With the 2025-26 NHL regular season over, we visited the coroner's office to diagnose the cause o...

<p>With the 2025-26 NHL regular season over, we visited the coroner's office to diagnose the cause of death for all 16 teams that missed the postseason.</p><h3>Calgary Flames</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Regression</p><p>Did anybody really think the Flames would repeat their 96-point campaign from a year ago? This season, they met expectations relative to the talent on the roster. The outcome might've been a blessing in disguise, as it prompted Calgary to embrace a much-needed rebuild by trading away veterans Nazem Kadri, MacKenzie Weegar, and Rasmus Andersson.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Chicago Blackhawks</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Youth</p><p>A youthful spirit usually extends life, but that's not always the case in the NHL. The league's youngest team didn't stand much of a chance, even with Connor Bedard enjoying a breakout year. There just wasn't enough talent on this roster behind the 2024 Calder Trophy winner, and the Blackhawks never seriously threatened to compete for the playoffs this season. However, with a loaded farm system, Chicago's resurgence could be coming soon.</p><h3>Columbus Blue Jackets</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Dean Evason</p><p>Much has been made of Columbus' 2-8-1 finish down the stretch after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3523430" href="https://thescore.com/news/3523430">Rick Bowness' tirade</a>, but it's the way the team started the season that ultimately did it in. The hockey world largely wrote off the Blue Jackets after they started the campaign 19-19-7 with Evason behind the bench. But they climbed into the playoff picture with Bowness as head coach, going 21-11-5.<strong> </strong>If not for the poor play under Evason, Columbus would be gearing up for the postseason.</p><h3>Detroit Red Wings</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762761/cropped_GettyImages-2191619131.jpg?ts=1735521521" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762761/w220xh124_GettyImages-2191619131.jpg?ts=1735521521 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762761/w320xh180_GettyImages-2191619131.jpg?ts=1735521521 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762761/w640xh360_GettyImages-2191619131.jpg?ts=1735521521 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762761/w768xh432_GettyImages-2191619131.jpg?ts=1735521521 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/762761/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2191619131.jpg?ts=1735521521 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Mulholland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Choking</p><p>Not even the Heimlich maneuver could have saved this team from choking. With a 33-19-6 record heading into the Olympic break, Detroit held a seven-point cushion for a postseason berth and a 78.3% chance to snap its nine-year playoff drought. Given such a glorious opportunity, you'd think the Red Wings would've shown more desperation down the stretch. Instead, they went 8-12-4 in their final 24 games. General manager Steve Yzerman and head coach Todd McLellan both deserve blame, but this one's on the players at the end of the day.</p><h3>Florida Panthers</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Wear and tear</p><p>Playing 68 playoff games over the last three years took a toll on the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and Seth Jones all missed significant time with injuries, while captain Aleksander Barkov didn't suit up at all due to a torn ACL and MCL. But no one appeared to be more affected by the Panthers' grueling playoff runs than Sergei Bobrovsky, who posted his worst season with a .877 save percentage in 52 contests.</p><h3>Nashville Predators</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Lack of direction</p><p>Poor directional skills can be catastrophic if lost in the wilderness - and the same can be said in the NHL. Nashville clearly needed a functional compass this season because it had no direction. After a slow start, it seemed like the Predators were going to tear it all down. Hot stretches in December and January kept their playoff hopes alive, but they eventually came back down to earth and ultimately settled for trading only fringe players at the deadline. Whoever succeeds Barry Trotz as general manager needs a more convincing vision.</p><h3>New Jersey Devils</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Bad luck</p><p>New Jersey already fired GM Tom Fitzgerald, and head coach Sheldon Keefe is potentially next. Still, this season's outcome might have been much different had some bounces gone the Devils' way. They finished 32nd in PDO (shooting percentage plus save percentage) despite respectable possession numbers. Losing Jack Hughes for 21 games due to injury didn't help, either.</p><h3>New York Islanders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827663/cropped_GettyImages-2267902306.jpg?ts=1774232446" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827663/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267902306.jpg?ts=1774232446 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827663/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267902306.jpg?ts=1774232446 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827663/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267902306.jpg?ts=1774232446 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827663/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267902306.jpg?ts=1774232446 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827663/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267902306.jpg?ts=1774232446 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dennis DaSilva / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Team defense</p><p>Ilya Sorokin put together a Vezina Trophy-caliber season, but it didn't matter in the end because the Islanders offered minimal support defensively in front of their star goalie. New York ranked 30th in expected goals against and high-danger scoring chances against.