NHL Playoff Picture Tightens as March Madness Unfolds

NEW YORK, March 24, 2025 — The NHL playoff race is heating up as teams battle for position heading into the final stretch of the regular season. On March 23, several key matchups showcased the intensity of the playoff chase, particularly the highly anticipated game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Lightning, currently with a 12.6% playoff chance, faced off against the Golden Knights, who lead the Western Conference with a 12.4% chance. This matchup is crucial as both teams aim to solidify their standing before the playoffs begin. The stakes are particularly high for the Lightning, who are coming off a challenging season yet remain in contention for a playoff berth.

As reported by Stathletes, the Colorado Avalanche closely follow the Golden Knights with a 12.3% chance and prepare for their upcoming game against the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets, holding a solid 5.8% chance, face the Buffalo Sabres, while the Edmonton Oilers, at 5.4%, await their next match against the Dallas Stars.

Despite their aggressive trade deadline moves, the Dallas Stars are struggling, currently sitting at seventh place among Western teams with only a 3.1% chance of gaining a playoff spot. They trail both the Los Angeles Kings at 3.9% and St. Louis Blues at 3.5%.

On the Eastern front, the Carolina Hurricanes lead the conference with a remarkable 15.3% playoff chance. They continue their road trip against the Anaheim Ducks, who are looking to secure their position as the regular season nears its conclusion. Following the Hurricanes are the Washington Capitals, who have a 9.5% chance as they prepare to face the Jets.

In terms of performance, the Florida Panthers are leading the Atlantic Division with 87 points, reflecting their strong chances at 99.9%, identical to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are also at 87 points. The Panthers bulwarked their position with a string of victories leading into the final stretch.

The playoff picture remains ambiguous as the Minnesota Wild, with 70 points and only a 6% probability, attempt to claw their way in, while the Boston Bruins are at the bottom of the standings with only 69 points and a tragic number of 17 for playoff hope.

The NHL regular season concludes on April 17, 2025, and teams must consolidate their strategies and rosters in these critical upcoming matches. As playoff participation is increasingly at stake, the anticipation among fans grows with each game. Enthusiasts are eager to see how this thrilling season will culminate.