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. NEW YORK ISLANDERS (8)
BOSTON BRUINS (2) vs. NEW YORK RANGERS (7)
WASHINGTON CAPITALS (3) vs. OTTAWA SENATORS (6)
MONTREAL CANADIENS (4) vs. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (5)
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Who’s already clinched? All the playoff teams in the Eastern Conference are set; the match-ups are still undecided.
Who can clinch tonight? The Islanders will finish eighth and take on the Pittsburgh Penguins if the Sabres defeat the Isles in regulation.
What’d I miss? The Montreal Canadiens captured home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs and kept their hopes of a Northeast Division title alive, while at the same time sending the Winnipeg Jets to a long summer of regret.
Both the Ottawa Senators (with a magically healed Erik Karlsson) and the New York Rangers earned their spots in the postseason with overtime road wins in Washington and Carolina, respectively, effectively eliminating the aforementioned Jets, who needed both to lose.
The Boston Bruins kept pace with the Habs in the fight for the division title, while the Philadelphia Flyers spoiled the New York Islanders’ hopes of finishing any higher than sixth with a 2-1 victory in the city of brotherly love. Toronto held its ground in fifth spot with a convincing victory in Florida.
Friday’s game to watch: New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres – The only game in the Eastern Conference tonight presents the Islanders with a shot to leapfrog the idle Senators and Rangers into a tentative hold on the sixth spot. The Isles are coming off of a flat performance in Philadelphia, though John Tavares has four goals and five points in his last three games. In two prior meetings between these clubs, the road team has taken both contests.
Tonight’s sked:
New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres — It’s a game the red hot Isles should take as the Sabres have been polishing their golf clubs for a while now.
Fun fact: The Islanders have earned points in all but one game in the month of April (last night), going 8-1-3 over that stretch.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (1) vs. MINNESOTA WILD (8)
ANAHEIM DUCKS (2) vs. DETROIT RED WINGS (7)
VANCOUVER CANUCKS (3) vs. SAN JOSE SHARKS (6)
ST. LOUIS BLUES (4) vs. LOS ANGELES KINGS (5)
Who’s already clinched? Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues.
Who can clinch tonight? Minnesota Wild.
What’d I miss? Brian Elliott remained dominant as the St. Louis Blues slipped into fourth spot, ahead of idle Los Angeles and San Jose, with a victory over the lowly Calgary Flames. Elliott picked up his NHL-best 10th victory in the month of April on the night.
The Columbus Blue Jackets continued their improbable run to the playoffs, staving off elimination for another day with a 3-1 win in Dallas. Cam Atkinson’s two goals, including the game winner, were the difference for head coach Todd Richards’ group.
Friday’s game to watch: Edmonton Oilers vs. Minnesota Wild – The Wild can finally get the proverbial playoff monkey off of their back as they can clinch their spot for the first time in five years with a win on Friday night on Sportsnet West. Minnesota stumbled mightily in April, losing eight of their first 11 encounters, but a crucial victory on Tuesday against the defending champs have put head coach Mike Yeo’s team in this position. The Wild have won all three meetings with the Oilers this season, outscoring them 12-6 and a struggling Edmonton squad, long eliminated from contention, means the perfect opportunity for the NHL tenants in the State of Hockey.
Tonight’s sked:
Edmonton vs. Minnesota — Can the Wild clinch against an opponent with nothing to play for?
Calgary vs. Chicago — Inspired, intense Blackhawks don’t take nights off… could be a long one for the young Flames.
Colorado vs. Phoenix — Eliminated 10th-place finisher hosts the second worst team in the league… maybe they should just play with mini sticks?
Fun fact: The Minnesota Wild have not made the postseason since 2007.
