The NHL Playoff Push is our daily look back and ahead at the post-season picture as teams position themselves for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(A1) vs. 
(WC1)
(M1) vs. 
(WC2)
(A2) vs. 
(A3)
(M2) vs. 
(M3)
Note: The NHL changed the playoff format last season. Click here for full details.
Series we’d love to see: New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators — With the way the Senators have been playing lately — seven straight wins in front of a red-hot Andrew Hammond — it’s impossible not to want to see the Senators in the playoffs, no matter who they’re matched up with.
What’d I miss? The Ottawa Senators leapfrogged the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 5-2 win over the struggling San Jose Sharks.
Tuesday’s game to watch: Montreal Canadiens vs. Nashville Predators: Two of the league’s top teams face off in what should be a heated battle. The momentum is on Montreal’s side, coming off two straight shutouts as they look to hit the 100-point mark for the second straight season.
The rest of Tuesday’s sked:
– Wild vs. Islanders: The Islanders have a tough test ahead, as the Wild are a force on the road.
– Kings vs. Rangers: The Rangers will look to stay atop the standings in a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup final. A win will get them past the 100-point mark.
– Blues vs. Penguins: The Penguins got a much-needed win versus the Coyotes Saturday to snap a four-game skid. Another win is necessary if they want to keep their third-place position in the Metropolitan division.
– Coyotes vs. Red Wings: This should be an easy two points for the Red Wings.
– Panthers vs. Lightning: Tampa Bay will look to keep up with the Canadiens in this Sunshine State matchup.
Fun fact: With the Senators’ win over the Sharks, goaltender Andrew Hammond became the second goalie in NHL history to begin a career with 15 starts without a regulation loss.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(P1) vs. 
(WC2)
(C1) vs. 
(WC1)
(C2) vs. 
(C3)
(P2) vs. 
(P3)
Series we’d love to see: Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets: The Ducks may be at the top of the league, but the Jets are at the top of their game. The Jets have the toughness — both mental and physical — to overcome just about anything, making them a potential playoff threat.
What’d I miss? The Kings snapped their skid and grabbed a much-needed two points versus the Devils…The Blackhawks earned coach Joel Quenneville’s 750th NHL coaching win by topping the Hurricanes…The Wild extended their road win streak to a franchise-record nine over the Maple Leafs…The Sharks suffered yet another loss at the hands of the red-hot Senators…The Flames edged the Avalanche to keep their playoff spot…The Jets earned their fifth straight win to maintain their place in the playoff picture.
Tuesday’s game to watch: Los Angeles Kings vs. New York Rangers: The Kings defeated the Devils Monday for a much-needed win in the playoff race, but now the real test comes as they face off against the league-leading Rangers.
The rest of Tuesday’s sked:
– Wild vs. Islanders: The road-savvy Wild are unstoppable right now with ironman Devan Dubnyk between the pipes.
– Blues vs. Penguins: St. Louis has lost an uncharacteristic three games in a row.
– Ducks vs. Blue Jackets: After letting in a season-worst seven goals against the Rangers on Sunday, the Ducks need to get back on track.
– Canadiens vs. Predators: Nashville could take back the lead in the Central Division with a win, depending on what the Blues do.
– Jets vs. Canucks: With 88 points apiece, West Coast Canada is in for a real treat.
Fun fact: The Calgary Flames have 10 wins when trailing after the second period. Only the Anaheim Ducks have more, with 12.
