It`s the last day of March, and the NHL playoff picture is becoming clearer. For teams leading their divisions, playoff qualification is almost certain. The gap in the standings between division leaders and wild-card contenders is significant. While some teams are cruising towards the postseason, others are in a fierce battle for the remaining wild-card spots.
The margin for error is decreasing rapidly. With only a handful of games left for most teams, we`re examining the playoff odds in the most compelling races: the Atlantic Division`s top three and both wild-card chases. All playoff odds are provided by MoneyPuck.
Maple Leafs Ahead in Tight Atlantic Race
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers haven`t officially clinched playoff berths, their playoff odds are at 100 percent according to MoneyPuck. The main question is playoff seeding. The Maple Leafs currently lead the Atlantic Division by three points after a successful West Coast road trip, but the division title is still up for grabs.
MoneyPuck gives Toronto the best chance to finish first in the Atlantic at 44.7 percent. They will have opportunities to solidify their top seed with upcoming games against the Panthers and Lightning.
The Lightning have the second-highest odds of winning the Atlantic (33.3 percent), followed by the Panthers at 22 percent.
Senators Secure WC1 as Eastern Wild-Card Race Tightens
The Ottawa Senators are comfortably positioned in the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot, seven points ahead of the Montreal Canadiens, with a 99.6 percent playoff probability per MoneyPuck. The focus now shifts to the WC2 race, where the odds are as follows:
Montreal Canadiens (38.6 percent): After a five-game losing streak, their playoff odds have become more realistic. However, a recent win against the Panthers has them back on track. Another win against Florida would significantly boost their chances of securing the second wild-card.
New York Rangers (32.8 percent): Close behind the Canadiens, the Rangers are looking to capitalize on Montreal`s struggles. However, their schedule is challenging, with only two of their remaining nine games against non-playoff teams.
Columbus Blue Jackets (15.4 percent): Columbus remains in contention with crucial upcoming games against both the Senators and Capitals.
New York Islanders (8.7 percent): Three consecutive losses have hurt the Islanders` wild-card aspirations, and their upcoming schedule includes tough matchups against the Lightning, Wild, and Capitals.
Detroit Red Wings (5.7 percent): Despite being only three points behind the Canadiens for the last wild-card spot, the Red Wings face a significant challenge due to their difficult schedule. All of their remaining games are against playoff-bound teams.
Golden Knights on Verge of Playoff Berth
The Vegas Golden Knights can clinch a playoff spot if the Colorado Avalanche defeat the Calgary Flames in regulation. They are also in a strong position to win the Pacific Division, with a 96.6 percent chance of securing the top seed.
Blues` Winning Streak Boosts Playoff Chances
The St. Louis Blues` nine-game winning streak has propelled them into a strong playoff position. Tied with Minnesota in points, the Blues are close to overtaking the first wild-card spot. They currently have an 88.4 percent playoff probability, slightly better than the Wild`s 87 percent. This rise of the Blues is concerning for Canadian teams hoping for a wild-card.
Calgary Flames (15.5 percent): Consecutive losses have slowed the Flames` momentum, but with games in hand and winnable matchups ahead, they are still in the fight and need to keep an eye on Minnesota.
Vancouver Canucks (9.7 percent): The Canucks face a tough road to the playoffs, with most of their remaining games against playoff teams. They need help from other teams to improve their odds.