</p><h3>New York Rangers</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Home woes</p><p>Though the Rangers were a respectable 20-19-2 on the road, their disastrous 14-20-7 record at Madison Square Garden doomed their season. New York lost its first seven games at home while getting shut out an unimaginable five times in that span. Talk about giving fans a reason to lose hope early.</p><h3>San Jose Sharks</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Team beyond Celebrini</p><p>Most of San Jose's games came down to whether Macklin Celebrini could put on his cape and drag the team to victory. He managed to do it plenty of nights, putting together a ridiculous 115-point campaign at just 19 years old. However, the Sharks also had their depth and inexperience exposed in some contests, as no other player reached 60 points.</p><h3>Seattle Kraken</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Special teams</p><p>The Kraken were a decent five-on-five team but finished with the league's second-worst penalty kill and the<strong> </strong>20th-ranked power play. Improved special teams could've gotten them into the playoffs in a weak Western Conference.</p><h3>St. Louis Blues</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817866/cropped_GettyImages-2256072226.jpg?ts=1768625272" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817866/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256072226.jpg?ts=1768625272 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817866/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256072226.jpg?ts=1768625272 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817866/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256072226.jpg?ts=1768625272 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817866/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256072226.jpg?ts=1768625272 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817866/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256072226.jpg?ts=1768625272 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Rovak / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Terminal illness</p><p>The 2025-26 Blues died a slow, painful death. They were always just outside the playoff picture, yet never fell completely out of the race to lose all hope. St. Louis hung around until the end, but it ultimately wasn't enough.</p><h3>Toronto Maple Leafs</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: 18-wheeler off a cliff</p><p>Former Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke infamously described the team's collapse in 2011-12 as "an 18-wheeler going right off a cliff." That's essentially what happened 14 years later, too. Toronto entered the Olympic break on a three-game winning streak to give itself a chance at making the playoffs, but a disastrous 0-6-2 run after the Games effectively ended the club's season. Mismanagement by former GM Brad Treliving, poor coaching by Craig Berube, injuries, and a down year from Auston Matthews are all to blame for this tire fire.</p><h3>Vancouver Canucks</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Everything</p><p>It's impossible to choose just one reason why the Canucks ended the campaign in last place. They ranked 31st in goals for, 32nd in goals against as well as penalty kill, and 30th in expected goals share.<strong> </strong>You can't even use the Quinn Hughes trade to pinpoint where it all went downhill, as Vancouver posted a league-worst 11-17-3 record with one of the game's best players still on the roster. This team flat-out stunk.</p><h3>Washington Capitals</h3><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Wrong place, wrong time</p><p>Washington's 95 points led all non-playoff teams. That total would've been enough to make the postseason in 2024-25 and would have easily qualified them this season had they played in the Western Conference. In fact, 95 points would've ranked them fourth in the West and earned them a Pacific Division title.</p><h3>Winnipeg Jets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746614/cropped_GettyImages-2151652288.jpg?ts=1727138051" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746614/w220xh124_GettyImages-2151652288.jpg?ts=1727138051 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746614/w320xh180_GettyImages-2151652288.jpg?ts=1727138051 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746614/w640xh360_GettyImages-2151652288.jpg?ts=1727138051 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746614/w768xh432_GettyImages-2151652288.jpg?ts=1727138051 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746614/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2151652288.jpg?ts=1727138051 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Darcy Finley / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>🪦 Cause of death</strong>: Lack of scoring depth</p><p>A down year from reigning Hart Trophy and Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck certainly didn't help, but the main culprit for Winnipeg's downfall was a lack of scoring depth. You can't succeed as a one-line team in the NHL, and outside of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabe Vilardi, no Jets forward contributed more than Cole Perfetti's 32 points.</p><p>(Analytics sources: <a href="https://moneypuck.com/">MoneyPuck</a>, <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>, <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>)</p>

