Three teams are on the verge of securing their places in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this Saturday.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers hold their playoff destinies in their own hands as they aim to lock in Eastern Conference spots. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings require some external factors to fall in their favor to clinch a Western Conference berth.
Here’s a breakdown of the scenarios for each team to clinch a playoff spot, as provided by NHL Public Relations:
Lightning
- If Tampa Bay earns at least one point in their game against the Buffalo Sabres.
- If the New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils game does not end in a Rangers regulation win, OR if the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Philadelphia Flyers in regulation.
Panthers
- If Florida defeats the Ottawa Senators in any manner.
- If Florida gains one point against the Senators AND either the Rangers lose to the Devils in any fashion, OR the Canadiens lose to the Flyers in regulation.
- If the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Toronto Maple Leafs in any fashion AND the Rangers lose to the Devils in regulation.
Kings
- If Los Angeles defeats the Edmonton Oilers in any fashion AND the Calgary Flames lose to the Vegas Golden Knights in any fashion.
- If Los Angeles earns one point against the Oilers AND the Flames lose to the Golden Knights in regulation.
In the Eastern Conference, the Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, and Carolina Hurricanes have already secured playoff spots. In the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Golden Knights have clinched berths.
Watch the Oilers versus Kings game live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 4 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. MT.
Tristan Blackwood