NHL Playoff Scenarios Heat Up as Teams Battle for Position

NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 — As the NHL regular season approaches its end, playoff scenarios are intensifying. Teams are preparing for critical matchups, seeking to secure their spots in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Montreal Canadiens can clinch a playoff berth with any result in the Columbus Blue Jackets–Philadelphia Flyers game tonight at 7 p.m. ET, except for a Blue Jackets regulation win. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs can lock up the Atlantic Division title if they earn at least one point against the Buffalo Sabres, also at 7 p.m. ET. The Maple Leafs can also clinch the title if the Tampa Bay Lightning lose to the Florida Panthers later at 7:30 p.m. ET.

If Toronto earns a point or Tampa Bay loses, matchups will be set with Toronto facing Ottawa and Tampa Bay up against Florida. Furthermore, the Washington Capitals, currently secure in the playoffs, could find their first-round opponent determined by the outcome of the Blue Jackets-Flyers game.

In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild can clinch a playoff berth with at least one point in their game against the Anaheim Ducks at 8 p.m. ET. They also have the option to clinch if the St. Louis Blues lose to the Utah Hockey Club or if the Calgary Flames lose to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Blues themselves will secure a playoff spot if they defeat Utah, regardless of any other results.

Other notable matchups tonight include the Winnipeg Jets, who are currently vying for the NHL’s top seed in the playoffs against the Blackhawks. A win will secure the division title for the Jets, enhancing their chances for the Presidents’ Trophy.

The day’s games kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET, featuring the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, both looking to improve their draft position while trying to build momentum for their future.

NHL fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown: The stretch run of the season is fraught with tension and excitement as playoff berths hang in the balance. The complete playoff scenarios and consequences will continue to unfold throughout the day.