NHL Playoffs Take Shape: Key Matchups and Storylines Emerge The NHL playoffs are just around the corner, and the league is gearing up for a thrilling postseason. With the regular season finale taking place on April 13, the stage is set for a highly competitive and unpredictable tournament. Key matchups are beginning to take shape, with top-seeded teams facing off against lower-seeded opponents in the first round. As the NHL's best teams battle for the Stanley Cup, fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the playoffs, which promises to deliver high-stakes drama and exciting hockey action.