NHL playoff standings: Previewing all 13 video games on Saturday

As is custom, Saturday is totally loaded with NHL video games. Hope you bought a great evening’s sleep!

With 13 video games on the schedule, it is best to go game-by-game to preview what’s at stake for every staff — some within the playoff races, some who’re jockeying for draft lottery place.

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils
12:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)

The Hudson River rivalry is all the time a must-watch for hockey followers, and the depth ramps up when each groups are within the postseason combine. The Devils have the higher hand now — they’re eight factors forward of the Rangers at opening puck drop — and these two factors are essential for the visiting Blueshirts, who’re making an attempt to catch the Canadiens for the second wild card.

Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators
2 p.m. (ESPN+)

In a single doable future world, this will probably be a first-round matchup if the Panthers make it to the primary place within the Atlantic. In one other, it is a collection within the second spherical if the order stays as is and these golf equipment win. For now, it is the ultimate regular-season assembly between the division rivals. Sadly, followers will not get to get pleasure from any Tkachuk-on-Tkachuk battling, as Matthew stays out with a lower-body harm.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars
3 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)

The Penguins stay mathematically alive for a playoff spot, though these hopes are fading rapidly. They will have to string collectively many wins — and hope that every one the groups above them begin dropping much more. The Stars have already punched their ticket to the playoffs, however can enhance their seeding: As play begins Saturday, Dallas is 4 factors behind Winnipeg for the No. 1 seed within the Central.

Anaheim Geese at Vancouver Canucks
4 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Geese are freshly eradicated from postseason rivalry and sit within the high 10 of the draft lottery order as play begins. The Canucks aren’t totally out of the playoff race, however their possibilities have decreased quickly in current weeks.

Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
4 p.m. (ESPN+)

Prior to now three postseasons, these two golf equipment have met within the first spherical — with the Oilers successful every collection. Will they meet once more in two weeks? And may the Kings lastly win a spherical in opposition to their Albertan rivals? This recreation might embrace some message sending.

Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins
7 p.m. (ESPN+)

Carolina clinched one other spot within the postseason this week, and in all chance would be the No. 2 seed within the Metropolitan Division (barring an epic collapse by the Capitals to spice up them to first, or by themselves to drop to 3rd). In the meantime, the Bruins are probably going to overlook the postseason, which might be the primary time since 2015-16. On the brilliant facet, they’re at the moment fourth within the draft lottery order, a degree forward of the Kraken and Sabres and two up on the Flyers.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres
7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Lightning have been one of many NHL’s high groups for the reason that March 7 commerce deadline, charging into second place within the Atlantic. They enter Saturday evening three factors again of the Maple Leafs for first and one level forward of the Panthers. As for Buffalo, it is (probably) one other spring with out the playoffs in western New York, they usually at the moment sit sixth within the draft lottery order, one level forward of the Flyers and two forward of the Penguins.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs
7 p.m. (ESPN+)

One in every of a handful of groups that also has a reputable shot on the second Japanese wild card, the Blue Jackets do want all of the factors they will get within the remaining schedule. Their 77 factors are 4 behind the Canadiens as Saturday’s slate begins. As for the Leafs, they maintain a three-point lead over Tampa Bay; in the event that they maintain on to the highest spot, it will probably yield a first-round matchup in opposition to the Senators in a renewal of the Battle of Ontario.

Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens
7 p.m. (ESPN+)

Based mostly on how these two groups completed final season, it could not have been shocking to study that one in all them held a wild-card spot at this juncture in 2024-25. However as an alternative of the Flyers — who stayed within the race till the tip in 2023-24 — it is the Canadiens, who completed with the fifth-fewest factors final season. Leaping again to present occasions, Montreal holds the wild-card spot by two factors over the Rangers and 4 over the Blue Jackets. Philadelphia is within the No. 7 spot within the draft lottery order, in the course of a gaggle of six groups inside 5 factors.

Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues
7 p.m. (ESPN+)

These two will not meet within the first spherical of the postseason, however might meet someday down the street, given how scorching each golf equipment have been as of late. St. Louis has jumped forward of Minnesota for the primary wild-card spot within the West, whereas Colorado seems fairly effectively ensconced because the No. 3 seed within the Central.

Winnipeg Jets at Utah Hockey Membership
7 p.m. (NHLN)

The truth that the Hockey Membership is enjoying significant video games this late into the season — given the place the earlier model of the franchise was (geographically and emotionally) at the moment final season — is a win. And in the event that they get on a heater and the Wild or Blues go into the dumpster, a playoff berth could possibly be doable. As for the Jets, they’re neck and neck with the Capitals to win the Presidents’ Trophy because the NHL’s high staff this common season — and do not depend out the Stars overtaking them.

Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames
10 p.m. (ESPN+)

A big lead atop the Pacific Division has diminished to a few factors for the Golden Knights, as these pesky Kings simply preserve successful video games. Nonetheless, if it comes right down to the regulation wins tiebreaker, Vegas is up by 4, with simply seven video games remaining for each. With 84 factors, Calgary begins play Saturday 5 factors again of Minnesota for the ultimate wild-card spot (and certain a first-round matchup with the Jets).

Seattle Kraken at San Jose Sharks
10 p.m. (ESPN+)

Lots of Saturday’s video games have main playoff implications. This one is a important one for the draft lottery standings. San Jose is first, with 50 factors and 14 regulation wins, however they’re simply two forward of the idle Chicago Blackhawks, who’ve 52 and 18. The Kraken start play within the No. 5 spot (70 factors, 26 RW), proper in that mass of six groups inside 5 factors. A win right here by both staff can impression the desk.

With the common season ending April 17, we’ll make it easier to observe all of it with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the ultimate stretch, we’ll present particulars on all of the playoff races, together with the groups jockeying for place within the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Observe: Playoff chances are high through Stathletes.

