What’s at Stake in the NHL: Can Habs lock up the 16th and final 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 Wednesday, April 16?
– The Columbus Blue Jackets managed to stay alive in the battle for the final Eastern Conference Wildcard berth yet again with a regulation win Tuesday night. The ball shifts back to the Montreal Canadiens’ (39-31-11) court Wednesday. They simply need to collect a single point at home versus the Carolina Hurricanes. If the Habs lose in regulation, the Blue Jackets have a chance to control their destiny and steal the final playoff spot Thursday.
– With his 65th point Monday night, the Habs’ Lane Hutson broke Chris Chelios’ rookie franchise record for points by a defenseman. One more assist would tie Hutson with Larry Murphy for the most in NHL history by a rookie blueliner, and two more would set a new record.
– Reminder of the two milestones at play, at least on paper, for the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night when they face the San Jose Sharks: Connor McDavid needs one point to become the fourth NHL player with eight career 100-point seasons, while Leon Draisaitl needs one goal to become the fourth player with 400 goals as an Edmonton Oiler. But might we see neither player suit up? Because the Oilers lost to the Los Angeles Kings Monday, L.A. clinched the No. 2 seed and home ice for the upcoming playoff series between the two teams. Edmonton thus has nothing to play for and would probably be wise to rest its superstars.
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