Wild Could Secure Playoff Spot Amid Intense NHL Race

NEW YORK, April 12, 2025 — With just six days remaining in the NHL regular season, the playoff races are razor tight, especially in the Western Conference where the Minnesota Wild are on the brink of securing a wild card spot. As teams jostle for position, several crucial games today could dramatically change playoff fates.

The Wild (43-30-7) face the Vancouver Canucks (37-29-13) tonight at 10 p.m. ET. Minnesota enters the match tied on points with the St. Louis Blues for the two wild card spots, though they hold the tiebreaker with more regulation wins. A victory against the Canucks, who have been eliminated from playoff contention, could provide a significant boost for the Wild’s chances in the postseason.

The stakes are particularly high for the Wild, as head coach Dean Evason pointed out in his recent statements. “Every point matters at this stage. We know it’s crunch time, and we need to capitalize on these opportunities,” he said.

Out West, the Winnipeg Jets (54-21-4) have a chance to lock up the Central Division title and the top seed in the Western Conference with at least one point in their matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks (23-46-10). The Jets lead the division by six points with three games left to play. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “We have to play hard and disrupt their game plan; they’re a talented team.”

In another critical matchup, the Vegas Golden Knights (48-22-9) can clinch the Pacific Division title with a victory over the Nashville Predators (29-42-8) alongside a loss from the Los Angeles Kings (45-24-9) later tonight. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone emphasized team synergy ahead of the game, stating, “We know what’s at stake, and we have the talent to get it done.”

Meanwhile, the New York Islanders (34-33-11) strive to stay afloat in the playoff race. They must secure a win against the Philadelphia Flyers (32-37-9) and are also hoping for favorable outcomes in other games to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Islanders are currently trailing the Canadiens by four points for the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

An essential game this evening involves the Montreal Canadiens (39-31-9), who will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs (48-26-4). The Canadiens need a regulation win to cement their position in the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season. Captain Nick Suzuki expressed confidence in his team’s abilities: “We’ve faced tough situations before, and I believe we can pull through again.”

As the regular season enters its final stretch, every game is crucial in determining the playoff matchups and seeding. The outcomes of today’s ten games will not only affect teams’ fates but could also reshape the landscape of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Fans and players alike are on edge as they await the thrilling finale of the regular season.