Tuesday’s NHL Games and Playoff Implications

Following Alex Ovechkin`s historic goal, the focus shifts to the intense NHL playoff races. Tuesday features a packed schedule of ten games, each carrying weight for playoff spots or draft lottery positions.

Key Games to Watch on Tuesday

Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Hurricanes are almost certain to secure the second seed in the Metropolitan Division, setting up a first-round series against the Devils. Meanwhile, a strong recent performance from the Sabres has moved them to the ninth spot in the draft lottery rankings.

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

After a challenging March, the Red Wings` playoff hopes are slim but still alive. A victory against the Canadiens is vital as they chase a playoff spot. Montreal currently leads Detroit by six points, though Detroit has played one less game.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m. (ESPN)

A Panthers` slump and a Leafs` hot streak have raised the possibility of these teams meeting in the first round of the playoffs. This game could be a preview of a postseason matchup. Toronto is currently four points ahead of Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division and six points ahead of Florida, while the Panthers are just two points ahead of the first wild-card spot.

Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Bruins have been eliminated from playoff contention and are now positioned fifth in the draft lottery. The Devils are expected to finish third in the Metropolitan Division and potentially face the Hurricanes in the first round, though they still have a chance to overtake them for the second seed.

Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Ottawa Senators are on a winning streak, having not conceded a goal in their last two games. They are now just two points behind Florida for a playoff spot. The Blue Jackets are further behind, needing a win and significant help to catch up to Montreal for a wild-card position.

Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Blackhawks are close to San Jose in the draft lottery standings and have more regulation wins. The Penguins are out of playoff contention and currently hold the eighth pick in the draft lottery.

New York Islanders at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)

Despite Ovechkin`s milestone goal, the Islanders won their recent game, keeping their faint playoff hopes alive. They are seven points behind Montreal. Nashville is likely headed for a top-three pick in the draft lottery but probably not higher than third.

Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Canucks` playoff chances are fading, making each game crucial. They are eight points behind Minnesota for the last wild-card spot. Dallas is aiming for the top seed in the Central Division to secure a first-round matchup against the Wild instead of the Avalanche.

Seattle Kraken at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m. (ESPN+)

The NHL`s two newest teams face off. Seattle is currently sixth in the draft lottery, while Utah`s playoff hopes are almost gone, needing a perfect run to qualify.

Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

This late-night game is a highlight of Tuesday`s schedule. The Golden Knights are on track to win the Pacific Division, and the Avalanche are likely to be the Central`s third seed. This matchup could be a preview of the Western Conference finals.

The regular season concludes on April 17, and the NHL playoff watch continues, tracking playoff races and draft lottery positions.

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 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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Clinching Scenarios

The New Jersey Devils will clinch a playoff spot with a win or an overtime/shootout loss against the Boston Bruins.

The Ottawa Senators will clinch a playoff berth if:

• They beat the Columbus Blue Jackets in any game result, OR
• They lose to the Blue Jackets in overtime/shootout AND the Detroit Red Wings-Montreal Canadiens game is not a regulation win for the Red Wings, OR
• The Red Wings lose to the Canadiens in any game result.

The Washington Capitals will secure the Metropolitan Division title if the Carolina Hurricanes lose to the Buffalo Sabres in regulation.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will clinch home-ice advantage in the first round by defeating the Florida Panthers in regulation.

The Carolina Hurricanes will clinch home-ice advantage in the first round if they defeat the Sabres and the Devils lose to the Bruins in any game result. They also clinch if they lose to the Sabres in overtime/shootout and the Devils lose to the Bruins in regulation.

The Dallas Stars will clinch home-ice advantage in the first round if:

• They defeat the Vancouver Canucks in any game result, OR
• They lose to the Canucks in overtime/shootout and the Colorado Avalanche lose to the Vegas Golden Knights, OR
• The Avalanche lose to the Golden Knights in regulation.

The Golden Knights will clinch home-ice advantage in the first round with a win or an overtime/shootout loss to the Avalanche.

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Tuesday`s Games Schedule

Note: All times are ET. Games on ESPN+ are subject to local blackout restrictions.

