Stanley Cup Playoff Watch: Friday’s Games and What’s at Stake

Stanley Cup Playoff Watch: Friday’s Games and What’s at Stake

As we inch closer to the thrilling Stanley Cup playoffs, the excitement is palpable. Just a week from now, the playoff bracket will be finalized, and the postseason will kick off on April 19. While many teams have already secured their spots, the final seeding and draft lottery order are still up in the air. Let’s dive into the matchups to watch this Friday and what they mean for the teams involved.

Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators

Time: 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Ottawa Senators have already clinched a playoff berth, but their exact position is still uncertain. They are trailing the Florida Panthers by six points and four regulation wins for the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens are comfortably ahead in the race for the second wild-card position, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers by six points. However, they still have a chance to catch the Senators, as they are only three points behind at the start of the game.

Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning

Time: 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Detroit Red Wings are in a precarious position with slim playoff chances, making every remaining game a must-win. On the draft lottery front, they currently sit at 11th. The Tampa Bay Lightning, on the other hand, are in the hunt to finish first in the Atlantic Division, starting the evening three points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils

Time: 7 p.m. (NHL Network)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to make another playoff push during the Sidney Crosby era, but they are currently seventh in the draft lottery order, two spots behind the Seattle Kraken and tied with the Buffalo Sabres. The New Jersey Devils have clinched a playoff berth and will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. The Hurricanes secured home-ice advantage with a shootout loss to the Capitals on Thursday.

San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers

Time: 9:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

The San Jose Sharks have a five-point lead over the Chicago Blackhawks at the top of the draft lottery order, with four games remaining. They also have a six-regulation win gap, which could be crucial if it comes down to a tiebreaker. The Edmonton Oilers’ magic number to clinch the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division is one, and they start the evening four points and seven regulation wins behind the Los Angeles Kings for the No. 2 seed.

Minnesota Wild at Calgary Flames

Time: 10 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Calgary Flames’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, making this a must-win game against the Minnesota Wild, one of the teams they are chasing for a wild-card spot. The Wild are currently five points and five regulation wins ahead.

Key Points to Watch

• The Senators’ quest to move into the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic Division.
• The Canadiens’ attempt to catch the Senators in the standings.
• The Red Wings’ fight to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
• The Lightning’s pursuit of the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
• The Penguins’ efforts to improve their draft lottery position.
• The Oilers’ push to secure the final playoff spot in the Pacific Division.
• The Flames’ battle to stay in the playoff race.

As the regular season wraps up on April 17, we’ll keep you updated with the NHL playoff watch. Stay tuned for all the latest on playoff races and the teams vying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

For more details, check out the current playoff matchups, today’s schedule, yesterday’s scores, expanded standings, and the race for the No. 1 pick.