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NHL postmortems: What went wrong for all 16 non-playoff teams

The red-hot Vegas Golden Knights clinched first place in the Pacific Division for the second stra...

<p>The red-hot Vegas Golden Knights clinched first place in the Pacific Division for the second straight year after defeating the Seattle Kraken 4-1 on Wednesday.</p><p>Its the fifth division title for the Golden Knights in their nine-year existence. Vegas caught fire down the stretch, going 7-0-1 since making the bold decision to fire head coach Bruce Cassidy and replace him with John Tortorella.</p><p>Vegas will play the Utah Mammoth, the Western Conference's top wild-card team, in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The rest of the Pacific Division seeding is yet to be determined. The Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings are all still eligible to finish as the Pacific's No. 2 seed, No. 3 seed, or the West's second wild-card team. They all play their season finales on Thursday.</p><p>The only other matchup that's confirmed in the Western Conference is the Central Division's No. 2 seed Dallas Stars against the No. 3 seed Minnesota Wild.</p><p>The Eastern Conference bracket was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3523396" href="https://thescore.com/news/3523396">set</a> Tuesday.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 15: Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime to win their game 6-5 at T-Mobile Arena on January 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Golden Knights win Pacific Division, will play Mammoth in Round 1

A disastrous season for the Toronto Maple Leafs ended with at least one silver lining.  The Maple...

<p>A disastrous season for the Toronto Maple Leafs ended with at least one silver lining.</p><p>The Maple Leafs lost their season finale 3-1 to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, guaranteeing a 28th-place finish in the NHL standings and increasing their chances of securing the 2026 first-round pick they previously traded to the Boston Bruins.</p><p>However, it's far from assured that Toronto will regain the top-five-protected pick. If a team outside the top five of the projected draft order wins one of the two lotteries, the Maple Leafs' pick would drop to six (or seventh if two teams outside the top five win the lotteries). In that case, Boston would keep the selection.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Maple Leafs have a 41.9% of picking in the top five: 8.5% for first overall, 8.6% for second overall, 0.3% for third overall, and 24.5% for fifth overall, per <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/nhl/pick_odds">Tankathon</a>. That means there's a 58.1% chance that Toronto gets leapfrogged in the lottery and loses the selection.</p><p>The outcome could've been much worse for the Maple Leafs, though. If they won Wednesday and the Seattle Kraken lost their last two games in regulation, Toronto would've finished 27th and only had a 15.4% chance of picking in the top five.</p><p>The Maple Leafs traded their 2026 first-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12711" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12711">Fraser Minten</a> to the Bruins at the 2025 trade deadline for defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a>. In March, Toronto fired Brad Treliving, its former general manager who swung the deal.</p><p>If the Maple Leafs keep their 2026 first-rounder, Boston will receive Toronto's first-round pick in either 2027 or 2028. Toronto also traded its 2027 first-round pick (top-10 protected) to the Philadelphia Flyers in a 2025 deadline deal for forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2855" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2855">Scott Laughton</a>.</p><p>The NHL draft lottery is scheduled for May 5.</p>

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 30: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 30, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

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Maple Leafs finish 28th in NHL, boosting odds of regaining 1st-rounder

Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness aired his grievances in an emotional tirade after a...

<p>Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness aired his grievances in an emotional tirade after a disappointing season finale put a bow on the club's lackluster play down the stretch.</p><p>"All you have to do is look at the stat sheet. Three hits, 23 giveaways. ... These guys, they don't care," an irate Bowness said after Columbus' 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/joenuge/status/2044239236509884527">WCMH's Joe Nugent</a>. </p><p>"Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn't bother them. How can you go out and play like that? I should have done this about a month ago. But this is why we are where we are. This is why we're out of the playoffs. That kind of effort. You have to hate losing. I don't care if it's a meaningless game. I don't care. Show up and compete."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rick Bowness furious following the 2-1 loss to Washington.<br><br>The Blue Jackets finish the season losing six straight at home, barely missing the playoffs, more tonight <a href="https://twitter.com/nbc4i?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nbc4i</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CBJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/o7We2CEmTY">pic.twitter.com/o7We2CEmTY</a></p>— Joe Nugent (@joenuge) <a href="https://twitter.com/joenuge/status/2044239236509884527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Blue Jackets owned an 88% chance of making the playoffs in late March, per <a href="https://x.com/MoneyPuckdotcom/status/2036630397249900664">MoneyPuck</a>, but went 2-8-1 in their final 11 games to fall out of the race and were officially eliminated Monday.</p><p>"Some of those guys are so lucky the season's over and there's no practice tomorrow," Bowness added.</p><p>Despite the flat finish, Bowness did an impressive job getting the Blue Jackets back in the playoff hunt at all. Columbus started the campaign 19-19-7 under head coach Dean Evason, but it went 21-11-5 after Bowness took over midseason.</p><p>Bowness' contract only covered the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign, but the 71-year-old said big changes are coming next season if his deal gets renewed.</p><p>"I don't know if I'm back (next season), but if I'm back, I'm changing this culture," he said.</p><p>The Blue Jackets opted to keep several pending unrestricted free agents at the deadline instead of trading them, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2474" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2474">Charlie Coyle</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9435">Mason Marchment</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2058" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2058">Boone Jenner</a>. Columbus has missed the playoffs six years in a row.</p>

RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 02: Head Coach Rick Bowness of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches the play develop during the NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes on April 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Bowness rips Blue Jackets' effort down the stretch: 'They don't care'

The Eastern Conference playoff picture is finalized.  The Boston Bruins beat the New Jersey Devil...

<p>The Eastern Conference playoff picture is finalized.</p><p>The Boston Bruins beat the New Jersey Devils 4-0<strong> </strong>on Tuesday, clinching the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and setting up a Round 1 matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.</p><p>Boston's victory also means the Ottawa Senators are locked into the second wild-card spot and will play the conference's No. 1-seeded Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The other two opening-round matchups in the Eastern Conference were determined Monday, although Tampa Bay secured home-ice advantage over Montreal with the Canadiens' regulation loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. Here's the full picture:</p><ul>
<li>Buffalo Sabres (A1) vs. Boston Bruins (WC1)</li>
<li>Tampa Bay Lightning (A2) vs. Montreal Canadiens (A3)</li>
<li>Carolina Hurricanes (M1) vs. Ottawa Senators (WC2)</li>
<li>Pittsburgh Penguins (M2) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (M3)</li>
</ul><p>The Sabres and Bruins last met in the playoffs in 2010 - which also marked Buffalo's last division title - when Boston won the Round 1 series in six games. Ottawa and Carolina have never faced off in the postseason.</p><p>The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday. Final seeding in the Western Conference has yet to be determined.</p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 25: Pavel Zacha #18 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his overtime game-winning goal against Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen #1 of the Buffalo Sabres with Charlie McAvoy #73 and David Pastrnak #88 during an NHL game on March 25, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Bruins clinch top wild-card spot to lock in East playoff matchups

The entire Stanley Cup Playoff field is now set after the Los Angeles Kings clinched the last pos...

<p>The entire Stanley Cup Playoff field is now set after the Los Angeles Kings clinched the last postseason berth in the Western Conference by defeating the Seattle Kraken 5-3<strong> </strong>on Monday.</p><p>The Philadelphia Flyers also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3522661" href="https://thescore.com/news/3522661">locked up</a> the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on Monday. Seeding for both conferences is still to be determined.</p><p><strong>Playoff teams</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Western Conference</th>
<th>Eastern Conference</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Colorado Avalanche</td>
<td>Carolina Hurricanes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dallas Stars</td>
<td>Buffalo Sabres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Minnesota Wild</td>
<td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vegas Golden Knights</td>
<td>Montreal Canadiens</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Edmonton Oilers</td>
<td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anaheim Ducks</td>
<td>Philadelphia Flyers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Utah Mammoth</td>
<td>Boston Bruins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Los Angeles Kings</td>
<td>Ottawa Senators</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Avalanche are locked in as the Presidents' Trophy winners. The Hurricanes secured the top seed in the East and will face either the Bruins or Senators. Wild-Stars and Flyers-Penguins are set for the opening round while the Canadiens and Lightning will also meet with home ice still to be determined.</p><p>The Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets were eliminated from postseason contention as a result of L.A.'s victory.</p><p>This marks the fifth consecutive playoff appearance for the Kings, who lost in Round 1 to the Edmonton Oilers in each of the last four years. Los Angeles hasn't won a postseason series since 2014, when it won the Stanley Cup.</p><p>The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 13: Quinton Byfield #55 reacts after a goal is scored by Trevor Moore #12 of the Los Angeles Kings during the second period of a game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on April 13, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.

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NHL playoff field set after Kings clinch final West spot

The Buffalo Sabres clinched first place in the Atlantic Division after their 5-1 win over the Chi...

