Current NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Picture: A Deep Dive

As the NHL season approaches its climax, teams in the Eastern Conference are intensifying their playoff pursuits, with each of them having 15 to 17 games remaining in the season. The playoff race is heating up, particularly in the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions, where certain teams have begun to solidify their post-season positions.

Teams on the Brink of Clinching Playoff Spots

In the Atlantic Division, the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning are virtually assured of their playoff berths. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Division also sees two teams, the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes, almost certain to join them. The New Jersey Devils, riding a three-game winning streak, are nearing a playoff spot as well.

Current Wild Card Standings

Currently, the Ottawa Senators hold the first wild card position with 75 points and 26 regulation wins, having played 65 games. However, the race for the second wild card is particularly competitive. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the second wild-card spot, benefiting from their 70 points accumulated in fewer games (also 65) compared to the New York Rangers, who have 66 points. Following closely are the Montreal Canadiens with 69 points, and both the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, both at 68 points.

Tiebreaker Scenarios

As teams eye their final games, it is crucial to note the regulation-wins tiebreaker. The New York Rangers lead this statistic with 29 regulation wins, which puts them in a better position compared to the Blue Jackets, Red Wings, and Bruins, who have 23, while the Canadiens have secured only 22.

Upcoming Matchups This Saturday

As the race intensifies this Saturday, four of the aforementioned teams will be playing crucial matchups:

• Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers at 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
• Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers at 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

Additionally, the Senators will face the Toronto Maple Leafs, making it a pivotal evening for teams looking to improve their standings.

The Road Ahead

The regular season wraps up on April 17, and teams have ample opportunity to adjust their trajectories. This final stretch will not only determine playoff positions but also set the stage for the upcoming NHL Draft lottery for teams vying for top picks.

Playoff Standings Overview

Current Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

• A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
• A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
• M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Columbus Blue Jackets
• M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Today’s Game Schedule

All times are listed in Eastern Time, with notable games streaming on ESPN+ where applicable:

• Vegas Golden Knights at Buffalo Sabres, 12:30 p.m.
• New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins, 3 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
• Washington Capitals at San Jose Sharks, 5 p.m.
• Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
• Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
• Florida Panthers at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. (NHLN)
• Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.
• New York Rangers at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
• St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m.
• Nashville Predators at Los Angeles Kings, 8 p.m.
• Chicago Blackhawks at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m.

Recent Highlights

From last Friday’s exciting games:

• Carolina Hurricanes 4, Detroit Red Wings 2
• Edmonton Oilers 2, New York Islanders 1 (OT)
• Winnipeg Jets 4, Dallas Stars 1
• Colorado Avalanche 4, Calgary Flames 2
• Anaheim Ducks 2, Nashville Predators 1
• Seattle Kraken 4, Utah Hockey Club 2

Conclusion

With the season winding down, every point is crucial, and the competition is fierce. The Eastern Conference playoff race is shaping up to be an exhilarating showdown, and fans are eagerly anticipating how these remaining games will unfold in the coming weeks.