Western Conference Wild-Card Race: A Closer Look at the NHL Playoff Picture
As we dive into the final stretch of the NHL season, the Western Conference wild-card race is heating up, and it’s nothing short of thrilling. While the Eastern Conference might have more teams battling it out in close proximity, the Western Conference is no less wild. Sunday’s games are set to provide another piece of the puzzle in determining who will clinch that coveted final spot in the postseason bracket.
Currently, the Minnesota Wild seem to have a firm grip on the first wild-card spot. With 79 points and 29 regulation wins through 67 games, they are sitting pretty comfortably. But the real question is, who will snag the second wild-card spot?
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At the moment, it’s the Vancouver Canucks who hold the second spot with 73 points and 24 regulation wins in 66 games. They are set to face the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+). After this matchup, the Canucks will face eight playoff-bound teams in their final 15 games.
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Next in line are the Calgary Flames, who have 71 points and 24 regulation wins in 65 games. They have a day off on Sunday but will face teams currently in playoff positions in nine of their remaining 17 games.
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The St. Louis Blues are also in the mix, trailing the Canucks by just two points, with 23 regulation wins through 67 games. Jordan Binnington and his team will host the Anaheim Ducks (6 p.m. ET, ESPN+), and they have a relatively easier schedule with only four of their final 14 games against playoff-positioned teams.
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As for the Utah Hockey Club, after their Sunday game against the Canucks, they will face seven playoff-bound teams in their remaining 15 games.
According to Stathletes, the Canucks have the best playoff chances among these teams at 31.1%, followed closely by the Blues at 30.2%. The Utah Hockey Club and Flames have 22.4% and 20.2% chances, respectively. The “prize” for winning this race? A likely first-round matchup with the Winnipeg Jets. But hey, upsets are part of the game!
With plenty of hockey left to play until April 17, the final day of the regular season, we’ll be keeping a close eye on all the action with the NHL playoff watch. As we navigate through the final stretch, we’ll provide updates on all the playoff races and the teams vying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Yesterday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
As the Western Conference wild-card race intensifies, fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see which team will emerge victorious. Will it be the Canucks, Blues, Flames, or the Utah Hockey Club? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the race is on, and it’s going to be a thrilling ride to the finish line.
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
