Stanley Cup playoff watch: Your guide to the 10 games on Tuesday’s schedule

Stanley Cup Playoff Watch: Your Guide to the 10 Games on Tuesday’s Schedule

As the NHL season races toward its thrilling conclusion, the playoff picture is still as clear as mud for some teams. Monday night brought a shocker when the Chicago Blackhawks pulled off a stunning shootout victory against the Montreal Canadiens. This unexpected twist keeps the Columbus Blue Jackets in the hunt for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the three-way wild-card race between the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames remains unchanged, but all three teams are set to play on Tuesday.

Let’s dive into the details of what promises to be a highly consequential evening of hockey:

New Jersey Devils at Boston Bruins

Time: 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for their first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are sitting in the fourth slot for the draft lottery order. They can’t catch the Predators at No. 3, but they are one point ahead of the Kraken and Flyers, and two ahead of the Sabres.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres

Time: 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Toronto Maple Leafs hold a four-point lead atop the Atlantic Division. With two games left for the team chasing them, the Lightning, nothing is resolved. A win or an overtime/shootout loss against the Buffalo Sabres will secure the division title for the Leafs. The Sabres, on the other hand, are in the No. 7 spot in the draft lottery heading into Tuesday night.

Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators

Time: 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Blackhawks’ win on Monday didn’t change their final standings result, as they are locked into the No. 2 spot in the draft lottery. The Ottawa Senators are locked into the first Eastern Conference wild card, with a matchup against the Atlantic Division champs on the horizon in Round 1.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Philadelphia Flyers

Time: 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Blue Jackets’ playoff hopes are still alive, thanks to Montreal’s loss in the shootout on Monday. Columbus needs regulation wins in both of its final two games and for the Canadiens to lose in regulation against the Hurricanes on Wednesday to earn the second wild card. The Philadelphia Flyers are part of a jumble of teams between 75 and 78 points.

Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning

Time: 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

The most likely postseason scenario in the Atlantic includes these in-state rivals squaring off in Round 1. The Florida Panthers cannot catch the Lightning, but the Tampa Bay Lightning can catch the Maple Leafs if they win their final two games and the Leafs lose their final two in regulation.

Washington Capitals at New York Islanders

Time: 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Washington Capitals are locked in as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The New York Islanders sit 10th in the draft lottery order with 82 points.

Utah Hockey Club at St. Louis Blues

Time: 8 p.m. (ESPN+)

With a win and a Flames loss, the St. Louis Blues clinch a playoff spot. The Utah Hockey Club will be in the draft lottery this May.

Anaheim Ducks at Minnesota Wild

Time: 8 p.m. (ESPN+)

A win for the Minnesota Wild clinches their playoff spot. The Anaheim Ducks are at the tail end of the 75- to 78-point teams in the draft lottery order.

Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames

Time: 9 p.m. (ESPN+)

Every game is a must-win for the Calgary Flames. The Vegas Golden Knights are locked in as the No. 1 seed in the Pacific.

Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken

Time: 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

The Los Angeles Kings clinched home-ice advantage for their first-round series against the Oilers. The Seattle Kraken are part of the 75- to 78-point mashup.

As the playoff race heats up, every game counts, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team to clinch a playoff spot or hoping for a better draft position, Tuesday’s games are sure to deliver excitement and drama.