Tampa Bay Lightning: On the Brink

The Tampa Bay Lightning are in a strong position to secure a playoff berth. They can clinch a spot if they earn at least one point against the Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSUN, MSG-B). However,their fate is also tied to other games. A regulation win by the New York Rangers against the New Jersey Devils would prevent the Lightning from clinching. Additionally, a Montreal Canadiens regulation loss to the Philadelphia Flyers would also secure Tampa Bay’s spot.

For Tampa Bay fans, the scenarios are clear. Root for the Lightning to secure at least a point against Buffalo. Beyond that, a Rangers loss of any kind, or a Canadiens regulation loss, would be welcome news.

Florida Panthers: multiple Paths to the playoffs

The Florida Panthers have multiple paths to clinch a playoff berth on April 5th. The simplest route is a victory of any kind against the Ottawa Senators (2 p.m. ET; RDS, TSN5, SCRIPPS).

However,they can also clinch if they secure just one point against the Senators,coupled with either a Rangers loss to the Devils in any fashion or a Canadiens regulation loss to the Flyers. a Panthers playoff berth is guaranteed if the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Toronto Maple Leafs in any fashion, and the Rangers lose to the Devils in regulation time.

The Panthers’ situation highlights the interconnectedness of the playoff race. while a win against Ottawa is the most direct route, other results around the league could also work in their favor.

Los Angeles Kings: Banking on a Win and Some Help

The los Angeles Kings can clinch a playoff berth, but their fate isn’t entirely in their own hands. A Kings victory of any kind against the Edmonton oilers (4 p.m. ET; FDSNW, SNW, SNO, SNE) coupled with a Calgary Flames loss of any kind to the Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET; CBC, SN, CITY, SCRIPPS) will send them to the playoffs. The Kings can also clinch a playoff berth if they secure one point against the Oilers and the Flames lose to the Golden Knights in regulation time.

For Kings fans, the equation is simple: cheer for a Kings win and against the Calgary flames. A regulation loss by Calgary is more desirable but any loss will benefit Los Angeles.

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils (12:30 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS)

The Rangers (36-32-7), hungry for a wild card spot, face off against the Devils (40-29-7), who are looking to solidify their Metropolitan Division position. “The Rangers, who have won their past two games, are two points behind the canadiens for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. They own the first tiebreaker over the Canadiens, which is regulation wins (32/26).The Devils, who have also won their past two, are third in the Metropolitan Division, nine points behind the second-place Carolina Hurricanes.” this game is crucial for both teams, albeit for different reasons. A Rangers win keeps their playoff hopes alive, while the Devils aim to climb higher in their division.

Florida Panthers at Ottawa senators (2 p.m. ET; RDS, TSN5, SCRIPPS)

The Panthers (44-27-4) are desperate to break a three-game losing streak and clinch a playoff berth. The Senators (40-29-6) are trying to maintain their hold on the first wild card spot in the East. “The Panthers look to end a three-game skid (0-2-1), clinch a playoff berth in the East and possibly move back into second place in the Atlantic Division. They are one point behind the Lightning for second place.The Senators are five points ahead of the Canadiens for the first wild card in the East.” This game has huge implications for both teams.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars (3 p.m.ET: ABC, ESPN+, TVAS)

The Stars (50-21-4), who have won seven straight, are chasing the Winnipeg Jets for the top spot in the central Division and the Western Conference. the Penguins (30-34-12) are clinging to faint playoff hopes. “The Stars,who have won seven straight,are four points behind the Winnipeg Jets for first in the Central Division and Western Conference with a game in hand. The Penguins, who are nine points behind the Canadiens for the second wild card in the east, can be eliminated from playoff contention if they lose in regulation and Montreal gets one point against Philadelphia or if they lose in any fashion and the Canadiens win in any fashion.” A loss for the Penguins could officially end their playoff aspirations.

Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings (4 p.m.ET; FDSNW, SNW, SNO, SNE)

The Oilers (44-26-5) and Kings (43-23-9) are likely headed for a first-round playoff matchup, making this game a potential preview. More importantly, they are battling for home-ice advantage. “The Oilers and Kings seem destined to face each other in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth straight season, but they are battling for home-ice advantage. Los Angeles is two points ahead of Edmonton for second in the Pacific Division and can clinch a playoff berth.” This game could set the stage for an exciting playoff series.

Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, NESN)

The Bruins (30-37-9) are on a brutal 10-game losing streak and are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. the Hurricanes (46-25-4) are trying to secure their position in the Metropolitan Division. “The Bruins have lost 10 straight (0-9-1) and can be eliminated from playoff contention if they lose in any fashion, or the Canadiens get one point against the Flyers or the Rangers defeat the Devils in any way. It would be the first time they have missed the playoffs as the 2015-16 season. The Hurricanes are nine points ahead of the Devils for second place in the Metropolitan.” This game represents a chance for the Hurricanes to exploit a struggling Bruins team, while the Bruins are simply trying to stay alive.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSUN, MSG-B)

The Lightning (44-26-5) are looking to solidify their playoff position and potentially move into first place in the Atlantic Division. The Sabres (32-36-6) are on the outside looking in, needing a miracle to make the playoffs. “The Lightning will look to hold onto second place in the Atlantic Division — they have a one-point lead on the Panthers and are three points behind the first-place Maple Leafs. They could clinch a playoff berth before the game even starts. The Sabres are 11 points behind the Canadiens for the second wild card in the East.” This game provides the Lightning with a valuable opportunity to secure their playoff future.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto maple Leafs (7 p.m. ET; CBC, SNO, SNP, FDSNOH)

The Blue Jackets (34-31-9) are fighting for a wild card spot, while the already-qualified Maple Leafs (46-25-4) are battling for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.”The Blue Jackets are four points behind the Canadiens for the second wild card in the East with a game in hand. The Maple Leafs, who have clinched a playoff berth, lead the Lightning by three points for first in the Atlantic.” This game holds significant implications for both ends of the standings.

Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m.ET; TVAS, CITY, SNE, NBCSP)

The Canadiens (36-30-9) are currently holding the second wild card spot in the East and are looking to maintain their position. The Flyers (31-36-9) are on the verge of elimination. “The Canadiens have won three in a row and are two points ahead of the Rangers for the second wild card in the East. The Flyers have won three in a row but will be eliminated from playoff contention with any kind of loss.” This game has the potential to be a turning point for both teams.

Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues (7 p.m. ET; FDSNWM, ALT)

The Blues (42-28-7) are riding an impressive winning streak and are trying to solidify their wild card position. The Avalanche (47-26-4), already playoff-bound, are aiming to climb higher in the Central Division. “The Blues look to make it 12 in a row and expand their two-point lead on the Wild for the first wild card in the West. The Avalanche, who have already clinched a playoff berth, are six points behind the Stars for second in the Central.” This game showcases the Blues’ remarkable turnaround and the Avalanche’s drive for a better seed.

Winnipeg Jets at Utah Hockey Club (7 p.m. ET; Utah16, NHLN, SNW)

The Jets (52-20-4) are in the hunt for the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Utah (34-30-12) is a longshot to make the playoffs. “The Jets have a one-point lead on the Washington Capitals in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the top team in the regular season. Winnipeg is four points ahead of Dallas for first in the central. Utah is nine points behind Minnesota for the second wild card in West.” This game has major implications for the top of the league standings.

Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames (10 p.m.ET; CBC, SN, CITY, SCRIPPS)

The Flames (36-27-12) are desperately trying to stay in the playoff race, while the Golden Knights (45-22-8) are looking to secure the top spot in the Pacific Division. “The Flames are valiantly fighting to stay alive in the West; they trail the Wild by five points for the second wild card with two games in hand. The Golden Knights have a three-point lead on the Kings for first in the Pacific Division.” This late-night matchup could have significant playoff implications.

Eastern Conference

• (1A) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators
• (2A) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3A) Florida Panthers
• (1M) washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal canadiens
• (2M) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3M) New Jersey Devils

western Conference

• (1P) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) St. Louis Blues
• (2P) Los Angeles Kings vs. (3P) Edmonton Oilers
• (1C) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) Minnesota Wild
• (2C) Dallas Stars vs. (3C) Colorado Avalanche

Detroit Red Wings 5, Carolina Hurricanes 3

Patrick Kane scored his 20th goal of the season, helping the red Wings close the gap in the wild card race. “Patrick Kane scored his 20th goal of the season, and the Red Wings (35-33-7) moved within four points of the Canadiens for the second wild card in the East. The Hurricanes (46-25-4), who have already clinched a playoff berth, remained nine points ahead of the Devils for second place in the Metropolitan.”

Washington Capitals 5, Chicago Blackhawks 3

What game are you most excited to watch this weekend,and which team do you think will make teh deepest playoff run?