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	<title>Hockey Archives - In Play! magazine</title>
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		<title>NHL April 16, 2026 &#8211; McDavid Wins Art Ross</title>
		<link>https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-16-2026-mcdavid-wins-art-ross/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:05:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NHL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hockey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://inplaymagazine.com/?p=147800</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>NHL April 16, 2026 &#8211; McDavid, MacKinnon and Avalanche’s goaltending tandem win NHL Awards Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon won the Art Ross and Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, respectively, while [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-16-2026-mcdavid-wins-art-ross/">NHL April 16, 2026 &#8211; McDavid Wins Art Ross</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NHL April  16, 2026 &#8211; McDavid, MacKinnon and Avalanche’s goaltending tandem win NHL Awards</h2>



<p>Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon won the Art Ross and Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, respectively, while MacKinnon’s teammates Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood captured the William M. Jennings Trophy.</p>



<p style="text-transform:uppercase"><strong>Oilers’ McDavid, Avalanche Trio Win 2025-26 Regular Season Awards</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>McDavid concluded the campaign with an NHL-leading 138 points to win his sixth career Art Ross Trophy. He passed Phil Esposito as well as Jaromir Jagr (both w/ 5) and tied Gordie Howe as well as Mario Lemieux for the second most in League history behind Wayne Gretzky (10).</li>



<li>MacKinnon had a career-high 53 goals and became the second player in franchise history to capture the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, following Milan Hejduk (2002-03). MacKinnon and Hejduk are the only Avalanche/Nordiques players to top the League in tallies including the club’s 19 seasons before the “Rocket” was introduced in 1998-99.</li>



<li>Wedgewood and Blackwood backstopped Colorado to a League-low 203 goals against (including 6 shootout deciders) and became the second and third goaltenders in franchise history to win the William M. Jennings Trophy after Patrick Roy (2001-02). Wedgewood and Blackwood were recently featured in the latest Skates Off where they discussed their chemistry and explored goalie mask artistry.</li>
</ul>



<p style="text-transform:uppercase"><strong>2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket gets locked in at the eleventh hour</strong></p>



<p>Matt Savoie’s first-period hat trick helped the Oilers (41-30-11, 93 points) clinch the Pacific Division’s No. 2 seed and home-ice advantage in their First Round series against the third-place Ducks (43-33-6, 92 points), which was confirmed after Anaheim’s NHL-best 12th third-period comeback win Thursday. The Kings (35-27-20, 90 points) concluded the campaign with the Western Conference’s final Wild Card spot and will play the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche during the opening round.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Oilers and Ducks will play their third head-to-head playoff series, following Anaheim’s seven-game win in the 2017 Second Round and Edmonton’s five-game victory during the 2006 Conference Finals. Their last meeting marked the Ducks’ most-recent series win and included Anaheim overcoming a 3-0 deficit during the final 3:16 of regulation in Game 5, which remains the latest three-goal comeback victory in Stanley Cup Playoffs history.</li>



<li>The Avalanche and Kings will play their third head-to-head playoff series following seven-game wins by Colorado in the 2002 Conference Quarterfinals and 2001 Conference Semifinals. They are among five pairs of franchises that required a Game 7 in each of their first two series – the others are the Lightning and Penguins (2016 CF &amp; 2011 CQF), Blues and Canucks (2003 &amp; 1995 CQF), Avalanche and Stars (2000 &amp; 1999 CF) as well as the Devils and Rangers (1994 CF &amp; 1992 DSF).</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>SENNECKE’S STANDOUT SEASON, OTHER YOUNG STARS FEATURED</strong></p>



<p>Thursday featured a six-game regular season finale, including Beckett Sennecke concluding the campaign with 23 goals to tie Matthew Schaefer for the most among rookies.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Sennecke became the third player in franchise history to lead all rookies in goals at the end of a regular season (outright or tied), following Bobby Ryan (2008-09) and Paul Kariya (1994-95). Schaefer was the first defenseman in more than 90 years to top all rookies in tallies as well as the fourth in League history after Doug Young (1931-32), Leo Reise Sr. (1920-21) and Billy Stuart (1920-21).</li>



<li>Macklin Celebrini (45-70—115 in 82 GP) concluded his stand-out 2025-26 with a three-point performance and by moving up a number of franchise single-season lists – he surpassed Joe Thornton (22-92—114 in 2006-07) for the most points, tied Thornton (18 in 2006-07) for the most three-point games, and moved into sole possession of second place for multi-point outings and goals.</li>



