Showdown Saturday in NHL: Playoff Races Heat Up

Vancouver Canucks at New York Rangers
1 p.m. ET, NHL Network

After slipping out of a wild-card spot, the Canucks can quickly reclaim it with a victory. The Rangers aim to avoid a rare miss of the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy the previous season.

Philadelphia Flyers at Dallas Stars
2 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Flyers are focused on draft lottery positioning, while the Stars, trailing the Jets in the Central Division, need wins like this to challenge for the division title.

Buffalo Sabres at Minnesota Wild
2 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Sabres are out of playoff contention again, looking towards next season. The Wild, currently in a wild-card spot, are trying to close the gap with the Avalanche in the Central Division.

Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues
3 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Blues, with a favorable schedule, face the Blackhawks, who are already eliminated from playoff contention and focused on the draft lottery.

Calgary Flames at New York Islanders
4 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Flames, still in the wild-card race thanks to rookie goalie Dustin Wolf, aim to continue their push. The Islanders have quietly entered the Eastern wild-card conversation.

Carolina Hurricanes at Los Angeles Kings
4 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Both teams are likely playoff-bound, and this matchup could be a potential Stanley Cup Final preview.

Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals
5 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Panthers, leading the Atlantic, face the Metro-leading Capitals in a possible conference finals preview, as Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky’s record.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Utah Hockey Club
5 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Lightning, with trade deadline additions, look set for another playoff run. The expansion Utah Hockey Club is chasing a wild-card spot.

Colorado Avalanche at Montreal Canadiens
7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Avalanche are on track for playoffs, while the Canadiens are surprisingly holding a wild-card spot late in the season.

Ottawa Senators at New Jersey Devils
7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Senators and Devils face off in a potential playoff series preview. The Devils, despite injuries, are holding onto a Metro Division third spot.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators
7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Predators are looking at draft lottery odds, while the Leafs are vying for the top seed in the Atlantic Division.

Detroit Red Wings at Vegas Golden Knights
8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN+

The Red Wings are trying to stay in the playoff race, while the Golden Knights aim to extend their lead in the Pacific Division.

Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers
10 p.m. ET, ESPN+

The Oilers are avoiding a Stanley Cup runner-up slump and deciding their preferred first-round opponent. The Kraken are evaluating their roster for next season.

Boston Bruins at San Jose Sharks
10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Once a significant matchup, this game sees the eliminated Sharks hosting the Bruins, who are barely holding onto playoff hopes.