A packed Saturday in the NHL features several crucial games, with playoff spots and division titles on the line for multiple teams.
The Montreal Canadiens are presented with another opportunity to secure a playoff spot after missing their first chance against the Ottawa Senators on Friday.
The Canadiens will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in regulation on Saturday night. A win in overtime or a shootout will also suffice, provided the Columbus Blue Jackets do not defeat the Washington Capitals in regulation.
Montreal can still clinch even with an overtime or shootout loss, as long as the Blue Jackets lose to the Capitals in any manner.
The Minnesota Wild can also clinch a playoff spot on Saturday if they beat the Vancouver Canucks and the St. Louis Blues lose to the Seattle Kraken in regulation time.
Beyond playoff berths, division titles are also up for grabs on Saturday.
The Winnipeg Jets will secure the Central Division title and the top seed in the Western Conference with at least one point against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Even if the Jets don`t get a point, they will still clinch the Central Division if the Dallas Stars fail to win in regulation against the Utah Hockey Club.
The Vegas Golden Knights can clinch the Pacific Division title by defeating the Nashville Predators in regulation. An overtime or shootout win will also suffice if the Los Angeles Kings fail to beat the Colorado Avalanche in regulation.
Alternatively, Vegas can clinch if they get a point against Nashville and the Kings lose to Colorado in any fashion.
Tristan Blackwood