Eight teams in each of the Western and Eastern conferences qualify for the playoffs; 16 in all. That includes the top three teams in each of the two divisions. Two wild-card teams in each conference also qualify.
The winners play in bracket-style competition with first-round matchups determined by finish in the standings. Teams play the other advancing teams in their conference bracket.
Each series in the NHL playoffs is a best-of-seven series. The two conference champions meet in the Stanley Cup final to determine the NHL champion.