NHL Playoff Race: Countdown to the Finish Line
As the NHL regular season heads into its final fortnight, the competition is intensifying for the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With only two weeks remaining until the season concludes on April 17, five teams are in contention, making each remaining game critical.
Key Matchups on the Horizon
Tonight’s games feature two of the five teams fighting for playoff positioning:
- Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins at 7 p.m. ET
- Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Colorado Avalanche at 7:30 p.m. ET
As of now, the Canadiens occupy the second wild card spot with a total of 79 points and 25 regulation wins across 74 games played. They are closely followed by the New York Rangers, who have matched their point total but lead in regulation wins (32). The Blue Jackets sit two points behind the Rangers, while the idle Detroit Red Wings (75 points) and New York Islanders (74 points) round out the group of contenders.
Current Playoff Projections
According to the Stathletes projection model, the chances of these teams making the playoffs are as follows:
- Montreal Canadiens: 42.1%
- Columbus Blue Jackets: 27.4%
- New York Rangers: 26.8%
- New York Islanders: 2.8%
- Detroit Red Wings: 2.7%
These upcoming games are critical in determining how the wildcard race unfolds. With potential playoff implications on the line, every match carries heightened significance.
Today’s Schedule and Key Games
Here’s a look at today’s NHL schedule (all times are ET):
- 7:00 p.m. – Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens
- 7:00 p.m. – Tampa Bay Lightning at Ottawa Senators
- 7:30 p.m. – Colorado Avalanche at Columbus Blue Jackets
- 8:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Penguins at St. Louis Blues
- 8:00 p.m. – Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars
- 9:00 p.m. – Los Angeles Kings at Utah Hockey Club
- 9:30 p.m. – Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames
- 10:00 p.m. – Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights
- 10:30 p.m. – Edmonton Oilers at San Jose Sharks
Recent Scores and Standings
In recent matchups, several critical scores from yesterday include:
- New York Rangers 5, Minnesota Wild 4 (OT)
- Carolina Hurricanes 5, Washington Capitals 1
- Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Florida Panthers 2
- Colorado Avalanche 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2 (SO)
- Seattle Kraken 5, Vancouver Canucks 0
Understanding Clinching Scenarios
For teams on the verge of playoff confirmation, here are the current clinching scenarios:
- The Tampa Bay Lightning can clinch a playoff berth if they win against the Senators.
- The Colorado Avalanche will secure a berth if they defeat the Blue Jackets, or if they lose in overtime/shootout provided the Calgary Flames also lose to the Ducks.
Looking Ahead: The Draft Lottery Implications
As the playoff race heats up, teams that do not qualify will be eyeing the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery. As per the rules instituted in 2021, teams can move up a maximum of ten spots by winning the lottery, adding another layer of strategy for franchises on the cusp of elimination.
In conclusion, this week’s games will serve as a pivotal moment for the teams in the wild-card chase as they push to secure their spot in the playoffs. Each game is packed with consequences, making the final stretch of the regular season an exhilarating time for fans and players alike.