The NHL`s “Showdown Saturday” has arrived, with the regular season concluding in less than a week and the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs commencing in exactly one week!

While 12 of the 16 playoff teams are confirmed, the final seedings, the Presidents` Trophy race for the top overall seed, and the draft lottery order are still to be determined.

Eleven games are scheduled throughout the day. Here`s a breakdown of what`s at stake in each game:

New York Islanders Philadelphia Flyers

New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers
12:30 PM ET

Although the Islanders are on the verge of elimination and the Flyers have long been out of playoff contention, this game carries draft lottery implications. The Flyers are currently 5th in the draft order, tied in points with Boston, and one spot ahead of Seattle. The Islanders are 10th, two points ahead of Detroit and one behind Anaheim.

Washington Capitals Columbus Blue Jackets

Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets
12:30 PM ET

Alex Ovechkin`s pursuit of the goal record is complete, but his play down the stretch remains captivating as he aims to further solidify his record. The Capitals have already secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference but are three points behind Winnipeg for the Presidents` Trophy. The Blue Jackets are six points away from the final wild card spot and hold the 13th position in the draft lottery order.

New York Rangers Carolina Hurricanes

New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes
3:00 PM ET

The Hurricanes, last season`s Presidents` Trophy winners, are on the edge of playoff contention, six points behind Montreal for the second wild card spot in the East. They need to win all remaining games and rely on significant help to reach the playoffs. Conversely, the Hurricanes are locked in as the 2nd seed in the Metropolitan Division and will host their first-round series against the New Jersey Devils.

Colorado Avalanche Los Angeles Kings

Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings
4:00 PM ET

The Avalanche cannot win their division and are likely to finish third in the Central. The Kings still have a chance at the Pacific Division title but are more likely to remain in the 2nd spot. Both teams are finishing the season strongly and are expected to be tough opponents in the postseason. This matchup could be a preview of the Western Conference finals.

Buffalo Sabres Florida Panthers

Buffalo Sabres at Florida Panthers
6:00 PM ET

The Sabres will miss the playoffs again, although a recent 8-2-0 run offers hope for the future. They are currently 7th in the draft lottery order. The Panthers are still competing for the Atlantic Division title, trailing the Lightning by two points and the Maple Leafs by four.

Montreal Canadiens Toronto Maple Leafs

Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs
7:00 PM ET

Playoff hockey is highly likely to return to Montreal! The Canadiens are six points ahead of the Blue Jackets, Red Wings, and Rangers, with a magic number of three. The Maple Leafs are defending their No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Division against the Lightning and Panthers. Toronto enters this game with a two-point lead over Tampa Bay and four over Florida.

Winnipeg Jets Chicago Blackhawks

Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks
7:00 PM ET

These two teams are at opposite ends of the standings. The Jets hold a three-point lead over the Capitals for the NHL`s top overall seed and a six-point lead over the Stars for the Central Division`s No. 1 seed (though they haven`t clinched the division yet). A win here secures the division and strengthens their hold on the Presidents` Trophy.

The Blackhawks will finish no lower than 2nd in the draft lottery and could still reach No. 1. The Sharks are currently ahead with fewer points and games remaining, making the No. 1 pick race close.

Utah Hockey Club Dallas Stars

Utah Hockey Club at Dallas Stars
8:00 PM ET

Utah`s inaugural NHL season saw them remain in the playoff race until the final weeks, a better performance than the Arizona Coyotes with a similar roster last season. Utah is 14th in the draft lottery order, four points behind the Blue Jackets and Rangers. The Stars are still chasing the Jets for the Central Division`s top seed, needing to win out and have the Jets lose their remaining games.

Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks

Minnesota Wild at Vancouver Canucks
10:00 PM ET

After a shaky March, the Wild have rebounded with the return of Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. They start Saturday as the West`s top wild card, three points ahead of Calgary. Vancouver, Pacific Division champions in 2023-24, is out of playoff contention in 2024-25 and currently 15th in the draft lottery order.

Nashville Predators Vegas Golden Knights

Nashville Predators at Vegas Golden Knights
10:00 PM ET

Jonathan Marchessault, a Golden Knights original and playoff MVP in their Stanley Cup year, returns to Vegas with a different team. While the game`s standings impact is minimal, it`s notable for this reunion!

The Predators are locked into the 3rd spot in the draft lottery order, while a regulation win secures the division title for the Knights.