<li>Celebrini completed his final campaign before turning 20 with career totals of 70-108—178 (152 GP). He became the fifth teenager in NHL history with 100-plus career assists and owns the third-most points by a teenager through 150 career outings in League history behind Sidney Crosby (210) and Dale Hawerchuk (180).</li>



<li>Ivan Demidov became the Canadiens’ second player in as many seasons to lead all rookies in points, following teammate Lane Hutson (2024-25). Jakub Dobes delivered 29 of Montreal’s 48 wins to conclude the campaign with eight more than the next-closest rookie goaltender.</li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-16-2026-mcdavid-wins-art-ross/">NHL April 16, 2026 &#8211; McDavid Wins Art Ross</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>NHL APRIL 15, 2026 &#8211; GOLDEN KNIGHTS CLINCH DIVISION</title>
		<link>https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-15-2026-golden-knights-clinch-division/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NHL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hockey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://inplaymagazine.com/?p=147792</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>NHL APRIL 15, 2026 &#8211; GOLDEN KNIGHTS CLINCH PACIFIC DIVISION TITLE After the Kraken took a 1-0 lead, Reilly Smith (2-1—3) led the Vegas rally and Mitch Marner (1-0—1) netted [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-15-2026-golden-knights-clinch-division/">NHL APRIL 15, 2026 &#8211; GOLDEN KNIGHTS CLINCH DIVISION</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NHL APRIL 15, 2026 &#8211; GOLDEN KNIGHTS CLINCH PACIFIC DIVISION TITLE</h2>



<p>After the Kraken took a 1-0 lead, Reilly Smith (2-1—3) led the Vegas rally and Mitch Marner (1-0—1) netted the game-winning goal to help the Golden Knights (39-26-17, 95 points) clinch the Pacific Division title by virtue of a win against the Kraken and lock in a First Round matchup with the Mammoth. In the process, Vegas became the first franchise in NHL history to record at least 20 home wins in each of their first nine seasons.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Marner recorded his fifth consecutive 80-point season (24-56—80 in 81 GP) and tied Nathan MacKinnon and Artemi Panarin (both w/ 5 dating to 2021-22) for the fifth-longest streak among active players. Jack Eichel (0-2—2), who assisted on Marner’s winner, became the 11th U.S.-born player in NHL history to record consecutive 90-point seasons and just the third active, joining Kyle Connor (2 dating to 2024-25) and Matthew Tkachuk (2 from 2021-22 to 2022-23). Jeremy Roenick paces the list with four from 1990-91 to 1993-94.</li>



<li>Vegas recorded the 10th instance in NHL history of a team capturing a division title after making an in-season head coaching change – a feat it has accomplished once before (2019-20 w/ Peter DeBoer). John Tortorella, who was hired as the Golden Knights’ head coach on March 29, made the second-latest debut among the head coaches included in those previous instances (75 GP) behind only Lou Lamoriello (80 GP in 2006-07 w/ NJD).</li>



<li>The Golden Knights and Mammoth will play the first playoff series involving franchises with 11 or fewer combined seasons of existence since the Oilers faced the original Winnipeg Jets in the 1984 Division Semifinals. </li>
</ul>



<p><strong>PACIFIC DIVISION TO BE FINALIZED ON FINAL DAY</strong></p>



<p>The Pacific Division standings will be finalized on the last day of the regular season as Edmonton (P2; 40-30-11, 91 points), Anaheim (P3; 42-33-6, 90 points) and Los Angeles (WC2; 35-26-20, 90 points), all within one point of one another, take to the ice. Each of the three teams can finish in any of three seeds (P2, P3 or WC2) and lock in a series against one of their division rivals playing Thursday or the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Connor McDavid has a point in every Oilers victory this season (40 wins) and looks to keep that streak alive Thursday as Edmonton attempts to secure the No. 2 seed in the Pacific Division and home ice advantage. McDavid can become the third player to record a point in every game their team won in a season (min. 25 wins), following Wayne Gretzky (29 in 1980-81 w/ EDM) and Dennis Maruk (26 in 1981-82 w/ WSH).</li>



