predators’ final roster heading into the upcoming season. However, an injury could put that goal in jeopardy for the young talent.

“The shoulder (issue) had been lingering for three years but it fully came out at camp…a puck battle in the corner and I kind of got cross-checked….Then on December 7, it was another weird one, just a light bump. I tried a reverse hit, and the shoulder came out,” he said.

Schaefer recorded seven goals and 14 assists in 63 games during his first season with the Admirals, but was limited to just 19 games in the 2024–25 season with Milwaukee due to injury.

Predators looking to make a statement

Heading into the new NHL season, expectations for the Nashville Predators are squarely tied to the continued elite performance of their captain and franchise cornerstone, Roman Josi. The Predators are looking to build on their momentum, with Josi serving as both the emotional leader and the engine of the team’s offense from the blue line.

While key contributors like Filip Forsberg and Juuse Saros are essential to the team’s success, it is Josi’s two-way brilliance and unparalleled consistency that set the standard. The hope in Nashville is that Josi can once again contend for the Norris Trophy while guiding a talented roster to not just another playoff berth, but a deeper run towards a Stanley Cup title.

Rumors surrounding McDavid’s possible departure continue to swirl in what is a pivotal offseason for the Oilers’ long-term outlook. With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Edmonton is evaluating all options to keep one of its generational talents.

Meanwhile, the Predators are coming off a disappointing 2024–25 campaign and are now focused on reshaping their roster, especially when it comes to high-impact contracts. With that goal in mind, the front office is considering several possible moves that could clear cap space and bring in younger assets with long-term upside.

What move could the Predators be considering?

NHL insider Nick Kypreos reported, “If [the Predators] have a chance to move one of their expensive, long-term contracts, Jonathan Marchessault would be the most likely.” The veteran winger, who signed a five-year, $27.5 million deal in 2024, now faces a real possibility of being moved following a season that fell short of expectations.

Marchessault joined Nashville in 2024 after a highly successful run with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he won the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023. Last season, his impact declined, finishing with 21 goals and a total of 56 points.

Teams monitoring the Marchessault situation

Several teams are keeping a close eye on Marchessault’s status in Nashville. The Oilers have recently emerged as a potential suitor, aiming to add a top-six spark to support McDavid. Other potential destinations include the Toronto Maple Leafs, possibly looking to replace Mitch Marner, and the Vancouver Canucks, who are in need of offensive reinforcements.

His arrival generated great excitement among fans in Tennessee, who hoped the experienced winger would help raise the offensive level and lead a group that also added Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei. However, in his first year in Nashville, Marchessault’s performance did not meet expectations after a long stint with the Golden Knights.

The Predators missed the playoffs last season, and now Nashville head coach Andrew Brunette has analyzed the challenges faced by both Marchessault and Stamkos, who were recently acquired by the franchise.

What did Brunette say about Marchessault on the Predators?

“Last year, it was hard early on because I still think their hearts were in Vegas and Tampa. Now it’s their team. I think the pride that comes when you say, ‘This is my team,’ I think you’ll get the best version of them,” Predators head coach Brunette said to NHL.com when referring to Marchessault, also including Stamkos in his statement.

Despite putting pressure on Marchessault to be better next season, Brunette has shown compassion regarding his slow adaptation. “It takes some time. They won Cups and did some pretty remarkable things where they came from. Change is always hard,” he added, once again referring to both Marchessault and Stamkos.

How did Marchessault and Stamkos perform in their first year in Nashville?

Marchessault performed below his career average, playing 78 games and recording 21 goals and 35 assists (a total of 56 points). Stamkos, for his part, played in all 82 regular-season games, tallying 27 goals and 26 assists.