2026 NHL playoff pressure rankings: Which teams can’t afford to lose?

The New York Times has published its annual NHL playoff pressure rankings ahead of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, assessing which teams face the most pressure to succeed this postseason. Notable high-pressure teams highlighted include Nathan MacKinnon's Colorado Avalanche and Connor McDavid's Edmonton Oilers. At the other end of the spectrum, the Anaheim Ducks are cited as a low-pressure team, having exceeded expectations as a young squad that nearly topped their division despite few preseason predictions of playoff contention.