St. Louis Blues Seattle Kraken

St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken
10:00 PM ET

A recent two-game skid by the Blues might have boosted Calgary`s hopes, but St. Louis holds a three-point lead over the Flames for the final Western wild card spot. Seattle is currently 6th in the draft lottery order, one point behind Philadelphia and Boston.

As the regular season concludes on April 17th, we`ll continue to monitor the NHL playoff picture. Stay tuned for updates on the playoff races and the teams vying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Contents
  1. Current Playoff Matchups
  2. Clinching Scenarios
  3. Saturday`s Games
  4. Friday`s Scoreboard
  5. Expanded Standings
  6. Atlantic Division
  7. x – Toronto Maple Leafs
  8. x – Tampa Bay Lightning
  9. x – Florida Panthers
  10. x – Ottawa Senators
  11. Montreal Canadiens
  12. Detroit Red Wings
  13. e – Buffalo Sabres
  14. e – Boston Bruins
  15. Metro Division
  16. z – Washington Capitals
  17. x – Carolina Hurricanes
  18. x – New Jersey Devils
  19. Columbus Blue Jackets
  20. New York Rangers
  21. New York Islanders
  22. e – Pittsburgh Penguins
  23. e – Philadelphia Flyers
  24. Central Division
  25. x – Winnipeg Jets
  26. x – Dallas Stars
  27. x – Colorado Avalanche
  28. Minnesota Wild
  29. St. Louis Blues
  30. e – Utah Hockey Club
  31. e – Nashville Predators
  32. e – Chicago Blackhawks
  33. Pacific Division
  34. x – Vegas Golden Knights
  35. x – Los Angeles Kings
  36. Edmonton Oilers
  37. Calgary Flames
  38. e – Vancouver Canucks
  39. e – Anaheim Ducks
  40. e – Seattle Kraken
  41. e – San Jose Sharks
  42. Race for the No. 1 Pick
  43. 1. San Jose Sharks
  44. 2. Chicago Blackhawks
  45. 3. Nashville Predators
  46. 4. Boston Bruins
  47. 5. Philadelphia Flyers
  48. 6. Seattle Kraken
  49. 7. Buffalo Sabres
  50. 8. Pittsburgh Penguins
  51. 9. Anaheim Ducks
  52. 10. New York Islanders
  53. 11. Detroit Red Wings
  54. 12. New York Rangers
  55. 13. Columbus Blue Jackets
  56. 14. Utah Hockey Club
  57. 15. Vancouver Canucks
  58. 16. Calgary Flames

Current Playoff Matchups

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

Clinching Scenarios

The Montreal Canadiens will clinch a playoff berth if:

  • They defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in regulation

  • They defeat the Maple Leafs in any fashion, and there`s any result other than a Columbus Blue Jackets regulation win against the Washington Capitals

  • They lose in overtime/shootout to the Maple Leafs and the Blue Jackets lose to the Capitals in any fashion

The Minnesota Wild will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Vancouver Canucks in any fashion, AND the St. Louis Blues lose to the Seattle Kraken in regulation.

The Winnipeg Jets will clinch the Central Division title and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference if:

  • They win or lose in OT/SO to the Chicago Blackhawks

  • There is any result in the Dallas Stars-Utah Hockey Club game other than a Stars win in regulation

The Vegas Golden Knights will clinch the Pacific Division title if:

  • They defeat the Nashville Predators in regulation

  • They defeat the Preds in OT/SO, AND there is any result other than a Kings regulation win against the Colorado Avalanche

  • They lose in OT/SO, AND the Kings lose to the Avalanche in any fashion

  • The Kings lose to the Avalanche in regulation

Saturday`s Games

Note: All times ET.