<li>Beckett Sennecke (23-37—60 in 81 GP) needs one point to tie Trevor Zegras (23-38—61 in 2021-22) for the most points in a season by a Ducks rookie. Sennecke also requires two points to tie Ivan Demidov (19-43—62 in 82 GP) for the League lead among rookies – he can join Bobby Ryan (31-26—57 in 2008-09) as the second player in Ducks history to lead all rookies in points.</li>



<li>The Kings enter Thursday on an eight-game point streak dating to April 1 (6-0-2) and can post their third run of nine-plus contests in the past decade, following 2022-23 (12 GP) and 2017-18 (9 GP). Los Angeles will also look to conclude a season on a point streak of at least nine games for the second time in franchise history alongside 2000-01, when the club finished the campaign on a nine-game run en route to a Conference Semifinals appearance.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>STARS’ THIRD STRAIGHT 50-WIN SEASON</strong></p>



<p>The penultimate day of the 2025-26 regular season saw the Central Division’s No.2-seeded Stars best the Atlantic Division-leading Sabres in a shootout to secure their third consecutive 50-win campaign – the franchise’s longest such streak and a rare feat in NHL history. </p>



<p><strong>PACIFIC DIVISION TAKES CENTER STAGE ON FINAL DAY OF REGULAR SEASON</strong></p>



<p>The final day of the 2025-26 regular season sees all eyes fixed on the Pacific Division, where positioning and First Round matchups will be finalized for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs which begin this Saturday. The all-Western Conference six-game slate will also feature an ESPN doubleheader that opens with the Mammoth battling the Blues in their final game before their postseason debut and closes with the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche going head-to-head with the Kraken.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-15-2026-golden-knights-clinch-division/">NHL APRIL 15, 2026 &#8211; GOLDEN KNIGHTS CLINCH DIVISION</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>NHL APRIL 14, 2026 &#8211; FINAL TWO MATCHUPS LOCKED IN</title>
		<link>https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-14-2026-final-two-matchups-locked-in/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IPM Editor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:01:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NHL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hockey]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://inplaymagazine.com/?p=147787</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>NHL APRIL 14, 2026 &#8211; FINAL TWO FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS IN THE EAST LOCKED IN The Eastern Conference’s final two First Round matchups were set in stone Tuesday night: the [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-14-2026-final-two-matchups-locked-in/">NHL APRIL 14, 2026 &#8211; FINAL TWO MATCHUPS LOCKED IN</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NHL APRIL 14, 2026 &#8211; FINAL TWO FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS IN THE EAST LOCKED IN</h2>



<p>The Eastern Conference’s final two First Round matchups were set in stone Tuesday night: the Bruins’ victory against the Devils secured a meeting between Boston (WC1) and Buffalo (A1), which also locked in an opening round series between Carolina (M1) – the top seed in the Conference – and Ottawa (WC2).</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>David Pastrnak (0-1—1) factored one of his team’s four goals to reach the 100-point mark for the fourth consecutive season – tied with Nikita Kucherov (4 dating to 2022-23), Nathan MacKinnon (4 dating to 2022-23) and Leon Draisaitl (4 from 2021-22 to 2024-25) for the second-longest streak among active players behind Connor McDavid (6 dating to 2020-21). He also tied Kucherov and Draisaitl for the third-longest such run by a player born outside North America, behind only Peter Stastny (6) and Jari Kurri (5).</li>



<li>The Sabres and Bruins will play their ninth head-to-head playoff series and first since Boston’s six-game win in the 2010 Conference Quarterfinals – the Bruins have a 6-2 record through the eight previous meetings, including victories versus then-Sabres forward Lindy Ruff during the 1988 Division Semifinals, 1983 Division Finals and 1982 Division Semifinals. Buffalo’s wins were in the 1999 Conference Semifinals and 1993 Division Semifinals, the latter of which was capped by Rick Jeanneret’s legendary “May Day! May Day! May Day!” call when Brad May had his overtime clincher to complete the sweep.</li>



<li>Brandon Bussi recorded his 31st career win and helped Carolina (53-22-7, 113 points) finish second in the League standings – tied for its best finish in franchise history (also 2022-23). Only six goaltenders in League history had more wins than Bussi in their first NHL season: Bill Durnan (38 in 1943-44), Ron Hextall (37 in 1986-87), Roman Cechmanek (35 in 2000-01), Steve Mason (33 in 2008-09), Frank Brimsek (33 in 1938-39) and Mike Liut (32 in 1979-80).</li>



