NHL Teams Gear Up for Playoffs Push as Regular Season Winds Down. As the NHL regular season enters its final stretch, teams are taking to the ice for their morning skates, preparing for the intense playoff battles that lie ahead. With several teams jockeying for coveted playoff spots, the pressure is mounting, and every practice session is crucial in fine-tuning strategies and building momentum. From line combinations to goalie rotations, NHL.com's morning skate report provides a behind-the-scenes look at the daily routines of the league's top teams as they make their final push for the postseason.