With the NHL playoff race heating up, we track the teams impacted by last night’s results and which of tonight’s games will affect the playoff picture.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (1) vs. OTTAWA SENATORS (8)
BOSTON BRUINS (2) vs. NEW YORK RANGERS (7)
WASHINGTON CAPITALS (3) vs. NEW YORK ISLANDERS (6)
MONTREAL CANADIENS (4) vs. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (5)
Who’s already clinched? Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs.
Who can clinch tonight? With nine wins in their last 10, the Washington Capitals can lock up a playoff spot and division title with a win (regulation or overtime) over Winnipeg. A loss by the Jets would open up clinching scenarios for both the Islanders and Rangers — who would then make the playoffs with a win.
What’d I miss? The Senators needed a win combined with a Jets loss to clinch a postseason berth Monday, but none of that happened. Ottawa couldn’t slow down the Penguins’ streaking offence and lost their second straight contest to drop all the way down to eighth in the conference. The Jets, on the other hand, kept their playoff hopes alive with an inspiring 2-1 victory in Buffalo to move just one point behind the Capitals and Senators. Winnipeg has just two games remaining but is certainly still alive in the race.
Tuesday’s game to watch: Winnipeg Jets vs. Washington Capitals – There’s no doubt about this one. The Jets-Capitals game has massive playoff implications for both clubs. A Capitals win secures the division title, while the Jets could jump all the way to the third spot in the East with a win. Remember when Adam Oates was supposed to be one-and-done? A Winnipeg loss wouldn’t necessary eliminate them (unlikely chance to slide in as No. 8 seed), but with just two games remaining — they cannot afford to let any opportunity pass by. The Capitals have a game in hand on Winnipeg, so a division title wouldn’t be out of the question if they drop Tuesday’s contest.
Tonight’s sked:
–Boston vs. Philadelphia: Bruins must win to stay on top of Northeast
–Montreal vs. New Jersey: Stumbling Habs look to regain momentum down the stretch
–New York Islanders vs. Carolina: Isles are 11-1-2 in last 14 games
–New York Rangers vs. Florida: With the Jets creeping up, Rangers cannot afford a loss
–Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh: So why did Darcy Regier get that extension, again?
Fun fact: Since clinching a playoff spot on Apr. 11, the Canadiens have allowed 25 goals in their last five games.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (1) vs. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (8)
ANAHEIM DUCKS (2) vs. MINNESOTA WILD (7)
VANCOUVER CANUCKS (3) vs. ST. LOUIS BLUES (6)
LOS ANGELES KINGS (4) vs. SAN JOSE SHARKS (5)
Who’s already clinched? Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings.
Who can clinch tonight? The Sharks appear destined for a first-round match-up with Los Angeles and can lock up a playoff spot with one point versus Dallas, while the Blues have their second straight chance at clinching if they can find a way to beat that pesky Avalanche squad.
What’d I miss? A Red Wings loss Monday would have had massive implications as both St. Louis and San Jose would’ve essentially locked up two playoff spots, but Detroit didn’t back down and posted a vintage 4-0 victory over Phoenix. The win moved the Wings just one point behind Columbus and two behind Minnesota with three to go. Anaheim and Vancouver locked up division titles with their respective victories and are now locked in as the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the Western Conference.
Tuesday’s game to watch: Los Angeles Kings vs. Minnesota Wild – A couple weeks ago, the Wild looked a real contender, but Minnesota (3-6-1 in their last 10) have started to dwindle down the stretch. With Detroit, Columbus closing in, the Wild are in desperate need of a victory to separate themselves, and it won’t be easy with the red-hot Kings (four wins in last five) coming to town. The Wild must get their game turned around quickly as they hope to return to the postseason for the first time since 2007-08.
Tonight’s sked:
–Dallas vs. San Jose: Stars need two points to keep slim playoff hopes alive
–Colorado vs. St. Louis: Blues need to avenge Sunday’s surprising loss
–Calgary vs. Nashville: Calgary keeps winning meaningless games. Don’t they want Seth Jones?
Fun fact: Daniel Sedin passed Marcus Naslund on Tuesday to become second all-time in Canucks scoring in his 905th career game, the same amount of games it Henrik Sedin to pass Naslund when he accomplished the feat earlier this year. Must be twins or something.