The Stanley Cup Playoffs are drawing closer, and Tuesday could be a pivotal night as five teams have the chance to secure their playoff berths.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes, despite not playing, can clinch spots based on other game outcomes.
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are playing and also rely on external results to secure their playoff entry. The Vegas Golden Knights control their own destiny with multiple clinching scenarios.
Here`s a breakdown of the scenarios for Tuesday:
Playoff Clinching Scenarios for April 1st
Maple Leafs:
- Clinch if the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Florida Panthers.
- Clinch if the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Nashville Predators.
Hurricanes:
- Clinch if the Canadiens lose to the Panthers.
- Clinch if the Blue Jackets lose to the Predators.
Panthers:
- Clinch if they beat the Canadiens in regulation AND the Blue Jackets lose to the Predators in regulation.
Lightning:
- Clinch if they beat the New York Islanders, the Canadiens lose to the Panthers in regulation, AND the Blue Jackets lose to the Predators in regulation.
Golden Knights:
- Clinch if they beat the Edmonton Oilers.
- Clinch if they get one point against the Oilers AND either the Calgary Flames lose to Utah OR the St. Louis Blues lose to the Detroit Red Wings in regulation.
- Clinch if they get one point against the Oilers AND the Flames lose to Utah in regulation.
The Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Panthers, Lightning, and Golden Knights are aiming to join the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, and Dallas Stars, who have already secured their playoff positions.
