The Stanley Cup Playoffs are less than one week away, and the field could be set by Monday's end. But there are three spots up for grabs — one in the Eastern Conference and two in the West.
Here's a look at how a full slate of games could finalize the NHL's playoff picture:
Clinch a playoff berth (Metropolitan 3) AND a locked-in first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins (Metropolitan 2) if they:
Defeat the Carolina Hurricanes in any fashion.
Anaheim Ducks (idle)
Ducks clinch a playoff spot if the San Jose Sharks defeat the Nashville Predators in any fashion.
Clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Kraken in any fashion.
AND
If the Sharks defeat the Predators in regulation.
The Carolina Hurricanes will clinch the Eastern Conference title:
If they get at least one point against the Flyers.
OR
If the Blackhawks defeat the Sabres in any fashion.
The Buffalo Sabres will clinch the Atlantic Division title if:
They defeat the Blackhawks in regulation.
AND
with any result in the Lightning-Red Wings game other than a Lightning regulation win.
OR
The Sabres defeat the Blackhawks in overtime or shootout AND if the Red Wings defeat the Lightning in any fashion.
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