The NHL regular season is drawing to a close, and the playoff picture is almost set.
In the Eastern Conference, 7 out of 8 playoff spots are claimed, with only the Atlantic Division top seed and the final wild-card spot still undecided.
In the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets secured the Presidents` Trophy. While division leaders are set, both wild-card positions are still open.
With just a few days left, attention is on the Montreal Canadiens in the East and the Calgary Flames in the West, both striving for playoff spots. Montreal could clinch on Monday, while Calgary`s path is more complex. Here`s a breakdown of their situations.
Montreal on the Verge of Playoff Qualification
Leading Columbus by three points with two games remaining, the Canadiens are close to a playoff spot. A win against Chicago on Monday guarantees them the final wild-card spot and a first-round matchup against Washington.
If Montreal fails to secure two points on Monday, Columbus can catch up. Montreal`s season concludes at home against Carolina on Wednesday.
Atlantic Division Top Seeding Still Undecided
Toronto has secured a top-two spot and home-ice advantage in the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay could clinch the No. 3 seed on Monday if the New York Rangers defeat Florida in regulation. The Maple Leafs and Lightning are competing for the top two seeds. Toronto needs just one point in their last two games to secure the division lead.
Can Flames Secure a Wild-Card Spot?
Calgary`s playoff hopes remain alive after defeating San Jose. Minnesota`s win and St. Louis`s shootout loss have intensified the wild-card race. Calgary has a game in hand over Minnesota and St. Louis. Key games are scheduled for Tuesday:
Minnesota: Needs one point against Anaheim to secure a wild-card spot. A regulation loss opens the door for St. Louis and Calgary. A loss for Blues or Flames also secures Minnesota`s spot.
St. Louis: Can clinch a playoff spot with a regulation win over Utah. (Tie-breaker over Calgary).
Calgary: Must beat Vegas to stay in contention. A win alone isn`t enough. Calgary needs a win AND a regulation loss for Minnesota and/or any loss for St. Louis to keep their hopes alive for a crucial game against the Kings on Thursday. A regulation win for Flames and an overtime/shootout win for Blues still allows Calgary to potentially clinch via tie-breaker in the finale against the Kings.
Kings-Oilers Match Preview
Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights have secured playoff spots, setting up a first-round series between Oilers and Kings for the fourth straight year.
The Oilers have won the previous three matchups as the No. 2 seed. Home-ice advantage could help the Kings flip the script this year, and they can secure it Monday against Edmonton.
A win for the Kings against the Oilers on Monday would secure them the No. 2 seed and home-ice advantage for the playoff series.
Tristan Blackwood