As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite teams to the ice. The New York Times has released its latest projections for the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs, and the news is already generating buzz among hockey enthusiasts. According to the projections, several teams are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, including the defending champion Colorado Avalanche and the perennial powerhouses Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. But which teams are on the rise, and which ones are facing an uphill battle to make the postseason? Dive into The New York Times' in-depth analysis to see how the projected standings shake out and which teams have the best chance of hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2026.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings The New York Times