<li>The Hurricanes and Senators will play their first head-to-head playoff series. Carolina has an all-time record of 8-7 in its first series against a franchise, while Ottawa is 7-5.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>TOP PRODUCERS HELP MAMMOTH LOCK IN WILD CARD 1 IN WEST</strong></p>



<p>Nick Schmaltz (2-0—2) Logan Cooley (1-1—2), Clayton Keller (0-1—1), Dylan Guenther (0-1—1) and Mikhail Sergachev (0-1—1) are the only five players with 100 or more total points for the Mammoth in the past two seasons and they each found the score sheet as Utah secured the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The Mammoth will either play the Golden Knights or Oilers in the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Mammoth enter their first-ever postseason among rare company as one of only three franchises in NHL history to feature five players with 100-plus points through their first two seasons, alongside the Nordiques (6) and Whalers (5).</li>



<li>Keller collected a secondary helper on a must-see passing play in the third period to reach the 60-assist mark for the second time in as many seasons. He became the 12th American player in NHL history to record consecutive 60-assist campaigns, and the sixth active.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>FLYERS YOUTH SPARKS VICTORY ON HOME ICE</strong></p>



<p>Philadelphia’s youth led the way against Montreal, with Matvei Michkov (1-2—3), Porter Martone (1-1—2) and Oliver Bonk (1-1—2) each registering multi-point performances to lift the Flyers to victory in their final game of the regular season. In the process, their regulation win helped the Lightning secure the No. 2 seed in the Atlantic Division and home-ice advantage versus the Canadiens.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Michkov recorded his eighth career three-point game and tied Bill Barber and Mel Bridgman for the fourth most by a Flyers player at age 21 or younger. Michkov (20-31—51) became the eighth Flyers player to start their NHL career with consecutive 20-goal seasons and the first since Simon Gagne (3 from 1999-00 – 2001-02).</li>



<li>Martone recorded two points and tied Sean Couturier (6 GP in 2011-12), Mike Ricci (6 GP in 1990-91) and Peter Zezel (6 GP in 1984-85) for the second-longest point streak by a Flyers teenager, behind Eric Lindros (7 GP in 1992-93).</li>



<li>Bonk became the first defenseman to score in his NHL debut with the Flyers and just the third with multiple points, following Gord Murphy (0-2—2 in 1988-89) and Behn Wilson (0-2—2 in 1978-79). Bonk is the son of Radek Bonk, who recorded 194-303—497 in 969 NHL games and was in attendance at Xfinity Mobile Arena.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>PLAYERS HIT NOTABLE FEATS AS SEASON WINDS DOWN</strong></p>



<p>These players accomplished notable feats in their final few games of the 2025-26 regular season.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Martin Necas collected an assist on Nathan MacKinnon’s NHL-leading 53rd goal of the season to reach the 100-point mark for the first time in his career (38-62—100) and help the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche match a franchise record for road wins in a single campaign (29). Necas (Nove Mesto na Morave, CZE) joined his fellow countrymen David Pastrnak (29-71—100) as the second Czech-born player to reach the 100-point milestone in 2025-26 – the first campaign in NHL history to feature multiple 100-point Czech players.</li>



<li>Jakob Chychrun netted another game winner with his 26th goal of 2025-26 and matched Sergei Gonchar (26 in 2001-02) for the third most in a season by a Capitals defenseman, behind only Kevin Hatcher (34 in 1992-93) and Mike Green (31 in 2008-09).</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>VEGAS VIES FOR DIVISION TITLE ON PENULTIMATE DAY OF 2025-26 REGULAR SEASON</strong></p>



<p>The second-last day of the 2025-26 regular season opens with the Atlantic Division’s No. 1-seeded Sabres (50-23-8, 108 points) battling the Central Division’s No. 2-seeded Stars (49-20-12, 110 points) in a game nationally broadcast in the U.S. on TNT. Wednesday closes with the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights (38-26-17, 93 points) looking to secure the Pacific Division title when they host the Kraken (34-35-11, 79 points) at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas aims to capture its fifth division title, which would break a tie with Washington, Colorado and Carolina (all w/ 4) for the most since the franchise entered the League in 2017-18.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-14-2026-final-two-matchups-locked-in/">NHL APRIL 14, 2026 &#8211; FINAL TWO MATCHUPS LOCKED IN</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>NHL APRIL 13, 2026 &#8211; TEAMS SET FOR  CUP PLAYOFFS</title>
		<link>https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-13-2026-teams-set-for-cup-playoffs/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Guest Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:34:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[NHL]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>NHL APRIL 13, 2026 &#8211; ALL SIXTEEN TEAMS SET FOR THE 2026 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS It was an all-out sprint for postseason berths as we witnessed seven teams secure their [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-13-2026-teams-set-for-cup-playoffs/">NHL APRIL 13, 2026 &#8211; TEAMS SET FOR  CUP PLAYOFFS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NHL APRIL 13, 2026 &#8211; ALL SIXTEEN TEAMS SET FOR THE 2026 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS</h2>



