This Week in the NHL: Major implications for Pacific, Atlantic playoff matchups

Mar 31, 2025, 08:30 EDT

Credit: Dec 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) plays for the puck against Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.

So what’s on tap for March 31 – April 6?

April 2: Panthers, Leafs jockey for Atlantic Division supremacy

Florida Panthers @ Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m. ET

The Atlantic crown remains up for grabs, with the Panthers and Leafs leapfrogging each other all year. In the head-to-head series, the Panthers hold the big edge, winning both meetings so far, pummelling the Leafs by an 8-3 margin. Will Toronto show up for a change in a crucial game? Neither club can take its eye off the Tampa Bay Lightning, either. To open the week, they sit tied with the Panthers and three points back of the Leafs for the division lead.

April 5: Oilers, Kings meet in potential Round 1 preview

Edmonton Oilers @ Los Angeles Kings, 4:00 p.m. ET

The Vegas Golden Knights hold a nine-point lead for first, so it appears the Oilers and Kings will lock horns in Round 1 for a fourth consecutive season. Saturday’s tilt gives each club a chance to gain the upper hand for home ice – or, if they’re optimistic, a chance to chase down Vegas and avoid the repeat playoff series. But will Edmonton have to battle L.A. this week still minus injured superstar Connor McDavid?

Alex Ovechkin’s GR8 Chase continues

It’s no longer a question of if Alex Ovechkin scores career goal No. 895 and breaks Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. But Ovi is running out of time to do it this season. He opens the week with nine games left on the schedule, three of which his Washington Capitals will play this week. He needs four to tie the mark and five to break it.