What’s at Stake in the NHL: Huge day for Eastern Conference playoff picture
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 three-game slate for Saturday, April 5?
– The Tampa Bay Lightning (44-26-5) get another crack at clinching a playoff spot, with four scenarios that can do it on Saturday: (a) they get a single point vs. the Buffalo Sabres; (b) The New York Rangers lose to the New Jersey Devils; (c) the Devils lose to the Rangers in overtime or a shootout; or (d) the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Philadelphia Flyers in regulation. The Rangers/Devils game is at 12:30 p.m. ET, so it’s possible Tampa has already clinched when the puck drops on their game at 7:00 p.m. ET.
– The Florida Panthers (44-27-4) also have numerous ways to punch their playoff ticket Saturday. They’re in if (a) they beat the Ottawa Senators in any fashion; (b) they collect a point AND the Rangers lose to the Devils OR the Canadiens lose in regulation; or (c) The Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Toronto Maple Leafs in any fashion AND the Rangers lose in regulation.
– The Pittsburgh Penguins (30-34-12) will clinch a third consecutive non-playoff season if (a) they lose to the Dallas Stars AND the Canadiens win or (b) they lose to Dallas in regulation and Habs collect at least one point against the Flyers.
– A loss of any kind to the Montreal Canadiens will mathematically eliminate the Philadelphia Flyers (31-36-9) from playoff contention.
– The Boston Bruins (30-37-9) officially kiss the 2024-25 playoffs goodbye if (a) they lose to the Carolina Hurricanes, (b) The Canadiens win or collect even a point on Saturday or (c) the Rangers beat the Devils.
– The Los Angeles Kings (43-23-9) will clinch a top-three spot in the Pacific Division and, in turn, a playoff spot if (a) they beat the Edmonton Oilers AND the Calgary Flames lose to the Vegas Golden Knights or (b) they collect at least a point Saturday and the Flames lose in regulation.
_____