<p>It was an all-out sprint for postseason berths as we witnessed seven teams secure their spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs over the past three days – a postseason that will feature six teams who did not qualify last year, seven clubs with new head coaches and four teams who occupied the final four positions in their conference 365 days ago.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs saw a six-team turnover with the Sabres, Penguins, Bruins, Flyers, Mammoth and Ducks all qualifying after missing the postseason last year – that is the second-highest total in NHL history behind 2020-21, 2017-18, 2016-17 and 2014-15 (all w/ 7).</li>



<li>Seven head coaches in their first season with a club guided their team into a playoff spot: Glen Gulutzan (DAL), Marco Sturm (BOS), Dan Muse (PIT), Rick Tocchet (PHI), Joel Quenneville (ANA), D.J. Smith (LAK) and John Tortorella (VGK). Only one campaign over the past 25 years (excluding 2019-20, when 24 teams qualified for the postseason) featured more: 2002-03 (8; WSH, DET, DAL, PHI, ANA, BOS, NJD &amp; COL).</li>



<li>The Penguins (13th), Sabres (14th), Bruins (15th) and Flyers (16th) all clinched a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs after finishing in the bottom four spots in the Eastern Conference in 2024-25. This marks the first time since 1993-94 that the last four teams in a conference each qualified for the postseason in the following campaign. Of note, 1993-94 was the season the League adopted the Eastern-Western conference format.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>FLYERS CLINCH FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT IN EAST, WILL FACE PENGUINS IN FIRST ROUND</strong></p>



<p>The Flyers erased a two-goal deficit before defeating the Hurricanes to clinch their first playoff spot since 2020 and set up the “Battle of Pennsylvania” in the First Round. Philadelphia’s run to qualify for the postseason saw it overcome a nine-point deficit as late as March 10. They became the first team in NHL history to make the playoffs after facing that large of a point deficit through 60 or more games played in a season.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Porter Martone factored on Trevor Zegras’ tying goal during the comeback win and became the fifth Flyers teenager in the past 30 years to record a point in five consecutive games, following Sean Couturier (6 GP in 2011-12), Matvei Michkov (5 GP in 2024-25), Joel Farabee (5 GP in 2019-20) and Nolan Patrick (5 GP in 2017-18).</li>



<li>The Flyers will meet the Penguins for the eighth time in the postseason once the First Round commences. The “Battle of Pennsylvania” will tie the “Battle of New York” (NYR &amp; NYI) for the most playoff series involving state or provincial rivals in NHL history.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>FINAL TWO PACIFIC DIVISION CLUBS CLINCH MONDAY: KINGS, DUCKS</strong></p>



<p>The Kings and Ducks were the final two clubs to secure their position in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Los Angeles doing so via a victory over the Kraken and a Sharks regulation win against the Predators, while idle Anaheim did so by virtue of San Jose defeating Nashville.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Kings extended their winning streak to five games – their longest run this season – as Adrian Kempe hit the 35-goal mark for the fourth time in his career. Only three other Swedish-born players have had as many 35-goal campaigns: Markus Naslund (5), Kent Nilsson (4) and Mats Sundin (4).</li>



<li>Los Angeles earned its fifth straight berth into the Stanley Cup Playoffs and eyes its first series win since the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. The Kings, who occupy the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, also entered the 2012 postseason as the conference’s lowest seed en route to a Stanley Cup. They are one of five franchises in NHL history to advance to the Final after entering the postseason as the lowest seed, alongside the 2023 Panthers, 2021 Canadiens, 2017 Predators and 2006 Oilers.</li>



<li>Anaheim is making its first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2018 and seeks its first series win since the 2017 Second Round. Overall, the Ducks own a .600 winning percentage at home during the Stanley Cup Playoffs since their first-ever postseason appearance in 1997.</li>



