What’s at Stake in the NHL: Presidents’ Trophy within reach for New York Rangers
Welcome to the April leg of the 2023-24 NHL regular season. At this point in the calendar, the stakes are elevated. We’re starting to see teams clinch playoff spots. Players are hitting milestones. There’s seemingly something on the line every night.
So what’s at stake during the eight-game slate of action on Monday, April 15?
– The New York Rangers (54-23-4) can have it all tonight. With a victory over the Ottawa Senators, the Blueshirts will clinch the Presidents’ Trophy, Eastern Conference No. 1 seed and Metropolitan Division crown, meaning they’ll have home ice advantage for the entire Stanley Cup playoffs.
– The Boston Bruins (47-18-15) will clinch the Atlantic Division title Monday if they beat the Washington Capitals.
– It’s a big night for the New York Islanders (37-27-16). They can clinch a playoff spot Monday if (a) they get at least a point against the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings lose to the Montreal Canadiens; (b) the Capitals and Red Wings lose in regulation; or (c) The Red Wings lose in regulation and the Pittsburgh Penguins lose to the Nashville Predators. The Isles can also clinch the third Metropolitan Division playoff spot if (a) They beat the Devils, (b) The Isles gain at least a point and the Capitals lose, or (c) the Capitals lose in regulation and the Penguins lose outright.
– Will Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins (37-31-12) fall short in their inspiring playoff push? They will be eliminated from playoff contention Monday night if they lose at home to the Nashville Predators in regulation. PPG Paints Arena will be electric.
– The Detroit Red Wings (39-32-9) got a stay of execution Saturday with their dramatic overtime win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it’s still do or die Monday. If the Wings lose to the lowly Montreal Canadiens in regulation, the playoff dream for 2023-24 ends.
– The Predators (47-29-5) will secure the first Western Conference Wildcard seed if they get one or more points against the Pens or if the L.A. Kings (43-26-11) lose to the Minnesota Wild in regulation.
– The Vancouver Canucks (49-22-9) will clinch the Pacific Division title if the Edmonton Oilers (48-25-6) lose to the San Jose Sharks Monday.
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