The NHL regular season has concluded its final weekend, and the playoff picture is almost complete.
In the Eastern Conference, seven out of eight playoff spots are confirmed, but only one series is definitively set. The final standings in the Atlantic Division and the wild-card race are still to be decided.
In the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets secured the Presidents` Trophy on Sunday as the league`s best regular-season team, benefiting from the Washington Capitals` loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier in the day. While division leaders and their first-round matchups are set in the West, both wild-card positions remain open.
With just four days left in the regular season, attention is focused on two of the hottest teams: Montreal in the East and Calgary in the West, both on the verge of playoff contention. The Canadiens could clinch their playoff berth on Monday night, while Calgary`s situation is slightly more complex. Here`s a breakdown of the standings and the scenarios needed for each team to reach the post-season.
Montreal on the Verge of Playoff Qualification
Leading the Columbus Blue Jackets by three points with two games remaining, the Montreal Canadiens are on the cusp of securing a playoff spot. A victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night would guarantee them the second wild-card spot and a first-round series against the top-seeded Capitals in the Eastern Conference.
If Montreal fails to secure two points on Monday, it opens an opportunity for the Blue Jackets, who are on a four-game winning streak, including consecutive wins against a weakened Capitals team, to potentially overtake them. The Canadiens will conclude their season at home against Carolina on Wednesday.
Atlantic Division Seeding Still Undecided
The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured a top-two position in the Atlantic Division and home-ice advantage for at least the first round. The Tampa Bay Lightning could achieve the same on Monday night, even without playing. If the New York Rangers defeat the Florida Panthers in regulation on Monday, the Lightning would lock in the No. 3 seed, setting up a two-team race between the Maple Leafs and Lightning for the top two seeds. The Maple Leafs need just one point from their final two games (Tuesday against Buffalo, Thursday against Detroit) to clinch the division`s top spot.
Can Flames Clinch a Wild-Card Spot with a Game in Hand?
The resilient Calgary Flames are in a thrilling playoff push. Their 5-2 victory over San Jose on Sunday kept their playoff aspirations alive after the Wild gained two crucial points against the Canucks on Saturday and the Blues added intrigue with a shootout loss in Seattle. The Flames have an advantage with a game in hand over both Minnesota and St. Louis. None of these Western wild-card contenders are playing on Monday, but all three will be in action on Tuesday. Here’s a closer look:
Minnesota: The Wild need only one point against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night to secure a wild-card berth. A regulation loss would give the Blues and Flames a chance to take their spot. Any form of loss for the Blues or Flames would also secure Minnesota`s qualification.
St. Louis: The Blues can secure a playoff spot with a regulation win against the Utah Hockey Club. (Even if the Flames tie in points, St. Louis holds the tie-breaker.)
Calgary: The Flames must defeat the Golden Knights to remain in contention, but a win alone is not enough. A Flames victory, combined with a regulation loss for Minnesota and/or any loss for St. Louis, would keep Calgary`s playoff hopes alive, leading to a critical game against the Kings on Thursday. Alternatively, a regulation win for the Flames on Tuesday and an overtime/shootout win for the Blues would still allow Calgary to clinch in their season finale via tie-breaker, as an additional regulation win for the Flames over the Kings would give them the edge over the Blues.
Kings-Oilers Matchup: More Than Just a Playoff Preview
After the Edmonton Oilers officially clinched their playoff spot on Friday night, the Vegas Golden Knights secured the Pacific Division’s No. 1 seed on Saturday, confirming another first-round series between the Oilers and Kings.
This will be the fourth consecutive season these teams face off in the first round. The Oilers, seeded No. 2 in the previous matchups, won all three series. If the Kings aim to reverse the trend this year, home-ice advantage would be beneficial, and they can secure it on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers.
If the Kings defeat the Oilers on Monday, Los Angeles will secure the No. 2 seed and home-ice advantage for the fourth chapter of this growing first-round rivalry.
