A Playoff Landscape in Motion
The 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs have entered a decisive stretch, with each division delivering tightly contested series that are shaping the final matchups. From the Central to the Mountain divisions, teams are jockeying for position, and a handful of individual performances are drawing particular attention.
Central Division Finals: Toledo vs. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne holds a 2‑0 lead in the Central Division Finals, putting the Komets one win away from the championship. Toledo’s Tanner Kelly is tied for fourth among rookies with three goals, while Kirill Tyutyayev of Fort Wayne rides a four‑game point streak (2 goals‑3 assists). The Walleye are second in shots per game at 35.13, and the Komets have been flawless on the penalty kill at home, going 11‑for‑11 in the playoffs. Game 4 is scheduled for Friday at 7:15 p.m. ET in Toledo.
North Division: Maine’s Edge Over Wheeling
In the North Division Finals, the Maine Mariners lead the series 3‑2 over the Wheeling Nailers. The decisive Game 6 will be played Saturday at 7:10 p.m. ET in Wheeling, where a Mariners victory would clinch the division and send them to the finals.
South and Mountain Division Dominance
The Florida Everblades have taken a 3‑0 lead over the South Carolina Stingrays in the South Division Finals, with Game 4 set for Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET in South Carolina. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Mavericks sit ahead 3‑0 against the Allen Americans in the Mountain Division Finals, and Game 4 is slated for Saturday at 7:10 p.m. CT in Allen. Both series are on the brink of concluding, promising a swift transition to the championship round.