NHL Season Update: Quarter Mark Reflections

All 32 NHL clubs have reached or passed the 20-game milestone, indicating that they've moved beyond the quarter mark of the 2025-26 season. The standings are closely contested across both conferences, with numerous teams still in a heated chase for playoff positions. While many of last season's postseason contenders have maintained their positions above the eight-team playoff cut line, a few have unexpectedly found themselves on the outside looking in. This article explores five teams that are currently at risk of missing the playoffs, including last season's Stanley Cup finalists and a team undergoing a rebuild.

Edmonton Oilers Struggling Despite Star Power

The Edmonton Oilers entered this season boasting back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances and the duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as their offensive backbone. However, their play this season has not reflected their championship aspirations. A lack of consistency from their goaltenders, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, has plagued the team, with a goals-against average of 3.54, ranked fourth-worst in the league. Defensive shortcomings and a failure to replace the grit and experience lost with the departures of Corey Perry and Evander Kane have deepened concerns among fans. Despite being just outside a playoff spot, the Oilers need to quickly rectify these issues to avoid a repeat of last season's slow start.

Florida Panthers Facing Injury Woes

Last season's juggernaut, the Florida Panthers, who made three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and won titles in 2024 and 2025, are now grappling with a slew of injuries to key players. Captain Aleksander Barkov has been lost for the season, and others like Matthew Tkachuk and Dmitry Kulikov are sidelined for significant stretches. Currently sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference, the Panthers have seen a decline in their overall performance metrics. Despite historical resilience at this juncture of the season, there are signs that their previous dominance is slipping as they look to recover amid tight playoff competition.

Montréal Canadiens in a Rough Patch

The Montréal Canadiens started this season strong, building on their playoff appearance in 2024-25. However, a disappointing five-game losing streak has knocked them from first place in the Atlantic Division to the 10th position. Their initial success was buoyed by rookie goaltender Jakub Dobeš, but a decline in goaltending quality and sloppy defense have contributed to their downturn. Notably, injuries to key players further complicate their situation, but the Canadiens are still in the playoff chase if they can regain their earlier form.

St. Louis Blues Struggling to Score

After a strong finish to last season that saw them sneak into the playoffs, the St. Louis Blues find themselves near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite raising their power-play percentage, the team is struggling significantly in terms of scoring, averaging just 2.68 goals per game. Their defensive game has equally faltered. Identifying slow starts, missed opportunities, and overall player performance issues, criticism has surfaced regarding both leadership and coaching. Without timely improvements, they risk falling well outside the playoff picture.

Toronto Maple Leafs Missing Key Contributions

The offseason departure of Mitch Marner raised questions for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who had been playoff fixtures for nine consecutive years. With key players like Auston Matthews sidelined, the team finds itself near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. Their goaltending has been inconsistent, and defensive struggles have led to a dismal goals-against average. Though their offensive capabilities remain strong, the absence of Marner, alongside injuries to other pivotal players, has left them exposed, spotlighting the added pressure on the rest of the roster to perform.

As the season progresses, these five teams must address their respective issues to maintain hope for playoff contention in 2026. With competition tightening, every game becomes crucial.