New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers, 12:30 PM
Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets, 12:30 PM
New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes, 3:00 PM
Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings, 4:00 PM
Buffalo Sabres at Florida Panthers, 6:00 PM
Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:00 PM
Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks, 7:00 PM
Utah Hockey Club at Dallas Stars, 8:00 PM
Minnesota Wild at Vancouver Canucks, 10:00 PM
Nashville Predators at Vegas Golden Knights, 10:00 PM
St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken, 10:00 PM

Friday`s Scoreboard

Ottawa Senators 5, Montreal Canadiens 2
Detroit Red Wings 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 3 (OT)
Pittsburgh Penguins 4, New Jersey Devils 2
Edmonton Oilers 4, San Jose Sharks 2
Calgary Flames 4, Minnesota Wild 2

Expanded Standings

Atlantic Division

Toronto Maple Leafs

x – Toronto Maple Leafs

Points: 100
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 4
Points pace: 105.1
Next game: vs. MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Tampa Bay Lightning

x – Tampa Bay Lightning

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 101.7
Next game: vs. BUF (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Florida Panthers

x – Florida Panthers

Points: 96
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 3
Points pace: 99.7
Next game: vs. BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Ottawa Senators

x – Ottawa Senators

Points: 92
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 95.5
Next game: vs. PHI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 90.3
Next game: @ TOR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98.3%

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 84.1
Next game: vs. DAL (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0.4%

Buffalo Sabres

e – Buffalo Sabres

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 79.9
Next game: @ FLA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Boston Bruins

e – Boston Bruins

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 74.8
Next game: @ PIT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Metro Division

Washington Capitals

z – Washington Capitals

Points: 109
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 4
Points pace: 114.6
Next game: @ CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Carolina Hurricanes

x – Carolina Hurricanes

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 4
Points pace: 102.0
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

New Jersey Devils

x – New Jersey Devils

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 3
Points pace: 92.4
Next game: vs. NYI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 85.2
Next game: vs. WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.4%

New York Rangers

New York Rangers

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 84.1
Next game: @ CAR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%

New York Islanders

New York Islanders

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: @ PHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.9%

Pittsburgh Penguins

e – Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 80.0
Next game: vs. BOS (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Philadelphia Flyers

e – Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 76.7
Next game: vs. NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Central Division

Winnipeg Jets

x – Winnipeg Jets

Points: 112
Regulation wins: 43
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 116.3
Next game: @ CHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Dallas Stars

x – Dallas Stars

Points: 106
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 110.0
Next game: vs. UTA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Colorado Avalanche

x – Colorado Avalanche

Points: 100
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 2
Points pace: 102.5
Next game: @ LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild

Points: 93
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 95.3
Next game: @ VAN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 97.9%

St. Louis Blues

St. Louis Blues

Points: 93
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 95.3
Next game: @ SEA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 94.7%

Utah Hockey Club

e – Utah Hockey Club

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 88.2
Next game: @ DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Nashville Predators

e – Nashville Predators

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 68.5
Next game: @ VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Chicago Blackhawks

e – Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 58.1
Next game: vs. WPG (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Pacific Division

Vegas Golden Knights

x – Vegas Golden Knights

Points: 105
Regulation wins: 44
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 109.0
Next game: vs. NSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Los Angeles Kings

x – Los Angeles Kings

Points: 99
Regulation wins: 40
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 4
Points pace: 104.1
Next game: vs. COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 100.7
Next game: @ WPG (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%

Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 93.4
Next game: vs. SJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 7.5%

Vancouver Canucks

e – Vancouver Canucks

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 90.3
Next game: vs. MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Anaheim Ducks

e – Anaheim Ducks

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 81.0
Next game: vs. COL (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Seattle Kraken

e – Seattle Kraken

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 75.9
Next game: vs. STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0%

San Jose Sharks

e – San Jose Sharks

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 52.9
Next game: @ CGY (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Note: `z` – conference leader, `y` – division title, `x` – playoff berth, `e` – eliminated.

Race for the No. 1 Pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the first-round order. A team can move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery. Matthew Schaefer is projected as the No. 1 pick.

San Jose Sharks

1. San Jose Sharks

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14

Chicago Blackhawks

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 20

Nashville Predators

3. Nashville Predators

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23

Boston Bruins

4. Boston Bruins

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25

Philadelphia Flyers

5. Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 21

Seattle Kraken

6. Seattle Kraken

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28

Buffalo Sabres

7. Buffalo Sabres

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28

Pittsburgh Penguins

8. Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23

Anaheim Ducks

9. Anaheim Ducks

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24

New York Islanders

10. New York Islanders

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 27

Detroit Red Wings

11. Detroit Red Wings

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 29

New York Rangers

12. New York Rangers

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33

Columbus Blue Jackets

13. Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 26

Utah Hockey Club

14. Utah Hockey Club

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28

Vancouver Canucks

15. Vancouver Canucks

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 28

Calgary Flames

16. Calgary Flames

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 29