After a thrilling weekend highlighted by Alex Ovechkin`s historic goal record, the focus shifts to the intensifying NHL playoff battles. Tuesday features ten games, each critical for playoff seedings or draft lottery positions.
Here`s a breakdown of Tuesday`s NHL action and its playoff implications:
Tuesday`s Key Games
Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET
The Hurricanes are virtually assured of the second seed in the Metropolitan Division. The Sabres, despite a strong 7-3-0 run in their last ten games, are now ninth in the draft lottery standings.
Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. ET
March losses have dimmed the Red Wings` playoff hopes. A win against Montreal, who they are chasing, is crucial. Montreal is currently six points ahead of Detroit, though Detroit has a game in hand.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m. ET
Recent form suggests a potential first-round playoff matchup between these teams. Toronto leads the Atlantic by four points over Tampa Bay and six over Florida. Florida holds a two-point lead for the first wild-card spot.
Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. ET
The Bruins are out of playoff contention and in the draft lottery mix. The Devils are likely to finish third in the Metro Division and potentially face Carolina in the first round.
Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. ET
The Senators are on a hot streak and are closing in on a wild-card spot. The Blue Jackets are a long shot for the playoffs and need a win.
Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET
The Blackhawks are near the top of the draft lottery standings. The Penguins are out of playoff contention and looking towards the draft.
New York Islanders at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m. ET
The Islanders are clinging to slim playoff hopes. Nashville is likely headed for a top-three draft lottery pick.
Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m. ET
The Canucks` playoff chances are fading, making every game crucial. Dallas is aiming for the Central Division`s top seed.
Seattle Kraken at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m. ET
The NHL`s two newest teams face off. Seattle is in the draft lottery mix, while Utah`s playoff hopes are nearly gone.
Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche, 9:30 p.m. ET
This late game features two powerhouse teams, a potential Western Conference Finals preview. Vegas is leading the Pacific Division, and Colorado is likely to be the Central`s third seed.
With the regular season concluding on April 17th, these games are pivotal in shaping the playoff landscape and draft lottery order.
Current Playoff Matchups
Eastern Conference
- A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
- A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
- M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
- M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
- C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Minnesota Wild
- C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
- P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 St. Louis Blues
- P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers
Clinching Scenarios
New Jersey Devils: Clinch playoff spot with a win or OT/shootout loss vs. Boston Bruins.
Ottawa Senators: Clinch playoff berth if:
- Defeat Columbus Blue Jackets, OR
- OT/shootout loss to Blue Jackets AND any result other than regulation win for Detroit vs. Montreal, OR
- Detroit loses to Montreal.
Washington Capitals: Clinch Metropolitan Division title if Carolina loses to Buffalo in regulation.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round if they defeat Florida in regulation.
Carolina Hurricanes: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round if they defeat Buffalo AND New Jersey loses to Boston. Also clinch if OT/shootout loss to Buffalo AND New Jersey loses to Boston in regulation.
Dallas Stars: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round if:
- Defeat Vancouver, OR
- OT/shootout loss to Vancouver AND Colorado loses to Vegas, OR
- Colorado loses to Vegas in regulation.
Vegas Golden Knights: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round with a win or OT/shootout loss vs. Colorado.
Tuesday`s Games Schedule
Note: All times ET. Games available on ESPN+ (blackouts apply).
- Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
- Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
- Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m.
- Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m.
- Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
- Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
- New York Islanders at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.
- Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.
- Seattle Kraken at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m.
- Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche, 9:30 p.m.
Monday`s Scoreboard
- Tampa Bay Lightning 5, New York Rangers 1
- Winnipeg Jets 3, St. Louis Blues 1
- Anaheim Ducks 3, Edmonton Oilers 2
- Seattle Kraken 2, Los Angeles Kings 1
- Calgary Flames 3, San Jose Sharks 2
Expanded Standings
Atlantic Division
x – Toronto Maple Leafs
Points: 98
x – Tampa Bay Lightning
Points: 96
x – Florida Panthers
Points: 92
Ottawa Senators
Points: 90
Montreal Canadiens
Points: 85
Detroit Red Wings
Points: 79
Buffalo Sabres
Points: 74
e – Boston Bruins
Points: 71
Metro Division
x – Washington Capitals
Points: 107
x – Carolina Hurricanes
Points: 96
New Jersey Devils
Points: 89
New York Rangers
Points: 79
New York Islanders
Points: 78
Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 77
e – Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 74
e – Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 71
Central Division
x – Winnipeg Jets
Points: 110
x – Dallas Stars
Points: 105
x – Colorado Avalanche
Points: 98
St. Louis Blues
Points: 93
Minnesota Wild
Points: 91
Utah Hockey Club
Points: 82
e – Nashville Predators
Points: 62
e – Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 54
Pacific Division
x – Vegas Golden Knights
Points: 102
x – Los Angeles Kings
Points: 97
Edmonton Oilers
Points: 93
Calgary Flames
Points: 87
Vancouver Canucks
Points: 83
e – Anaheim Ducks
Points: 76
e – Seattle Kraken
Points: 74
e – San Jose Sharks
Points: 50
Note: `x` – clinched playoff berth, `e` – eliminated from contention.
Race for No. 1 Draft Pick
The NHL Draft Lottery determines the first-round order. Top 11 teams are eligible for No. 1 pick. Matthew Schaefer is currently projected as the top pick.
1. San Jose Sharks
Points: 50
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 54
3. Nashville Predators
Points: 62
4. Boston Bruins
Points: 71
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 71
6. Buffalo Sabres
Points: 74
7. Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 74
8. Seattle Kraken
Points: 74
9. Anaheim Ducks
Points: 76
10. Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 77
11. New York Islanders
Points: 78
12. New York Rangers
Points: 79
13. Detroit Red Wings
Points: 79
14. Utah Hockey Club
Points: 82
15. Vancouver Canucks
Points: 83
16. Calgary Flames
Points: 87
