The NHL regular season is drawing to a close, and the playoff picture is becoming clearer. Here's a breakdown of the remaining matchups and what's at stake for each team:
Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are battling for the top seed in the Atlantic Division, which would give them a favorable matchup in the first round. The Red Wings, however, are eliminated from playoff contention and their first-round pick is 14th overall. The outcome of this game and the draft lottery will determine the final draft order.
New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers
The Rangers are in a tight race for the third spot in the draft lottery, while the Panthers are seventh. The Rangers need to win and hope for a loss by the Blackhawks to secure their position. The Panthers, on the other hand, need to win to stay in the lottery.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Hurricanes have locked in the Metro Division title and are close to securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. A win or overtime/shootout loss will clinch their spot. The Flyers, surprisingly, are in the playoffs and need a win to secure their first-round series against the Penguins. An overtime/shootout loss will eliminate them.
Dallas Stars vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Stars are the No. 2 seed in the Central Division with home-ice advantage. The Maple Leafs, currently fifth in the draft lottery, need to win and hope for some help to avoid losing their first-round pick to Boston.
Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
The Wild are locked in as the No. 3 seed and will face the Stars in the first round. The Blues are in the middle of the draft lottery order and can finish as high as fifth or as low as 11th. Their final three games will determine their draft position.
San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators
The Sharks are in a tight race for the final playoff spot, needing help from other teams. The Predators, with 86 points, have a better shot at the wild card. The Sharks need to win and hope for losses by the Kings and Predators.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The Sabres are top dog in the Atlantic Division and control their own destiny. The Blackhawks are locked in the No. 2 position in the draft lottery, ensuring a top-four pick.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers
The Avs have clinched the Presidents' Trophy and home-ice advantage. The Oilers need to make up one point on the Golden Knights to reclaim the top spot in the Pacific Division.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Seattle Kraken
The Kings have taken control of the second wild card in the West with a strong finish. A win here would eliminate the Jets and the Sharks. If the Predators lose to the Sharks, the Kings would clinch the wild-card spot.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights
The Jets need a win and help from other teams to make the playoffs. The Golden Knights, led by John Tortorella, are on a winning streak. A win here and an Oilers loss would clinch the Pacific Division for the Golden Knights.
With only a few games left, the playoff race is intense and the draft lottery is up for grabs. The final stretch will be crucial in determining the final standings and draft order.
