What’s at Stake in the NHL: Golden Knights can seize Pacific Division crown
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 10-game slate for Thursday, April 10?
– Following Wednesday’s disappointing home loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Rangers (36-35-7) face elimination tonight. They’re toast if they lose to the New York Islanders in any fashion.
– The Columbus Blue Jackets (35-33-9) will be eliminated tonight only if they lose to the Buffalo Sabres in regulation.
– The Toronto Maple Leafs (48-26-4) clinch home ice and, at worst, a No. 2 Atlantic Division seed in Round 1 if the Florida Panthers lose to the Detroit Red Wings in regulation Thursday.
– As an FYI: while the Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders each hang by a thread in the Eastern Conference Wildcard race, they can’t be eliminated Thursday. Their fates are still tied to Friday’s game between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.
– The Vegas Golden Knights (47-22-9) clinch the Pacific Division title Thursday if they beat the Seattle Kraken in regulation AND the Los Angeles Kings lose to the Anaheim Ducks in regulation. That would all but cement a Kings Round 1 matchup versus the Edmonton Oilers, but it can’t become official until the Oilers’ and Calgary Flames’ results play out Friday.
– The Dallas Stars (50-22-6) clinch home ice and no worse than a No. 2 Central Division seed in Round 1 (a) if they collect a single point or more against the Winnipeg Jets or (b) if the Colorado Avalanche lose to the Vancouver Canucks OR don’t win in regulation.
_____