<p>The Buffalo Sabres clinched first place in the Atlantic Division after their 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.</p><p>Buffalo winning its first division title since 2010 also locks in a Round 1 matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens. Tampa Bay and Montreal are currently tied for second place in the Atlantic with one game remaining each, although the Lightning hold the tiebreaker with more regulation wins.</p><p>With the Carolina Hurricanes already securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Sabres will face the better of the two wild-card teams - Boston Bruins or Ottawa Senators - in Round 1.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Monday's victory was the Sabres' 50th of the season, marking only the third time they've reached the milestone in franchise history, following 2006-07 (53) and 2005-06 (52).</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5611" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5611">Tage Thompson</a> led the way offensively for the Sabres on Monday, scoring a pair of goals, including his 40th of the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> also contributed two points, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7745" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7745">Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen</a> made 15 saves in net.</p><p>The Lightning and Canadiens last met in the playoffs in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, which Tampa Bay won in five games.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 13: Tage Thompson #72 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates after scoring with Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 13, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

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Sabres claim 1st division title since 2010

The Philadelphia Flyers are heading back to the postseason for the first time since 2020 after de...

<p>The Philadelphia Flyers are heading back to the postseason for the first time since 2020 after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout on Monday.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9197" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9197">Tyson Foerster</a> scored in the shootout before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3929" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3929">Dan Vladar</a> stopped <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9243" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9243">Alexander Nikishin</a> to punch Philadelphia's playoff ticket.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TYSON FOERSTER SCORES, DAN VLADAR MAKES THE SAVE, AND THE PHILADELPHIA FLYERS ARE IN THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STANLEYCUP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STANLEYCUP</a> PLAYOFFS 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/NJA50KUJTK">pic.twitter.com/NJA50KUJTK</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2043875319782719657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With Philadelphia snatching the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets are now eliminated from postseason contention.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Flyers are locked into the No. 3 seed in the Metropolitan Division, which guarantees a first-round matchup with their in-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The series will mark the first Battle of Pennsylvania since 2018, when the Penguins defeated the Flyers in six games in Round 1.</p><p>The Hurricanes also clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference by earning a point in the shootout loss, securing home-ice advantage through the first three rounds of the postseason. They'll play the lower seed between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators in Round 1.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 13: The Philadelphia Flyers celebrate a goal by Matvei Michkov #39 during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Flyers clinch last playoff spot in Eastern Conference

The rich get richer.  Tennessee big man J.P. Estrella is transferring to Michigan to join the rei...

<p>The rich get richer.</p><p>Tennessee big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110951" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110951">J.P. Estrella</a> is transferring to Michigan to join the reigning national champion Wolverines, he told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2042326490214240291?s=20">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a> on Thursday.</p><p>The 6-foot-11, 240-pounder was considered one of the top players to enter the portal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Estrella averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds in 33 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2025-26. He shot 59.6% from the field and 40% from 3-point range.</p><p>Michigan notably beat Tennessee in the Elite Eight en route to the NCAA Tournament title.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: J.P. Estrella #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers dunks the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Estrella to transfer from Tennessee to Michigan

It's safe to say Thomas Chabot's toughness or healing powers should never be brought into questio...

<p>It's safe to say <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4794" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4794">Thomas Chabot</a>'s toughness or healing powers should never be brought into question.</p><p>The Ottawa Senators defenseman will return to the lineup Thursday against the Florida Panthers just two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his arm, the team announced.</p><p>Chabot was given a recovery timeline of four-to-eight weeks following the March 26 surgery.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I shocked the world," he said, according to <a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/ottawa-senators/senators-defenceman-thomas-chabot-ready-to-make-his-return-only-two-weeks-after-surgery-on-broken-arm">Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch</a>.</p><p>Chabot suffered the injury March 23 when he took a cross-check from New York Rangers captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a>.</p><p>"I broke my arm. It's as simple as that," Chabot said. "Everything went well. The healing process went a lot quicker than we all expected. It's just fun to be back out there."</p><p>His return comes at a critical time for the Senators, who are just two points up on the Columbus Blue Jackets and three points up on three other teams for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>Chabot ranks second to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9188" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9188">Jake Sanderson</a> among Senators defensemen in virtually every major category, including average time on ice (22:34) and points (31) in 55 games this season.</p><p>He skated on the second pair with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11146" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11146">Jordan Spence</a> during Thursday's morning skate.</p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - MARCH 21: Thomas Chabot #72 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 21, 2026 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Senators' Chabot returns 2 weeks after surgery on broken arm

The New Jersey Devils are shutting down defenseman Luke Hughes for the remainder of the campaign ...

