NHL Teams Miss Playoffs, Tanking Debate Arises

0:00It's April 6th. This is NHL News Today, powered by AI Everything Happening With Your Team. I'm Cory with the Story. Several NHL teams got knocked out of playoff contention this week, including the Rangers, Maple Leaves, Black Hawks, and Panthers. The Connux clinched dead last in the standings, locking in a 25.5% shot at the first overall pick in the 2026. Draft lottery. Meanwhile, under the NHL's current setup, these teams have slim odds for top picks since they racked up points all season. But picture this, if the league copied the PWHL's goal plan, the team with the most points after elimination would snag that top draft spot, no. Lottery needed. Fans of tanking squads like the Connux aren't thrilled about their post-elimination slum. They went one win, six losses since March 23rd. Getting out score 38 goals to 22. The math boosts their lottery chances, but it kills any reason to compete now.

1:00The Rangers flipped the script though, grabbing 10 points with regulation wins over the Black Hawks, Panthers, Devils, Redwings, and Capitals only. Dropping one tight game. Florida, Toronto, Chicago, and Vancouver could still chase, but New York just needs two more wins to hypothetically clinch first under the goal plan. That kind of fire keeps fans hooked, even after playoffs fade, much like how the PWHL lets its top seed pick its first round foe to match up smart. As the women's league grows, the NHL might borrow these tweaks to make every game count.