Canucks’ Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread as Season Nears End
As the NHL season barrels toward its conclusion, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves in a precarious position. Just a year ago, they were the Pacific Division champions, but now, they are teetering on the brink of missing the playoffs entirely. It’s been a tumultuous season for the Canucks, marked by internal drama and a significant roster change.
The Canucks’ season took a dramatic turn when dressing room tensions led to the trade of J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers in January. While the move was intended to stabilize the team, it hasn’t quite had the desired effect. The Canucks are now in a position where they need a bit of luck and some help from other teams to secure a spot in the postseason.
Their journey continues on Monday night against the New Jersey Devils. The game, which starts at 7:30 p.m. ET and is available on ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+, is crucial for the Canucks. At the start of the game, they are five points and two regulation wins behind the St. Louis Blues, with a game in hand. Every point from here on out is critical.
Unfortunately, a recent loss to the Blues did not help the Canucks’ cause. The Blues have a comparatively easier schedule down the stretch, with games against the Predators, Penguins, and Kraken remaining. In total, the Blues face teams currently in playoff position in five of their final 10 matchups. By comparison, the Canucks face playoff teams in six of their final 11 games, as well as a game apiece against the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets, who are on the Eastern playoff bubble.
The Stathletes predictions model gives the Blues a 61.8% chance of claiming a playoff spot, compared to just 11.0% for the Canucks. With less than a month left until April 17, the final day of the regular season, the pressure is on. We’ll be tracking all the action with the NHL playoff watch, providing details on all the playoff races and the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Current Playoff Matchups
Eastern Conference
- A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
- A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
- 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
Monday’s Games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).
- Vancouver Canucks at New Jersey Devils, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
- Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.
- Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.
- Detroit Red Wings at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m.
As the Canucks face off against the Devils, fans will be watching closely, hoping for a turnaround that could reignite their playoff hopes. With the odds stacked against them, every game is a must-win, and the pressure is on. Can the Canucks defy the odds and make a late-season push for the playoffs? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the final stretch of the NHL season promises to be an exciting ride.
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