Bounce forward:
Present playoff matchups
At this time’s schedule
Yesterday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 decide

Present playoff matchups

Japanese Convention

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 Convention

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Minnesota Wild
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 St. Louis Blues
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

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Saturday’s video games

Observe: All instances ET. All video games not on TNT or NHL Community can be found to stream on ESPN+ (native blackout restrictions apply).

New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils, 12:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators, 2 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Dallas Stars, 3 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
Anaheim Geese at Vancouver Canucks, 4 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings, 4 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg Jets at Utah Hockey Membership, 7 p.m. (NHLN)
Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames, 10 p.m.
Seattle Kraken at San Jose Sharks, 10 p.m.

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Friday’s scoreboard

Detroit Crimson Wings 5, Carolina Hurricanes 3
Washington Capitals 5, Chicago Blackhawks 3
New York Islanders 3, Minnesota Wild 1

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Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Factors: 96
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff place: A1
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 105.0
Subsequent recreation: vs. CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 93
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff place: A2
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 101.7
Subsequent recreation: @ BUF (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 99.9%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 92
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff place: A3
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 100.6
Subsequent recreation: @ OTT (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 99.9%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 86
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff place: WC1
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 94.0
Subsequent recreation: vs. FLA (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 99.6%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff place: WC2
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 88.6
Subsequent recreation: vs. PHI (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 61.1%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 77
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 84.2
Subsequent recreation: vs. FLA (Sunday)
Playoff possibilities: 2.4%
Tragic quantity: 11

Factors: 70
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 8
Factors tempo: 77.6
Subsequent recreation: vs. TB (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 0.1%
Tragic quantity: 6

Factors: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 74.5
Subsequent recreation: vs. CAR (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: ~0%
Tragic quantity: 1

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Metro Division

Factors: 107
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff place: M1
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 115.5
Subsequent recreation: @ NYI (Sunday)
Playoff possibilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 96
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff place: M2
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 105.0
Subsequent recreation: @ BOS (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 87
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff place: M3
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 93.9
Subsequent recreation: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 99.7%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 79
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 86.4
Subsequent recreation: @ NJ (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 24.1%
Tragic quantity: 13

Factors: 77
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 8
Factors tempo: 85.3
Subsequent recreation: @ TOR (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 10.5%
Tragic quantity: 13

Factors: 76
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 83.1
Subsequent recreation: vs. WSH (Sunday)
Playoff possibilities: 2.7%
Tragic quantity: 10

Factors: 72
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 77.7
Subsequent recreation: @ DAL (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 0.1%
Tragic quantity: 4

Factors: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 76.6
Subsequent recreation: @ MTL (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: ~0%
Tragic quantity: 3

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Central Division

Factors: 108
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff place: C1
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 116.5
Subsequent recreation: @ UTA (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 104
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff place: C2
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 113.7
Subsequent recreation: vs. PIT (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff place: C3
Video games left: 5
Factors tempo: 104.4
Subsequent recreation: @ STL (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 91
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff place: WC1
Video games left: 5
Factors tempo: 96.9
Subsequent recreation: vs. COL (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 97.5%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 89
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff place: WC2
Video games left: 5
Factors tempo: 94.8
Subsequent recreation: vs. DAL (Sunday)
Playoff possibilities: 92.1%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 80
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 86.3
Subsequent recreation: vs. WPG (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 0.1%
Tragic quantity: 4

Factors: 62
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 66.9
Subsequent recreation: vs. MTL (Sunday)
Playoff possibilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E

Factors: 52
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 56.1
Subsequent recreation: vs. PIT (Sunday)
Playoff possibilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E

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Pacific Division

Factors: 98
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff place: P1
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 107.2
Subsequent recreation: @ CGY (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 100%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 95
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff place: P3
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 103.9
Subsequent recreation: vs. EDM (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 99.9%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 93
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff place: P2
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 101.7
Subsequent recreation: @ LA (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 99.9%
Tragic quantity: N/A

Factors: 84
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 91.8
Subsequent recreation: vs. VGK (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 9.7%
Tragic quantity: 10

Factors: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 88.6
Subsequent recreation: vs. ANA (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 0.7%
Tragic quantity: 7

Factors: 74
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 80.9
Subsequent recreation: @ ANA (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E

Factors: 70
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 6
Factors tempo: 75.5
Subsequent recreation: @ SJ (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E

Factors: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff place: N/A
Video games left: 7
Factors tempo: 54.7
Subsequent recreation: vs. SEA (Saturday)
Playoff possibilities: 0%
Tragic quantity: E

Observe: An “x” signifies that the staff has clinched a playoff berth. An “e” signifies that the staff has been eradicated from playoff rivalry.

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Race for the No. 1 decide

The NHL makes use of a draft lottery to find out the order of the primary spherical, so the staff that finishes in final place will not be assured the No. 1 choice. As of 2021, a staff can transfer up a most of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so solely 11 groups are eligible for the No. 1 decide. Full particulars on the method are right here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL’s Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.

Factors: 50
Regulation wins: 14

Factors: 52
Regulation wins: 18

Factors: 62
Regulation wins: 23

Factors: 69
Regulation wins: 23

Factors: 70
Regulation wins: 26

Factors: 70
Regulation wins: 26

Factors: 71
Regulation wins: 20

Factors: 72
Regulation wins: 20

Factors: 74
Regulation wins: 23

Factors: 76
Regulation wins: 26

Factors: 77
Regulation wins: 27

Factors: 77
Regulation wins: 24

Factors: 79
Regulation wins: 32

Factors: 80
Regulation wins: 26

Factors: 81
Regulation wins: 26

Factors: 84
Regulation wins: 27