What’s at Stake in the NHL: Will Winnipeg win West?
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 11-game slate for Saturday, April 12?
– The Montreal Canadiens (39-31-9) failed to clinch a playoff spot last night but get another chance tonight. They will punch their ticket and eliminate the Columbus Blue Jackets (36-33-9) if (a) they beat the Maple Leafs in regulation, (b) they win in overtime or a shootout AND the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Washington Capitals, (c) they collect a point and the Blue Jackets lose or (d) they win in overtime or a shootout and the Blue Jackets lose in overtime or a shootout.
– If the New York Rangers (37-35-7) lose to the Carolina Hurricanes in any fashion OR the Habs collect even a single point, the Rangers are eliminated. The. New York Islanders‘ (34-33-11) conditions are identical: a loss or a Habs point will knock them out. A single point from the Canadiens will also mathematically eliminate the Detroit Red Wings (37-35-7).
– The Winnipeg Jets (54-21-4) earned a four-point swing with a win over the Dallas Stars Thursday and can clinch the Central Division and No. 1 overall seed in the Western Conference Saturday. It happens if the Jets collect even a single point against the Blackhawks OR if the Stars do anything but defeat the Utah Hockey Club in regulation.
– If the Jets do clinch Saturday, that cements the Dallas Stars (50-23-6) vs. the Colorado Avalanche (48-28-4) as a round 1 matchup. Colorado is locked into the 3 seed already.
– The Minnesota Wild (43-30-7) will clinch a playoff spot Saturday if they beat the Vancouver Canucks AND the St. Louis Blues lose to the Seattle Kraken in regulation.
– The Vegas Golden Knights (48-22-9) win the Pacific Division if (a) they beat the Nashville Predators, (b) the Los Angeles Kings lose to the Colorado Avalanche, (c) they collect at least a point and the Kings don’t win in regulation; or (d) they collect at least a point and the Kings get one point or fewer.
– If the Golden Knights do clinch, that guarantees a fourth consecutive first-round matchup between the Los Angeles Kings (45-24-9) and Edmonton Oilers (46-28-5).
– If the Chicago Blackhawks (23-46-10) collect at least a point against the Winnipeg Jets Saturday, that locks the San Jose Sharks (20-48-11) into last overall and the top odds for picking No. 1 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.
_____