The Eastern Conference Wild-Card Race: A Nail-Biting Finish Awaits
As we inch closer to the end of the NHL regular season, the excitement is palpable. With just two weeks left, the battle for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot is heating up, and it’s anyone’s game. Five teams are in the mix, each vying for that coveted playoff position. The Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Islanders are all in the hunt, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Thursday night promises to be a thrilling evening for hockey fans, as two of these contenders take to the ice. The Montreal Canadiens will face off against the Boston Bruins at 7 p.m. ET, a game you can catch on ESPN+. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Colorado Avalanche at 7:30 p.m. ET, also available on ESPN+. These matchups are crucial, as they could significantly impact the playoff picture.
Currently, the Canadiens hold the second wild card with 79 points and 25 regulation wins through 74 games. The New York Rangers are tied in standings points but have played more games, giving the Canadiens a slight edge. The Blue Jackets are just two points behind, with one fewer regulation win. The Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders are also in the mix, with 75 and 74 points, respectively.
According to the Stathletes projection model, the Canadiens have the best chance of making the playoffs at 51.7%. The Blue Jackets follow with a 25.5% chance, while the Rangers have a 19.0% chance. The Islanders and Red Wings have slimmer odds, at 3.1% and 2.3%, respectively. Thursday’s games will undoubtedly provide more clarity on who might secure that final spot.
As the regular season wraps up on April 17, we’ll be keeping a close eye on all the action with the NHL playoff watch. This will include updates on playoff races and the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery. It’s an exciting time for hockey fans, and the drama is only just beginning.
Current Playoff Matchups
Let’s take a look at the current playoff matchups as they stand:
- Eastern Conference
- A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
- A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
- 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
These matchups are subject to change as the final games of the season play out, but they give us a glimpse of the potential playoff landscape.
Thursday’s Games
Here’s a rundown of Thursday’s games, all times ET:
- Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
- Tampa Bay Lightning at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
- Colorado Avalanche at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:30 p.m.
- Pittsburgh Penguins at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m.
- Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.
- Los Angeles Kings at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m.
- Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames, 9:30 p.m.
- Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.
- Edmonton Oilers at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
These games are crucial for teams looking to solidify their playoff positions or make a last-ditch effort to climb the standings.
Expanded Standings
As we look at the expanded standings, it’s clear that every point counts. The Toronto Maple Leafs lead the Atlantic Division with 96 points, while the Washington Capitals top the Metro Division with 105 points. In the Central Division, the Winnipeg Jets are in the lead with 106 points, and the Vegas Golden Knights are at the top of the Pacific Division with 98 points.
For teams on the bubble, like the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets, every game is a must-win. The Canadiens have a 51.7% chance of making the playoffs, while the Blue Jackets have a 25.5% chance. The New York Rangers, with a 19% chance, are also in the mix, making for a thrilling race to the finish.
Race for the No. 1 Pick
While some teams are focused on the playoffs, others have their eyes on the future. The race for the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft is heating up, with the San Jose Sharks currently in the lead. The draft lottery will determine the order of the first round, and only 11 teams are eligible for the top pick. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL’s Erie Otters, is currently No. 1 on the draft board.
As the regular season comes to a close, the drama is far from over. Whether it’s the battle for the playoffs or the race for the top draft pick, there’s plenty to keep hockey fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for more updates as we head into the final stretch of the season.
Originally Written by: ESPN staff
