What’s at Stake in the NHL: Can the Flames stay alive?
We’ve reached the eventful final stretch of the NHL season. At this point, something significant is on the line virtually every day, whether it’s a playoff spot or division title to clinch or a major individual milestone. At Daily Faceoff, we’re here to break down exactly what you need to know between now and the end of the season April 17.
So what’s at stake across the nine-game slate for Sunday, April 13?
– The Toronto Maple Leafs (49-26-4) already have home ice secured for Round 1, but they will clinch the Atlantic Division crown Sunday if (a) they beat the Carolina Hurricanes AND the Tampa Bay Lightning lose to the Buffalo Sabres or (b) if they collect at least a point against the Hurricanes and the Lightning lose in regulation.
– If the Leafs clinch first in the Atlantic AND the Ottawa Senators (43-30-6) fail to do anything but beat the Philadelphia Flyers in regulation, it will cement first-round series between the Leafs and Senators and the Lightning and Florida Panthers, the Battle of Ontario and the Battle of Florida.
– If the Columbus Blue Jackets (37-33-9) lose to Washington Capitals in any fashion Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens (39-31-10) will finally clinch a playoff spot.
– Factoring in all the scenarios above, it’s possible the entire Eastern Conference playoff picture will be set by end of day Sunday, with Montreal facing Washington.
– The Minnesota Wild (44-30-7) will clinch a playoff spot while idle Sunday if the Calgary Flames (38-27-14) lose to the San Jose Sharks in any fashion. If the Flames lose in regulation, the St. Louis Blues (43-30-8) will also clinch, which will eliminate the Flames and set the eight-team playoff field in the Western Conference.
_____
POST SPONSORED BY bet365