After the Montreal Canadiens were on the verge of securing a playoff spot on Monday night, the Chicago Blackhawks surprised everyone with a shootout victory. This result keeps the Columbus Blue Jackets in contention for the final Eastern Conference wild card.
In the Western Conference, the wild-card situation involving the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames remained unchanged on Monday, but all three teams are scheduled to play on Tuesday.
Here`s a preview of what to expect on a potentially significant night in the NHL playoff race:
Tuesday`s Key Matchups
New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. ET
For the Devils, this game is their final preparation before their first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bruins are currently positioned fourth in the draft lottery order. They cannot move up to third, but they are just ahead of the Kraken and Flyers and slightly further ahead of the Sabres.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET
The Maple Leafs are leading the Atlantic Division by four points, but with their closest competitor (the Lightning) having two games remaining, the division title is still undecided. A win or even an overtime loss against the Sabres would secure the division title for Toronto. Buffalo has been playing well recently, but their earlier struggles have placed them seventh in the draft lottery standings. They are closely grouped with teams ranked 4th to 9th.
Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m. ET
Chicago`s victory on Monday did not change their draft lottery position; they are locked in at the No. 2 spot. The Senators have secured a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and will face either the Maple Leafs or Lightning in the first round.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m. ET
Montreal`s shootout loss on Monday kept a sliver of playoff hope alive for the Blue Jackets. Columbus needs to win both of their remaining games in regulation, and they need the Canadiens to lose in regulation to the Hurricanes on Wednesday to clinch the last wild card spot. The Flyers are also in the group of teams around the 75-78 point mark in the standings.
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30 p.m. ET
It`s highly likely that these in-state rivals will meet in the first round of the playoffs. The Panthers cannot overtake the Lightning in the standings. The Lightning could potentially catch the Maple Leafs for the division lead, but it would require winning their last two games and Toronto losing their final two in regulation. This game might be more about establishing dominance before a potential playoff series.
Washington Capitals at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m. ET
Having already secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals might not be as focused as they were while chasing that position. The Islanders are currently 10th in the draft lottery order.
Utah Hockey Club at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m. ET
A win for the Blues combined with any loss for the Flames would secure a playoff spot for St. Louis. The Utah Hockey Club, in their inaugural season, remained in playoff contention for a significant portion of the season but will now participate in the draft lottery.
Anaheim Ducks at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m. ET
A win of any kind for the Wild will clinch their playoff spot. The Ducks are near the bottom of the group of teams with 75-78 points in the draft lottery standings.
Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m. ET
Every game is crucial for the Flames, especially regulation wins. They are currently behind the Blues in the wild card race. If the Blues win in regulation and the Flames win in overtime or a shootout, Calgary would be eliminated. The Golden Knights have secured the top seed in the Pacific Division and will play the first wild-card team in the first round. They could prevent a potential series against Calgary by defeating them in this game.
Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken, 10:30 p.m. ET
The Kings` victory over the Oilers on Monday secured home-ice advantage for their first-round series against Edmonton. Seattle is also in the group of teams with 75-78 points and currently holds the No. 5 spot in the draft lottery.
Current Playoff Matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers
Clinching Scenarios
The Montreal Canadiens will secure a playoff berth if the Columbus Blue Jackets do not win in regulation against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Minnesota Wild will clinch a playoff berth if:
- They win or lose in overtime/shootout against the Anaheim Ducks
- The Blues lose to the Utah Hockey Club in any manner
- The Flames lose to the Golden Knights in any manner
The St. Louis Blues will clinch a playoff berth if:
- They defeat the Utah Hockey Club in regulation
- They defeat the Hockey Club in overtime/shootout, AND either the Wild lose to the Ducks in regulation OR the Flames-Golden Knights game does not end in a regulation win for Calgary
- They lose in overtime/shootout, AND the Flames lose to the Golden Knights in any manner
- The Flames lose to the Golden Knights in regulation
Tuesday`s Games
Note: All times Eastern Time. Games not on TNT or NHL Network are available on ESPN+ (blackout restrictions apply).
