The idea
After the 82-game regular season, 16 teams (8 per conference) qualify for the playoffs, usually in mid-April. Each series is best-of-seven, over four rounds, up to the Stanley Cup Final. The playoff pool is played only during that stretch.
The two main formats
1. The playoff draft
Like a regular pool, but you only draft players from the 16 qualified teams, and only playoff games count. The big difference: a player whose team is eliminated stops scoring. The season's top scorer is worth nothing if his team is swept in the first round.
2. Bracket predictions
No draft: everyone predicts the winner of each series, and in how many games. A correct pick earns points that grow each round (for example 1, 2, 3, then 4 points), with a bonus for the exact number of games. Ideal for a big group or an office pool.
Playoff pool ready in 2 minutes
Yetii Pool offers both formats: a draft from the qualified teams or bracket predictions. Take a look at the playoff demo pool to see how it works.
Strategy: how to win a playoff pool
- Bet on teams that will go deep. A good player on a team that plays 20 games is worth more than a star on a team that plays 5.
- Goalies rule. The starter on a team that reaches the Final can pile up a dozen wins or more.
- Diversify. Don't put all your eggs in one basket: if your favourite team falls in round one, you still want to be in the race.
- Watch late-season injuries. A player returning for the playoffs is often undervalued.
- For predictions, first-round upsets are common: pick the favourites to win, but take chances on the number of games.
What scoring for the playoffs?
Classic scoring works very well: 1 point per goal, 1 per assist, 2 per win and 2 per shutout. Since there are fewer games, some pools add points for game-winning or overtime goals to give more weight to the big moments.
When to set up the playoff pool?
As soon as the 16 teams are known, in the last days of the regular season. Hold the draft between the end of the season and the first playoff game: the window is short, often just a few days. A timed online draft is often the only way to get everyone together in time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a playoff pool?
A pool played only during the NHL playoffs. You draft players from the 16 qualified teams, or you predict the winner of every series.
What happens when my player's team is eliminated?
The player stops earning points, but keeps the ones already earned. That's why you should bet on teams that can go deep.
How many points for a correct series prediction?
Usually more each round, for example 1, 2, 3 then 4 points, plus a bonus for the exact number of games. The commissioner sets these values.
Can a playoff pool be free?
Yes. On Yetii Pool, both playoff pool formats are free and the platform never handles money.