<li>Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson and Beckett Sennecke currently lead the Ducks in scoring this season with just two games remaining. Anaheim would be the seventh team in NHL history to enter the Stanley Cup Playoffs with their top three scorers all age 22 or younger. The others: 2017-18 Maple Leafs, 2008-09 Penguins, 2007-08 Capitals, 1982-83 Oilers, 1981-82 Oilers and 1980-81 Oilers.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>HURRICANES FINISH FIRST IN THE EAST, SABRES EARN DIVISION TITLE</strong></p>



<p>Two more titles were secured Monday as the Hurricanes claimed first place in the Eastern Conference, while the Sabres earned the Atlantic Division title.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nikolaj Ehlers (1-1—2) helped Carolina clinch its first conference title Monday after collecting a point against Philadelphia. Ehlers (25-45—70) became just the second player in Hurricanes team history (since 1997-98) to record 70-plus points in their first season with the club, following Cory Stillman (76 in 2005-06). Ehlers also joined Vegas’ Mitch Marner (23-56—79) as the only players on new teams this season to reach the 70-point mark.</li>



<li>Tage Thompson scored twice to record his third career 40-goal season as the Sabres (50-23-8, 108 points) clinched the Atlantic Division title by virtue of a regulation win against the Blackhawks and a Lightning overtime victory versus the Red Wings – their seventh division title in franchise history and first since 2009-10. Thompson became the fifth player in Sabres history to post three or more 40-goal seasons.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>KUCHEROV HITS 130 POINTS AS LIGHTNING LOCK IN FIRST ROUND VS. CANADIENS</strong></p>



<p>Nikita Kucherov (1-1—2) continued to make his case in the Art Ross Trophy race with his 130th point of the season as the Lightning (50-25-6, 106 points) locked in a First Round matchup with the Canadiens (48-23-10, 106 points) by virtue of the Sabres clinching the No.1 seed in the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay and Montreal each have one game remaining with home advantage yet to be decided.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Kucherov (44-86—130) recorded his second career 130-point season and became the second active player with multiple, following Connor McDavid (3). Kucherov trails McDavid by four points in the Art Ross Trophy race with one game remaining but leads the League in four-point outings with nine on the season – the next closest players are McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon (both w/ 6).</li>



<li>The Lightning and Canadiens will play their fifth head-to-head playoff series and first since Tampa Bay’s five-game win in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. The Lightning have a 3-1 record through the four previous meetings, with the Canadiens’ lone victory being a four-game sweep during the 2014 Conference Quarterfinals.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>BOURQUE SCORES FIRST HAT TRICK AS STARS COMPLETE RARE RALLY</strong></p>



<p>Mavrik Bourque (3-1—4) scored his first NHL hat trick as the Stars rallied from 3-0 and 5-3 deficits to defeat the Maple Leafs and earn their first multi-goal third-period comeback win in regulation since Dec. 23, 2023 (3-2 W at NSH). Dallas (49-20-12, 110 points) hit the 110-point mark in a season for the fifth time in franchise history and has a chance to reach 50 wins for the third straight campaign.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Bourque became the fifth player in Stars team history (since 1993-94) to record at least three goals and four points on the road. Wyatt Johnston was the last to achieve the feat (3-2—5 on March 5, 2024).</li>



<li>Johnston netted his 27th power-play goal of the season and tied Sam Reinhart (27 in 2023-24) as well as six others for the 13th most in a campaign in NHL history. The only active player with more is Leon Draisaitl (32 in 2022-23).</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>MORE FROM MONDAY</strong></p>



<p>With 20 teams in action, Monday was full, including notes from Macklin Celebrini, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Quick.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Celebrini tied Owen Nolan (44 in 1999-00) and Patrick Marleau (44 in 2009-10) for the second-most goals in a single season in Sharks history, a list topped by Jonathan Cheechoo (56 in 2005-06). He also recorded his 46th career multi-point game and will finish with the fifth most by a teenager in NHL history. The only players with more: Sidney Crosby (67), Wayne Gretzky (66), Dale Hawerchuk (54) and Jimmy Carson (51).</li>



<li>Kane collected an assist and became the fourth active player to reach 1,400 career points (508-892—1,400 in 1,368 GP), joining Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin.</li>



