What’s at Stake in the NHL: Habs control destiny to clinch final East playoff spot
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 six-game slate for Monday, April 14?
– If the Florida Panthers (47-29-4) lose to the New York Rangers in regulation, the Panthers will lock into the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Division, most likely to face the Tampa Bay Lightning (46-26-8), who clinch home ice if Florida clinches third.
– Another day, another chance for the Montreal Canadiens (39-31-10) to finally clinch the last Eastern Conference playoff spot. The streaking Columbus Blue Jackets (38-33-9) are idle tonight, meaning there’s one way for Montreal to lock up the second Wildcard position: beating the Chicago Blackhawks in any fashion. A single point will not do it. Maybe mega prospect Ivan Demidov, making his NHL debut tonight, gives the Habs the push they need.
– The Los Angeles Kings (46-24-9) and Edmonton Oilers (47-28-5) are already guaranteed to face each other in Round 1, but they battle tonight for home ice in that series. The Kings will clinch the No. 2 Pacific seed if they beat Edmonton in any fashion. An Oilers win doesn’t clinch second but keeps them in the mix for it.
– Sorry to fans of the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames: none of your teams play Monday, so the dramatic battle for the two Western Conference Wildcard spots won’t be resolved.
– Milestone watch: if Lane Hutson picks up three assists in Montreal’s final two games, he’ll set a new single-season NHL record for assists by a rookie defenseman with 61. The Oilers’ Connor McDavid needs one point to become just the fourth player in NHL history with eight 100-point seasons.
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