The intensity is rising in the Stanley Cup Playoffs chase as five teams have the chance to secure their playoff berths this Tuesday.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are not playing tonight, they could still clinch playoff positions based on other game outcomes.
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are playing tonight and also require favorable results elsewhere to secure their spots. The Vegas Golden Knights control their destiny and have several paths to clinch a playoff berth.
Here are the scenarios for Tuesday:
Maple Leafs
- If the Montreal Canadiens lose against the Florida Panthers in any game situation.
- If the Columbus Blue Jackets lose against the Nashville Predators in any game situation.
Hurricanes
- If the Canadiens lose against the Panthers in any game situation.
- If the Blue Jackets lose against the Predators in any game situation.
Panthers
- If they beat the Canadiens in regulation time AND the Blue Jackets lose to the Predators in regulation time.
Lightning
- If they beat the New York Islanders in any game situation, the Canadiens lose to the Panthers in regulation time AND the Blue Jackets lose to the Predators in regulation time.
Golden Knights
- If they beat the Edmonton Oilers in any game situation.
- If they earn one point against the Oilers AND either the Calgary Flames lose to Utah in any game situation OR the St. Louis Blues lose to the Detroit Red Wings in regulation time.
- If they earn one point against the Oilers AND the Flames lose to Utah in regulation time.
The Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, Panthers, Lightning, and Golden Knights are looking to join the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, and Dallas Stars, who have already secured their playoff spots.
Tristan Blackwood