<li>Quick announced he was playing in his final NHL game prior to Monday’s contest – his Rangers teammates paid tribute to his prolific career by wearing his number during warm-ups and the Panthers did so by shaking his hand post-game. Quick ended his career as a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a Conn Smythe Trophy winner (2012) while also owning the most wins by an American goaltender in NHL history and ranking 12th on the League’s all-time list.</li>
</ul>



<p><strong>WOMEN IN HOCKEY CANADIAN TIRE SPOTLIGHT: MAPLE LEAFS’ ANALYST, JILL REINER</strong></p>



<p>The final Women in Hockey presented by Canadian Tire spotlights Jill Reiner, a hockey research and development analyst with the Maple Leafs. Reiner evaluates team and player performance using data and statistical analysis, helping inform decisions on player personnel and on-ice strategy.</p>



<p><strong>SCORING RACES AND MORE MILESTONES STILL TO BE DETERMINED</strong></p>



<p>With all 16 playoff spots now captured, the focus shifts to seeding and scoring races, while an ESPN doubleheader features Alex Ovechkin (vs. CBJ) and Sidney Crosby (vs. STL) looking to achieve more notable feats in each of their final games of the 2025-26 regular season.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nathan MacKinnon (52-74—126) and Cole Caufield (51-37—88) are the only players so far this season to reach the 50-goal threshold and are both in action tonight as they pursue the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Caufield can become the first Canadiens player to finish a season first in goals since Guy Lafleur (60 in 1977-78), while MacKinnon looks to become the second Avalanche player to win the award since its introduction in 1998-99 (Milan Hejduk in 2002-03).</li>



<li>Ovechkin needs one goal to tie Patrick Kane (29) for the most in NHL history against the Blue Jackets and two to make Columbus the 15th different franchise he has tallied 30 against, which would pass Phil Esposito (14) for the second most in League history behind Wayne Gretzky (16).</li>



<li>Crosby enters his final contest of the season two assists back of Joe Thornton (1,109) for seventh on the NHL’s all-time assists list and one goal back from his 14th career 30-goal campaign. He would tie Marcel Dionne, Gretzky and Gordie Howe for the fourth most in League history, trailing only Ovechkin (20), Mike Gartner (17) and Jaromir Jagr (15).</li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/nhl-april-13-2026-teams-set-for-cup-playoffs/">NHL APRIL 13, 2026 &#8211; TEAMS SET FOR  CUP PLAYOFFS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
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		<title>WINDSOR SPITFIRES PLAYOFF TICKET GIVEAWAY</title>
		<link>https://inplaymagazine.com/windsor-spitfires-ticket-contest/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[IPM Editor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>WIN WINDSOR SPITFIRES PLAYOFF TICKETS FOR EVERY HOME GAME! In Play! magazine is giving away four Gold Zone Windsor Spitfires tickets ($140 value) for . . . 2026 OHL Western [...]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/windsor-spitfires-ticket-contest/">WINDSOR SPITFIRES PLAYOFF TICKET GIVEAWAY</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WIN WINDSOR SPITFIRES PLAYOFF TICKETS FOR EVERY HOME GAME!</h2>



<p>In Play! magazine is giving away four Gold Zone Windsor Spitfires tickets (<strong>$140 value</strong>) for . . .</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size"><strong>2026 OHL Western Conference</strong></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size"><strong>Semi-Finals Game #</strong>5</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size">Windsor Spitfires vs Flint Firebirds Saturday April 18, 7:05pm</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-238de41e52e83e6782a9faf5d6ddae70" style="color:#ff0000"><strong>HOW WE PICK A WINNER</strong></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong><mark style="background-color:#fffb00;color:#000000" class="has-inline-color">Contestants must share this Contest page to any of their own social media pages.</mark></strong></li>



<li>We verify that you shared this IPM contest page with the link you provide.</li>



<li>We randomly chose a winner from the pool of contestants that shared this contest page to their social media page.</li>



<li>Winner announced here at noon game day.</li>
</ul>


[contact-form-7]



<p><strong><a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/windsor-spitfires-schedule-2016-17/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Spitfires Schedule</a></strong><br><strong><a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/windsor-spitfires-seating-chart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WFCU Centre Seating Chart</a></strong><br><strong><a href="http://windsorspitfires.com/parking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WFCU Parking</a></strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com/windsor-spitfires-ticket-contest/">WINDSOR SPITFIRES PLAYOFF TICKET GIVEAWAY</a> appeared first on <a href="https://inplaymagazine.com">In Play! magazine</a>.</p>
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