<p>The New Jersey Devils are shutting down defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> for the remainder of the campaign so he can undergo a procedure and get a head start on offseason rehab, the team announced Thursday. </p><p>The Devils, who have been eliminated from playoff contention, have four games left.</p><p>The team didn't specify the nature of the injury. Hughes skated in 68 games this season, registering 35 points while averaging a team-high 23:01 per contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hughes, 22, signed a seven-year, $63-million contract prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.</p><p>The procedure likely takes Hughes out of the running to play for the United States at the 2026 World Championship, which begins May 15 in Switzerland.</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 05: Luke Hughes #43 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the first period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on April 5, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The New Jersey Devils defeated the Montréal Canadiens 3-0.

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Devils' Luke Hughes to undergo season-ending procedure

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have received permission to interview Florida Panth...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have received permission to interview Florida Panthers assistant general manager Sunny Mehta, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7183561/2026/04/09/maple-leafs-devils-sunny-mehta-rumblings/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>The Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving on March 30, while the Devils parted with GM Tom Fitzgerald on Monday.</p><p>Mehta was hired by the Panthers as an analyst in 2021. He was promoted to assistant GM and director of analytics in 2023, and helped Florida make three straight finals and win back-to-back Stanley Cups.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 47-year-old, who grew up in New Jersey, previously worked as an analyst for the Devils from 2014-18.</p><p>Mehta also has a master's degree in data science and was once a professional poker player.</p><p>After firing Treliving, MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley stated that Toronto is looking for a "data-centric" candidate to take over hockey operations.</p><p>The Nashville Predators, the NHL's third team searching for a new GM, were granted permission to speak with a different Panthers assistant GM, Brett Peterson, sources told LeBrun. Peterson has held his role since 2020, and will also serve as GM for the United States at the 2026 World Championship.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 24: Sunny Mehta and Bryan McCabe of the Florida Panthers celebrate their Stanley Cup victory in Game Seven of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Report: Panthers grant Leafs, Devils permission to interview Mehta

The Boston Bruins signed top prospect James Hagens to a three-year, entry-level contract, the tea...

<p>The Boston Bruins signed top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16166" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16166">James Hagens</a> to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The pact begins this season and carries an average annual value of $975K.</p><p>The Bruins signed Hagens to an amateur tryout agreement March 24 after his collegiate season ended. He's tallied a goal and three assists in six games with the AHL's Providence Bruins since turning pro.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 19-year-old recorded 23 goals and 24 assists in 34 games at Boston College during the 2025-26 campaign, ranking 10th in the nation with 47 points. He also racked up 16 points in 12 games across the last two World Junior Championships and helped the United States win gold in 2025.</p><p>The Bruins drafted the 5-foot-11 center seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. </p><p>Boston has three games left in the regular season and is on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth.</p>

Boston, MA - February 9: Boston College center James Hagens holds the trophy after the win. Boston College and Boston University played in the 2026 Beanpot championship game at TD Garden on February 9, 2026.

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Bruins sign Hagens to entry-level deal

Alex Ovechkin will wait until the offseason to determine his future in the NHL.   "We're going to...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1280" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1280">Alex Ovechkin</a> will wait until the offseason to determine his future in the NHL. </p><p>"We're going to make a decision in the summer," Ovechkin said in an interview with Washington Capitals radio broadcaster John Walton. Ovechkin added that he needs to talk to his family, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, general manager Chris Patrick, and president of hockey operations Brian MacLellan.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Ovechkin sat down with John Walton to discuss his plans to take time after the season to reflect and consult with his family before determining his future this summer.<br><br>Catch their full conversation tonight on Caps Pregame Live on <a href="https://twitter.com/MonSportsNet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MonSportsNet</a> <a href="https://t.co/J9jAKL5HJE">pic.twitter.com/J9jAKL5HJE</a></p>— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capitals/status/2041878227216658927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ovechkin said his health will be one of the biggest factors in his decision.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm going to be 41 years old in September," he added. "You just have to be smart about it."</p><p>Ovechkin has played in all 78 of Washington's games this season. He's been highly productive even in his age-40 campaign, leading the Capitals with 31 goals and 61 points. It's the 20th time he's reached the 30-goal mark in a season, extending his own NHL record.</p><p>However, Ovechkin is also in the final season of a five-year, $47.5-million contract he signed in July 2021.</p><p>Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's NHL record for goals last season when he scored his 895th tally on April 6, 2025, against the New York Islanders. He's now up to 928 career goals and ranks 10th on the all-time points list (1,684).</p><p>"When you love something, you do it with heart," Ovechkin said. "Obviously, I love playing hockey, I love scoring goals."</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 2 : Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the first period of the NHL regular season game against the Washington Capitals at the Prudential Center on April 2, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Ovechkin will decide on NHL future in summer

