4 Sleeper Contenders Set to Shake Up The Playoffs

This season has seen several unexpected teams battling fiercely for playoff positioning. Squads that few predicted would be competitive are defying expectations. 

So far, four teams—the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and Seattle Kraken—have been mathematically eliminated, with more likely to follow in the coming days.

For those dark-horse contenders still fighting for a postseason berth, let’s break down their seasons and what lies ahead.

St. Louis Blues: Surging at the Right Time

The Blues have been unstoppable lately, riding a nine-game win streak. Currently ranked 13th league-wide, they hold the second wild-card spot in the West, fueled by standout performances from Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and Pavel Buchnevich.

After finishing 16th last season and making minimal splash in free agency, expectations were modest. However, the acquisitions of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg via offer sheets have paid off, with the entire roster stepping up. If this momentum continues, the Blues could mirror their shocking 2019 Cup run.

Minnesota Wild: Fading After a Strong Start

The Wild exploded out of the gate, going 17-4-4 in their first 25 games and leading the league. But injuries and inconsistency have dropped them to 12th overall, now scrapping for a wild-card position.

At 41-28-5, they remain formidable, but key injuries—including to Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek—have hampered their offense. If these stars return healthy for the playoffs, Minnesota could still be dangerous.

Ottawa Senators: Revitalized and Ready

Holding the East’s first wild-card spot, the Senators (39-28-6, +2 goal differential) boast an explosive offense led by Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, and newcomer Dylan Cozens. Their defense and goaltending have also been stellar.

Thomas Chabot anchors the blue line with 35 points and a +12 rating, while Linus Ullmark has rediscovered his Vezina form, posting a .909 SV% and 2.76 GAA with three shutouts. Ottawa is 6-3-1 in their last 10, making them a team no one wants to face.

Montreal Canadiens: Youth Movement Paying Off

The Canadiens have been electrifying since adding rookie defenseman Lane Hutson, who has 59 points (5G, 54A) in 73 games. His playmaking has elevated scorers like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, while Patrik Laine’s 15 power-play goals add another dimension.

Youngsters Kaiden Guhle and Emil Heineman have injected energy into the lineup, giving Montreal a faster, more dynamic identity. With this emerging core, the Habs could be a tough out in the postseason.

Image - Charles LeClaire-Imagn