Thu. Jul 3rd, 2025

NHL Games on Saturday: Playoff Implications and Draft Lottery Scenarios

Saturday in the NHL is packed with games, 13 in total! Get ready for a busy day of hockey action.

With so many games, let`s break down each matchup to see what`s at stake for every team, from playoff contenders to those vying for better draft lottery odds.

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils

12:30 p.m. ET

New York Rangers Logo
New Jersey Devils Logo

The rivalry between the Rangers and Devils is always exciting, especially when both are in the playoff hunt. The Devils are currently ahead, and these points are vital for the Rangers as they chase a wild card spot.

Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators

2 p.m. ET

Florida Panthers Logo
Ottawa Senators Logo

This game could be a first or second round playoff preview. For now, it`s their last regular-season meeting. Matthew Tkachuk is unfortunately still injured.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars

3 p.m. ET

Pittsburgh Penguins Logo
Dallas Stars Logo

The Penguins are barely in the playoff race and need wins. The Stars are already in the playoffs but are aiming for the top seed in their division.

Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks

4 p.m. ET

Anaheim Ducks Logo
Vancouver Canucks Logo

The Ducks are out of playoff contention and near the top of the draft lottery. The Canucks` playoff hopes are fading.

Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings

4 p.m. ET

Edmonton Oilers Logo
Los Angeles Kings Logo

These teams have met in the first round of the playoffs the last three years, with Edmonton winning each time. Could this be a playoff preview again?

Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins

7 p.m. ET

Carolina Hurricanes Logo
Boston Bruins Logo

The Hurricanes have clinched a playoff spot and are likely to be the second seed in their division. The Bruins are likely to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16 and are looking at a high draft pick.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres

7 p.m. ET

Tampa Bay Lightning Logo
Buffalo Sabres Logo

The Lightning have been strong recently and are aiming for the top spot in their division. The Sabres are likely missing the playoffs again and are in the draft lottery conversation.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs

7 p.m. ET

Columbus Blue Jackets Logo
Toronto Maple Leafs Logo

The Blue Jackets are still in the wild card race and need points. The Maple Leafs are leading their division and could face the Senators in the first round if they hold on.

Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens

7 p.m. ET

Philadelphia Flyers Logo
Montreal Canadiens Logo

The Canadiens are currently holding a wild card spot, surprisingly after finishing low last season. The Flyers are in the draft lottery range.

Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues

7 p.m. ET

Colorado Avalanche Logo
St. Louis Blues Logo

While not a first-round preview, these hot teams could meet later in the playoffs. The Blues have moved into a wild card spot, and the Avalanche look set as the third seed in their division.

Winnipeg Jets at Utah Hockey Club

7 p.m. ET

Winnipeg Jets Logo
Utah Hockey Club Logo

Utah is playing meaningful games late in the season, a win in itself. They could even sneak into the playoffs. The Jets are competing for the Presidents` Trophy as the league`s best team.

Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames

10 p.m. ET

Vegas Golden Knights Logo
Calgary Flames Logo

The Golden Knights` division lead has shrunk, but they are still in a good position. The Flames are trying to catch a wild card spot.

Seattle Kraken at San Jose Sharks

10 p.m. ET

Seattle Kraken Logo
San Jose Sharks Logo

This game is crucial for draft lottery standings. The Sharks are currently in last place, but only slightly ahead of the Blackhawks. The Kraken are also in the lottery mix.

The regular season ends soon, and we`ll keep you updated on the playoff races and the draft lottery.

Current Playoff Matchups (Eastern Conference)

  • Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
  • Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
  • Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils

Current Playoff Matchups (Western Conference)

  • Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
  • Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
  • Vegas Golden Knights vs. Minnesota Wild
  • Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers

Saturday`s Games Schedule

  • New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils, 12:30 p.m. ET
  • Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators, 2 p.m. ET
  • Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars, 3 p.m. ET
  • Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks, 4 p.m. ET
  • Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings, 4 p.m. ET
  • Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. ET
  • Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET
  • Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m. ET
  • Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. ET
  • Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues, 7 p.m. ET
  • Winnipeg Jets at Utah Hockey Club, 7 p.m. ET
  • Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m. ET
  • Seattle Kraken at San Jose Sharks, 10 p.m. ET

Friday`s Scoreboard

  • Detroit Red Wings 5, Carolina Hurricanes 3
  • Washington Capitals 5, Chicago Blackhawks 3
  • New York Islanders 3, Minnesota Wild 1

NHL Standings (Atlantic Division)

  • Toronto Maple Leafs (96 Points)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (93 Points)
  • Florida Panthers (92 Points)
  • Ottawa Senators (86 Points)
  • Montreal Canadiens (81 Points)
  • Detroit Red Wings (77 Points)
  • Buffalo Sabres (70 Points)
  • Boston Bruins (69 Points)

NHL Standings (Metro Division)

  • Washington Capitals (107 Points)
  • Carolina Hurricanes (96 Points)
  • New Jersey Devils (87 Points)
  • New York Rangers (79 Points)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (77 Points)
  • New York Islanders (76 Points)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (72 Points)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (71 Points)

NHL Standings (Central Division)

  • Winnipeg Jets (108 Points)
  • Dallas Stars (104 Points)
  • Colorado Avalanche (98 Points)
  • St. Louis Blues (91 Points)
  • Minnesota Wild (89 Points)
  • Utah Hockey Club (80 Points)
  • Nashville Predators (62 Points)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (52 Points)

NHL Standings (Pacific Division)

  • Vegas Golden Knights (98 Points)
  • Los Angeles Kings (95 Points)
  • Edmonton Oilers (93 Points)
  • Calgary Flames (84 Points)
  • Vancouver Canucks (81 Points)
  • Anaheim Ducks (74 Points)
  • Seattle Kraken (70 Points)
  • San Jose Sharks (50 Points)

Race for the No. 1 Draft Pick

  1. San Jose Sharks (50 Points)
  2. Chicago Blackhawks (52 Points)
  3. Nashville Predators (62 Points)
  4. Boston Bruins (69 Points)
  5. Seattle Kraken (70 Points)
  6. Buffalo Sabres (70 Points)
  7. Philadelphia Flyers (71 Points)
  8. Pittsburgh Penguins (72 Points)
  9. Anaheim Ducks (74 Points)
  10. New York Islanders (76 Points)
  11. Detroit Red Wings (77 Points)
  12. Columbus Blue Jackets (77 Points)
  13. New York Rangers (79 Points)
  14. Utah Hockey Club (80 Points)
  15. Vancouver Canucks (81 Points)
  16. Calgary Flames (84 Points)

By Adrian Whitmore

Adrian Whitmore, 41, brings over fifteen years of experience covering tennis and golf tournaments from his base in Liverpool. His distinctive storytelling approach combines statistical analysis with behind-the-scenes insights.

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