After back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and three consecutive trips to the finals, the Florida Pant...

<p>After back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and three consecutive trips to the finals, the Florida Panthers won't be participating in playoff hockey this spring.</p><p>The Panthers were officially eliminated from postseason contention following<strong> </strong>Saturday's<strong> </strong>9-4 blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.</p><p>Florida hadn't missed the playoffs since 2018-19.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers were hit hard with injuries this season, perhaps as a result of the 68 grueling playoff games they've taken part in over the last three years. Captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3004" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3004">Aleksander Barkov</a> has missed the entire campaign, while other key players, such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a>, have missed extended time.</p><p>Meanwhile, others who have stayed healthy are simply having down years, including goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1631" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1631">Sergei Bobrovsky</a>, who was pulled during Saturday's loss after allowing six goals on 19 shots. The 37-year-old is having the worst season of his storied 16-year career. He owns an .878 save percentage in 51 games, which ranks 51st out of 58 qualified netminders.</p><p>The Chicago Blackhawks own Florida's 2026 first-round pick. However, if it falls in the top 10, the Panthers will have the option of keeping the selection and transferring an unprotected 2027 first-rounder to Chicago instead.</p>

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 31 : Florida Panther players leave the arena at the end of a NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers on March 31, 2026 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

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Panthers miss playoffs after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups

Pittsburgh Penguins legends Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin made history on the same goal Saturda...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins legends <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> made history on the same goal Saturday against the Florida Panthers.</p><p>Malkin scored a power-play goal in the second period to reach 1,400 career points. Meanwhile, Crosby picked up his second assist of the game to pass Steve Yzerman for sole possession of seventh place on the all-time points list (1,756).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A MILESTONE MOMENT!!! 🤩<br><br>Evgeni Malkin hits 1,400 career points and Sidney Crosby climbs to seventh all‑time in points with the assist! <a href="https://t.co/P9fr46WLWA">pic.twitter.com/P9fr46WLWA</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2040555700242260297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Crosby now has the second-most points with a single franchise in history, trailing only Gordie Howe (1,809 with the Detroit Red Wings).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Malkin, who sits 23rd on the all-time points list, is the third player in Penguins history to rack up 1,400 points with the franchise, joining Crosby and Mario Lemieux (1,723).</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 31: Sidney Crosby #87 and Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins talk against the Detroit Red Wings at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 31, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Crosby climbs all-time scoring list as Malkin notches 1,400th point

Rejoice, Buffalo Sabres fans. The drought is finally over.  The Sabres are heading back to the St...

<p>Rejoice, Buffalo Sabres fans. The drought is finally over.</p><p>The Sabres are heading back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. Buffalo clinched a postseason berth as a result of the Detroit Red Wings' loss to the New York Rangers in regulation Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/nBIHypkQje">pic.twitter.com/nBIHypkQje</a></p>— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/2040507354463011253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The outcome marks the end of Buffalo's 14-year playoff drought, which was the longest in NHL history. It was also the second-longest active postseason drought among the four major sports leagues in North America, trailing only the NFL's New York Jets, who have missed the postseason in 15 straight campaigns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NHL's longest active playoff drought now belongs to the Red Wings, who have fallen short of the postseason each of the last nine years. However, Detroit remains in the playoff race this season despite Saturday's loss.</p><p>Lindy Ruff, who's in his second stint as Buffalo's head coach, was behind the bench when the team last went to the playoffs during the 2010-11 campaign. Buffalo lost in seven games to the Philadelphia Flyers in Round 1 that year.</p><p>The Sabres, who entered the league in 1970-71, have never won a Stanley Cup.</p><p>The Tampa Bay Lightning also punched their playoff ticket following Detroit's loss. The Lightning and Sabres are tied atop the Atlantic Division with 100 points each, though both teams have yet to play their respective games Saturday.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Zach Benson #6 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his goal with Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 22, 2026 in Anaheim, California.

