NHL Surprises: Sabres, Blue Jackets, Penguins, Ducks

Unbelievable Turnaround: Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Anaheim Ducks Shock the NHL

As the 2025-26 NHL season nears its end, four teams have stunned everyone by climbing the standings and securing playoff spots. The Buffalo Sabres lead the Atlantic Division with 96 points, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit third in the Metropolitan, the Pittsburgh Penguins hold second in the same division, and the Anaheim Ducks top the Pacific.

The Sabres, after a slow start, have turned their season around, winning 30 of their last 40 games and leading the league in points percentage during that stretch. Theyre aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2011 and are now considered serious contenders.

Columbus, after firing their coach midseason, has improved under Rick Bowness, winning 19 of their last 23 games and surging into contention. Pittsburgh, despite tanking predictions, has defied expectations with strong performances from veterans like Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson, as well as new additions like Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau.

Anaheim, after adding coach Joel Quenneville, Mikael Granlund, and Chris Kreider in the offseason, has led the Pacific division with 41 wins, 27 losses, and 4 ties. Their rebuild has accelerated faster than expected, brightening the future out west.

These unexpected surges have made the final stretch unpredictable, with all four teams battling for postseason spots and proving that no one is out of the race yet.

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