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: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders – If nothing else, it would be incredible to see Crosby and Tavares go head-to-head on a nightly basis.
What’d I miss? A whole lot of nothing! The Penguins struggled without Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin as they lost 4-1 to the Flyers…In a battle of basement dwellers, the Sabres held off the Maple Leafs 4-3 in Buffalo.
Thursday’s game to watch: Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings – Boston has the edge in the season series, winning three of four meetings and outscoring the Red Wings 10-5 in the past two games. Brett Connolly is probable to play his first game with the Bruins after being sidelined with a broken finger ever since he was acquired prior to the trade deadline. A number of Detroit forwards, including Pavel Datsyuk, are banged up and their status is unknown. The Bruins can tie the Red Wings at 93 points if they win in regulation.
The rest of Thursday’s sked:
– Lightning vs. Senators: Ottawa needs two points to stay in the race.
– Islanders vs. Blue Jackets: Islanders can stay ahead of the Penguins and Capitals with a win.
– Capitals vs. Canadiens: A potential first-round preview.
– Rangers vs. Wild: The Rangers would clinch the Metropolitan Division if they defeat the Wild in any fashion.
– Hurricanes vs. Panthers: Florida needs to basically run the table to even have a chance.
Fun fact: Sidney Crosby, who scored his 300th career goal Wednesday, now has 87 points in 68 career games when Evgeni Malkin is not in the lineup.
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: Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames – An all-Canadian match-up between two overachieving teams? Sign us up.
What’d I miss? The Ducks wrapped up a third straight Pacific Division title with a 5-1 win over the Oilers. They have a four-point cushion as the West’s top seed…San Jose boosted their slim playoff hopes with a 5-1 win over Colorado. The Sharks remain five points back of Winnipeg, who hold the second wild card spot.
Thursday’s game to watch: Calgary Flames vs. St. Louis Blues – St. Louis is in contention for a division title, while Calgary is fighting to remain in a qualifying position. The Flames have won two straight on the road, but have struggled against the Blues this year. In their two meetings, the Flames are 0-2 and have been outscored 8-1. One positive for the Flames is the fact they won’t have to deal with Vladimir Tarasenko, who is out with a lower-body injury.
Update: The Blues can clinch a playoff berth if they get at least one point against the Flames or if the Kings lose to the Oilers in regulation.
The rest of Thursday’s sked:
– Canucks vs. Blackhawks: Can Eddie Lack keep up his stellar play?
Update: Chicago would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Canucks in any fashion.
– Rangers vs. Wild: Minnesota looking to extend winning streak to six.
– Oilers vs. Kings: A win for L.A. would tie them with the Jets.
Fun fact: Jiri Hudler led all NHLers in assists (13) and points (23) in the month of March.