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Sabres clinch playoff berth to end NHL-record 14-year drought

The Vancouver Canucks have clinched last place in the NHL standings this season after losing 5-2 ...

<p>The Vancouver Canucks have clinched last place in the NHL standings this season after losing<strong> </strong>5-2 to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.</p><p>The Canucks are now guaranteed to have the best odds of securing the No. 1 pick during the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, which will be held May 5. They have a 25.5% chance of selecting first overall. Third overall is the lowest they could drop.</p><p>It's been a steep fall for the Canucks, who won the Pacific Division with 109 points in 2023-24 and finished six points out of a playoff spot last year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Vancouver has never picked first overall since entering the league in 1970-71. It hasn't chosen in the top three since taking Daniel and Henrik Sedin with the Nos. 2 and 3 picks, respectively, in the 1999 draft.</p><p>Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, Frolunda forward Ivar Stenberg, and North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff are considered to be among the top players in this year's draft.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 01: Head coach Adam Foote of the Vancouver Canucks talks during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on April 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Canucks clinch last place in NHL to secure top lottery odds

Macklin Celebrini put the San Jose Sharks on his back Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks, regist...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> put the San Jose Sharks on his back Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks, registering four points to engineer a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory.</p><p>The 19-year-old scored the equalizer with 1:39 left in regulation before setting up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3917" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3917">Alexander Wennberg</a>'s game-winner just over a minute later.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE SHARKS SCORE TWO GOALS IN THE FINAL TWO MINUTES TO WIN THE GAME!<br><br>INCREDIBLE 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/hlIpZamTBf">pic.twitter.com/hlIpZamTBf</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2039551404004569234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The game-tying goal was Celebrini's 40th of the campaign, making him the 10th teenager in NHL history to reach the mark.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Celebrini is now up to 105 points on the season - the second most in Sharks history behind Joe Thornton (114 in 2006-07). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/864" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/864">Erik Karlsson</a>'s 101 points in 2022-23 were previously the second most in team history.</p><p>The win was a crucial one for the Sharks, who are now just one point back of the Los Angeles Kings for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.</p>

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 1: Macklin Celebrini #71 of the San Jose Sharks celebrates scoring a goal in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at SAP Center on April 1, 2026 in San Jose, California.

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Celebrini carries Sharks to comeback win with 4-point game vs. Ducks

Tiger Woods won't serve as Team USA's captain at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America announced...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> won't serve as Team USA's captain at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America announced Wednesday.</p><p>"We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision," the association said in a statement. "Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as captain of the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team, and we support his decision. The PGA of America will share further updates regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy when appropriate."</p><p>The 50-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3512165" href="https://thescore.com/news/3512165">announced</a> Tuesday that he's "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health." Woods was arrested and charged with DUI on Friday. Authorities said he was found with opioids in his pocket at the scene of a car accident. He plead not guilty to the charge Tuesday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Woods never committed to captaining the United States' 2027 Ryder Cup squad, but it was a possibility. He said in February that the PGA of America had offered him the position but he hadn't made a decision yet. The group reportedly wanted his decision by the time of the Masters.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/796" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/796">Keegan Bradley</a> (2025) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2096" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2096">Zach Johnson</a> (2023) captained the United States at the last two Ryder Cups, which both ended in a loss. Steve Stricker served as captain the last time that the U.S. won, in 2021.</p><p>Woods last represented the U.S. on the international stage when he was a playing captain at the 2019 Presidents Cup, which the Americans won. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2042" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2042">Davis Love III</a> (2022) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1948" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1948">Jim Furyk</a> (2024) captained the team to victories at the last two Presidents Cups. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/341" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/341">Brandt Snedeker</a> will fill the role in 2026.</p><p>The next Ryder Cup will take place in September 2027 at Adare Manor in Ireland.</p>

Golf: 42nd Ryder Cup: Team USA Tiger Woods during Sunday Singles at Le Golf National. Paris, France 9/30/2018 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Set Number: X162166 TK5 )

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Woods won't captain U.S. at 2027 Ryder Cup

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