The Toronto Maple Leafs woke up Friday morning one point from the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Buds defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 on Thursday and briefly held that No. 2 spot, before the New York Islanders reclaimed it later in the night with an overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks.
The next few weeks should be fun.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand in the NHL post-season race.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(M1) vs. 
(WC2)
(A1) vs. 
(WC1)
(M2) vs. 
(M3)
(A2) vs. 
(A3)
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Here’s what the Eastern Conference standings look like today:
What’d I miss?
The Montreal Canadiens were blanked 5-0 by red-hot goalie Brian Elliot and the Calgary Flames. Meanwhile, in the desert, the Ottawa Senators edged out the Arizona Coyotes 3-2 in extra time to pull within two points of the Habs in the Atlantic Division.
Fun fact:
The Washington Capitals lead the race for the President’s Trophy, but lost on Thursday to the San Jose Sharks, making this stat interesting:
Friday’s game to watch: Penguins vs. Oilers
Pittsburgh is jockeying for position with Columbus, which also plays Friday, against Buffalo. The Pens and Blue Jackets are both within striking distance of the Capitals as well, sitting five points behind.
The Oilers won’t be a pushover themselves, as they’re in a fight of their own in the West …
WESTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(C1) vs. 
(WC2)
(P1) vs. 
(WC1)
(C2) vs. 
(C3)
(P2) vs. 
(P3)
Here’s what the Western Conference standings look like today:
What’d I miss?
Much like the Leafs in the East, the Los Angeles Kings are on the outskirts of the playoff picture, looking in. They pulled out a crucial 3-2 overtime win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday and currently sit one point behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot.
Fun fact:
The Flames are dangerous right now, thanks to Mr. Elliot.
Friday’s game to watch: Ducks vs. Blues
The Blues will look to hold serve when they host the Anaheim Ducks Friday night. Jake Allen’s the probable netminder for the home team and for the first time in a while we can say that’s a good thing. After struggling mightily earlier this season the 26-year-old has posted a .943 save percentage over his past 10 games.
