Tuesday NHL Games: Playoff Positions and Draft Lottery at Stake

Following Alex Ovechkin`s historic goal record, the focus shifts to the critical NHL playoff races. Tuesday features ten games, each carrying implications for playoff seeding or the upcoming draft lottery.

Here’s a breakdown of Tuesday’s key NHL matchups and their significance in the playoff and draft lottery scenarios:

Key Games on Tuesday

The Hurricanes are almost certain to secure the second seed in the Metropolitan Division, setting up a first-round series against the Devils. The Sabres, on a strong 7-3-0 run in their last ten games, have moved to ninth in the draft lottery standings.

The Red Wings need a win against the Canadiens to keep their slim playoff hopes alive after a poor March. Montreal is currently six points ahead of Detroit, though the Red Wings have played one less game.

This matchup could be a first-round playoff preview. The Leafs have surged ahead, while the Panthers have faltered. Toronto leads Tampa Bay by four points in the Atlantic Division and is six points ahead of Florida. The Panthers are currently two points ahead of the first wild-card spot.

The Bruins are out of playoff contention and positioned fifth in the draft lottery. The Devils are likely to finish third in the Metro Division and face the Hurricanes in the first round, but could still aim for the second seed.

The Senators are on a hot streak, having not conceded a goal in their last two games. They are now just two points behind Florida for a playoff spot. The Blue Jackets are eight points behind Montreal for the final wild-card spot and need a win and significant help to advance.

The Blackhawks are close to San Jose in the draft lottery race for the top pick. The Penguins, recently eliminated from playoff contention, are currently eighth in the draft order.

Despite Ovechkin`s record-breaking goal, the Islanders won their recent game, maintaining faint playoff hopes. They are seven points behind Montreal. Nashville is likely to secure a top-three spot in the draft lottery.

The Canucks` playoff chances are dwindling, making every game a must-win. They are eight points behind Minnesota for the final wild-card spot. Dallas is competing with Winnipeg for the top seed in the Central Division.

The NHL`s two newest teams face off. Seattle is currently sixth in the draft lottery standings. Utah’s playoff hopes are nearly gone, needing a near-impossible scenario to qualify.

This late-night game is a highlight, potentially previewing the Western Conference finals. The Golden Knights are leading the Pacific Division, and the Avalanche are likely to be the Central`s third seed.

With the regular season concluding on April 17th, these games are crucial in determining playoff matchups and draft lottery positions.

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

Clinching Scenarios

Several teams have opportunities to clinch playoff spots or home-ice advantage on Tuesday:

• New Jersey Devils: Clinch a playoff spot with a win or overtime/shootout loss against Boston.
• Ottawa Senators: Clinch a playoff berth by defeating Columbus, or with an OT/shootout loss combined with a non-regulation win for Detroit against Montreal, or with any Detroit loss to Montreal.
• Washington Capitals: Clinch the Metropolitan Division title if Carolina loses to Buffalo in regulation.
• Toronto Maple Leafs: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round by defeating Florida in regulation.
• Carolina Hurricanes: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round by defeating Buffalo and New Jersey losing, or with an OT/shootout win and a New Jersey regulation loss.
• Dallas Stars: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round by defeating Vancouver, or with an OT/shootout loss and a Colorado loss to Vegas, or with a Colorado regulation loss to Vegas.
• Vegas Golden Knights: Clinch home-ice advantage in the first round with a win or an OT/shootout loss to Colorado.

Tuesday`s Games

• Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET
• Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. ET
• Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m. ET
• Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. ET
• Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. ET
• Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. ET
• New York Islanders at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m. ET
• Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m. ET
• Seattle Kraken at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m. ET
• Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche, 9:30 p.m. ET

Monday`s Scoreboard

• Tampa Bay Lightning 5, New York Rangers 1
• Winnipeg Jets 3, St. Louis Blues 1
• Anaheim Ducks 3, Edmonton Oilers 2
• Seattle Kraken 2, Los Angeles Kings 1
• Calgary Flames 3, San Jose Sharks 2

Atlantic Division Standings

Metropolitan Division Standings

Central Division Standings

Pacific Division Standings

Race for the No. 1 Draft Pick

The NHL Draft Lottery determines the first-round order. Matthew Schaefer is currently projected as the No. 1 pick.