• Carolina Hurricanes at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
• Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Ottawa Senators at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Chicago Blackhawks at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
• New York Islanders at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Seattle Kraken at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m. (ESPN+)
• Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

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Monday`s Scoreboard

• Tampa Bay Lightning 5, New York Rangers 1
• Winnipeg Jets 3, St. Louis Blues 1
• Anaheim Ducks 3, Edmonton Oilers 2
• Seattle Kraken 2, Los Angeles Kings 1
• Calgary Flames 3, San Jose Sharks 2

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Expanded Standings

Atlantic Division

x – Toronto Maple Leafs

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 6
Points pace: 105.7
Next game: @ FLA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%

x – Tampa Bay Lightning

Points: 96
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 5
Points pace: 102.2
Next game: vs. TOR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 100%

x – Florida Panthers

Points: 92
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 5
Points pace: 98.0
Next game: vs. TOR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Ottawa Senators

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 5
Points pace: 99.9
Next game: @ CBJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%

Montreal Canadiens

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 5
Points pace: 90.5
Next game: vs. DET (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 89.2%

Detroit Red Wings

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 85.2
Next game: @ MTL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 5.4%

Buffalo Sabres

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 79.8
Next game: vs. CAR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%

e – Boston Bruins

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 74.6
Next game: @ NJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

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Metro Division

x – Washington Capitals

Points: 107
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 5
Points pace: 114.0
Next game: vs. CAR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%

x – Carolina Hurricanes

Points: 96
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 6
Points pace: 103.6
Next game: @ BUF (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%

New Jersey Devils

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 5
Points pace: 94.8
Next game: vs. BOS (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%

New York Rangers

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 84.1
Next game: vs. PHI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 1.9%

New York Islanders

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 84.2
Next game: @ NSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 3.0%

Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 6
Points pace: 83.1
Next game: vs. OTT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.5%

e – Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 77.8
Next game: vs. CHI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

e – Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 75.6
Next game: @ NYR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

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Central Division

x – Winnipeg Jets

Points: 110
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 4
Points pace: 115.6
Next game: @ DAL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%

x – Dallas Stars

Points: 105
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 5
Points pace: 111.8
Next game: vs. VAN (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%

x – Colorado Avalanche

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 4
Points pace: 103.0
Next game: vs. VGK (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%

St. Louis Blues

Points: 93
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 96.5
Next game: @ EDM (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 97.3%

Minnesota Wild

Points: 91
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 4
Points pace: 95.7
Next game: vs. SJ (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 92.1%

Utah Hockey Club

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 87.3
Next game: vs. SEA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%

e – Nashville Predators

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 66.0
Next game: vs. NYI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

e – Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 54
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 57.5
Next game: @ PIT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

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Pacific Division

x – Vegas Golden Knights

Points: 102
Regulation wins: 43
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 5
Points pace: 108.6
Next game: @ COL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%

x – Los Angeles Kings

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 5
Points pace: 103.3
Next game: vs. ANA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 100%

Edmonton Oilers

Points: 93
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 5
Points pace: 99.0
Next game: vs. STL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.6%

Calgary Flames

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 92.7
Next game: @ ANA (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 10.9%

Vancouver Canucks

Points: 83
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 88.4
Next game: @ DAL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%

e – Anaheim Ducks

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 80.9
Next game: vs. CGY (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

e – Seattle Kraken

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 4
Points pace: 77.8
Next game: @ UTA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

e – San Jose Sharks

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 5
Points pace: 53.2
Next game: @ MIN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 0%

Note: An `x` means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An `e` means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

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Race for the No. 1 Pick

The NHL Draft Lottery determines the first-round order, making the last-place team not guaranteed the top pick. A team can move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery. Matthew Schaefer from the OHL`s Erie Otters is currently ranked No. 1 for the draft.

1. San Jose Sharks

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 54
Regulation wins: 19

3. Nashville Predators

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 23

4. Boston Bruins

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 24

5. Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 20

6. Buffalo Sabres

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 27

7. Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 21

8. Seattle Kraken

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 28

9. Anaheim Ducks

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 24

10. Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 24

11. New York Islanders

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 27

12. New York Rangers

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 32

13. Detroit Red Wings

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28

14. Utah Hockey Club

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 27

15. Vancouver Canucks

Points: 83
Regulation wins: 27

16. Calgary Flames

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 28