The greater number of games won, excluding games won in Overtime or by Shootout (i.e., 'Regulation Wins'). The fewer number of games played (i.e., superior points percentage). If two or more clubs are tied in points during the regular season, the standing of the clubs is determined in the following order: In the Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final, home-ice advantage goes to the team that had the better regular-season record – regardless of the teams' final standing in their respective divisions. Home-ice advantage through the first two rounds goes to the team that placed higher in the regular-season standings. First-round winners within each bracket play one another in the Second Round to determine the four participants in the Conference Finals. The teams finishing second and third in each division will meet in the First Round within the bracket headed by their respective division winners. In the First Round, the division winner with the best record in each conference will be matched against the wild-card team with the lesser record the wild card team with the better record will play the other division winner.

It is possible for one division in each conference to send five teams to the postseason while the other sends just three. The remaining four spots will be filled by the next two highest-placed finishers in each conference, based on regular-season record and regardless of division. The top three teams in each division will make up the first 12 teams in the playoffs. The format is a set bracket that is largely division-based with wild cards.

16 teams will qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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