After a busy Tuesday night with 10 NHL games, Wednesday offers a more relaxed schedule of five matchups. However, these games are still packed with significance for playoff positioning and the upcoming draft lottery. Let`s quickly preview each of the five games:
Key Wednesday NHL Matchups
Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning
7 p.m. ET
The Maple Leafs are almost guaranteed a top-two spot in the Atlantic Division, but the Lightning are still chasing them for the division lead. For Tampa Bay to have a chance at the top seed, winning this game in regulation is essential to close the gap.
Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers
7:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Rangers are in a tough spot after losing their last two games badly. Their playoff hopes are fading, and a win against the Flyers is crucial to start a comeback. The Flyers, meanwhile, are currently positioned fourth in the draft lottery and also hold valuable first-round picks from other teams.
San Jose Sharks at Minnesota Wild
8 p.m. ET
The San Jose Sharks are in a strong position for the top pick in the draft lottery, currently leading the race. The Minnesota Wild are trying to secure a Western Conference wild-card spot and are looking to extend their lead over Calgary.
St. Louis Blues at Edmonton Oilers
10 p.m. ET (TNT)
The Blues had their long winning streak broken in their last game and will try to start a new one against the Oilers. St. Louis is currently in a wild-card spot, while the Oilers seem set for the third spot in their division and a likely first-round playoff series against Los Angeles.
Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks
10 p.m. ET
The Flames` playoff chances are getting slim, making this game very important for them to get points. They are trying to catch up to Minnesota for the final wild-card spot. The Ducks are near the middle of the draft lottery teams and could improve their draft position with strong performances in their remaining games.
With the regular season ending on April 17th, we`re keeping a close watch on the NHL playoff picture and the draft lottery. Stay tuned for updates on playoff races and teams aiming for a better draft pick.
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
Western Conference
- Winnipeg Jets vs. Minnesota Wild
- Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Vegas Golden Knights vs. St. Louis Blues
- Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Wednesday`s Games
All times Eastern. Games on TNT are nationally televised.
- Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m.
- Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)
- San Jose Sharks at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m.
- St. Louis Blues at Edmonton Oilers, 10 p.m. (TNT)
- Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m.
Tuesday`s Scores
Key results from Tuesday`s NHL games:
- Buffalo Sabres 3, Carolina Hurricanes 0
- Montreal Canadiens 4, Detroit Red Wings 1
- Florida Panthers 3, Toronto Maple Leafs 1
- Boston Bruins 7, New Jersey Devils 2
- Columbus Blue Jackets 5, Ottawa Senators 2
- Pittsburgh Penguins 5, Chicago Blackhawks 0
- Nashville Predators 7, New York Islanders 6 (OT)
- Vancouver Canucks 6, Dallas Stars 5 (OT)
- Utah Hockey Club 7, Seattle Kraken 1
- Colorado Avalanche 3, Vegas Golden Knights 2 (SO)
NHL Standings Update
Atlantic Division
- Toronto Maple Leafs (98 Points)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (96 Points)
- Florida Panthers (94 Points)
- Ottawa Senators (90 Points)
- Montreal Canadiens (87 Points)
- Detroit Red Wings (79 Points)
- Buffalo Sabres (76 Points)
- Boston Bruins (73 Points)
Metro Division
- Washington Capitals (107 Points)
- Carolina Hurricanes (96 Points)
- New Jersey Devils (89 Points)
- New York Rangers (79 Points)
- New York Islanders (79 Points)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (79 Points)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (76 Points)
- Philadelphia Flyers (71 Points)
Central Division
- Winnipeg Jets (110 Points)
- Dallas Stars (106 Points)
- Colorado Avalanche (100 Points)
- St. Louis Blues (93 Points)
- Minnesota Wild (91 Points)
- Utah Hockey Club (84 Points)
- Nashville Predators (64 Points)
- Chicago Blackhawks (54 Points)
Pacific Division
- Vegas Golden Knights (103 Points)
- Los Angeles Kings (97 Points)
- Edmonton Oilers (93 Points)
- Calgary Flames (87 Points)
- Vancouver Canucks (85 Points)
- Anaheim Ducks (76 Points)
- Seattle Kraken (74 Points)
- San Jose Sharks (50 Points)
Race for the Top Draft Pick
The NHL Draft Lottery will determine the top picks. Here are the current bottom teams:
- San Jose Sharks (50 Points)
- Chicago Blackhawks (54 Points)
- Nashville Predators (64 Points)
- Philadelphia Flyers (71 Points)
- Boston Bruins (73 Points)
- Seattle Kraken (74 Points)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (76 Points)
- Anaheim Ducks (76 Points)
- Buffalo Sabres (76 Points)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (79 Points)
- New York Islanders (79 Points)
- Detroit Red Wings (79 Points)
- New York Rangers (79 Points)
- Utah Hockey Club (84 Points)
- Vancouver Canucks (85 Points)
- Calgary Flames (87 Points)
Benedict Kingsley