The 2026-27 NHL season, expanded to 84 games, opened September 29 with early results already influencing playoff probabilities across both conferences. Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes have posted strong starts in the East, while Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Colorado Avalanche lead the West. Projections from mid-October place Carolina, Colorado, and Vegas above 80-90% odds to qualify, with wild-card races tightening in both conferences. Key factors include recent form, divisional matchups, and injury management over the long schedule. Historical patterns show that teams gaining early points momentum often secure top seeds, though the expanded slate leaves ample time for adjustments before the April 2027 playoffs.