New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. ET
Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET
Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m. ET
Columbus Blue Jackets at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m. ET
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Washington Capitals at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m. ET
Utah Hockey Club at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m. ET
Anaheim Ducks at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m. ET
Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Monday`s Scoreboard
Chicago Blackhawks 4, Montreal Canadiens 3 (SO)
Detroit Red Wings 6, Dallas Stars 4
New York Rangers 5, Florida Panthers 3
Utah Hockey Club 7, Nashville Predators 3
Los Angeles Kings 5, Edmonton Oilers 0
Vancouver Canucks 2, San Jose Sharks 1 (OT)
Expanded Standings
Atlantic Division
x – Toronto Maple Leafs
Points: 104
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 106.6
Next game: @ BUF (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Tampa Bay Lightning
Points: 100
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 102.5
Next game: vs. FLA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Florida Panthers
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 1
Points pace: 99.2
Next game: @ TB (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Ottawa Senators
Points: 94
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 96.4
Next game: vs. CHI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Montreal Canadiens
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 1
Points pace: 90.1
Next game: vs. CAR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 89.6%
Tragic number: N/A
e – Detroit Red Wings
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 85.1
Next game: @ NJ (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Buffalo Sabres
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 78.9
Next game: vs. TOR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Boston Bruins
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 75.9
Next game: vs. NJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Metro Division
z – Washington Capitals
Points: 109
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 111.7
Next game: @ NYI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Carolina Hurricanes
Points: 99
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 101.5
Next game: @ MTL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – New Jersey Devils
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 2
Points pace: 91.2
Next game: @ BOS (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 87.1
Next game: @ PHI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 10.4%
Tragic number: 1
e – New York Rangers
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 84.0
Next game: vs. TB (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – New York Islanders
Points: 82
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 84.1
Next game: vs. WSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 79.0
Next game: vs. WSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 77.9
Next game: vs. CBJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Central Division
p – Winnipeg Jets
Points: 114
Regulation wins: 43
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 1
Points pace: 115.4
Next game: vs. ANA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Dallas Stars
Points: 106
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 1
Points pace: 107.3
Next game: @ NSH (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Colorado Avalanche
Points: 102
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 0
Points pace: 102
Next game: N/A
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Minnesota Wild
Points: 95
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 1
Points pace: 96.2
Next game: vs. ANA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 98.4%
Tragic number: N/A
St. Louis Blues
Points: 94
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 1
Points pace: 95.2
Next game: vs. UTA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 91.3%
Tragic number: N/A
e – Utah Hockey Club
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 90.1
Next game: @ STL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Nashville Predators
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 66.8
Next game: vs. DAL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 59
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 59.7
Next game: @ OTT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Pacific Division
y – Vegas Golden Knights
Points: 107
Regulation wins: 45
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 109.7
Next game: @ CGY (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Los Angeles Kings
Points: 103
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 2
Points pace: 105.6
Next game: @ SEA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
x – Edmonton Oilers
Points: 99
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 1
Points pace: 100.2
Next game: @ SJ (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A
Calgary Flames
Points: 92
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 94.3
Next game: vs. VGK (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 10.3%
Tragic number: 3
e – Vancouver Canucks
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 91.1
Next game: vs. VGK (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Anaheim Ducks
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 80.0
Next game: @ MIN (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – Seattle Kraken
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 76.9
Next game: vs. LA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
e – San Jose Sharks
Points: 52
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 52.6
Next game: vs. EDM (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Note: `p` – Presidents` Trophy, `z` – top conference record, `y` – division title, `x` – playoff berth, `e` – eliminated.
Race for the No. 1 Draft Pick
The NHL Draft Lottery determines the first-round order, not solely based on the last-place team. Teams can move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery. Matthew Schaefer is currently ranked as the No. 1 draft prospect.
1. San Jose Sharks
Points: 52
Regulation wins: 14
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 59
Regulation wins: 20
3. Nashville Predators
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
4. Boston Bruins
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 26
5. Seattle Kraken
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
6. Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 21
7. Buffalo Sabres
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 28
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23
9. Anaheim Ducks
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
10. New York Islanders
Points: 82
Regulation wins: 28
11. New York Rangers
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 34
12. Detroit Red Wings
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 29
13. Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28
14. Utah Hockey Club
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 30
15. Vancouver Canucks
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 28
16. Calgary Flames
Points: 92
Regulation wins: 30
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley