The NHL regular season is drawing to a close, and the playoff picture is becoming clearer by the day. With just a few games left, the focus shifts to the draft lottery and the final push for playoff spots. Here's a breakdown of what's at stake in each of Monday's 10 games, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are in the thick of the battle for the top seed in the Atlantic Division, which would earn them a matchup with the Bruins or Senators in Round 1. If they finish second or third, they'll take on the Sabres or Canadiens. The Red Wings, meanwhile, were eliminated from postseason possibilities with a loss to the Devils on Saturday, and their first-round pick belongs to the Blues. I think the Lightning will edge out the Sabres for the top seed, but the Red Wings' pick could still be a valuable asset for the Blues.
New York Rangers at Florida Panthers
The Rangers moved up into third place with the Flames' win on Sunday, but they're still in a tight race with the Blackhawks for the final playoff spot. The Panthers, meanwhile, are seventh in the draft lottery order with two games to go, one back of the Kraken and two back of the Maple Leafs in fifth. I think the Rangers will hold on to their spot, but the Panthers could still make a late push.
Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers
The Hurricanes have locked in yet another Metro Division title, and are closing in on clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. A win of any kind or an overtime/shootout loss gets it done. The Flyers, surprisingly, charged their way into a playoff spot in recent weeks. I think the Hurricanes will take care of business and secure the top seed, but the Flyers could still make a run.
Dallas Stars at Toronto Maple Leafs
The Stars are locked in as the No. 2 seed in the Central Division, with home-ice advantage against the Wild in Round 1. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are in a captivating spot; their 2026 first-round pick will be shipping up to Boston... unless it lands in the Top 5. I think the Stars will hold on to their seed, but the Maple Leafs could still make a push for a higher draft pick.
Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues
The Wild are locked in as the No. 3 seed, skating against the Stars in Round 1, and don't have a shot to break their franchise record in points, either. The Blues, meanwhile, are right in the middle of the draft lottery order right now, in eighth position with 80 points and 30 regulation wins. I think the Wild will take care of business and secure their seed, but the Blues could still make a push for a higher draft pick.
San Jose Sharks at Nashville Predators
The Sharks have very little wiggle room to make a courageous run into the playoffs. I think the Predators will hold on to their spot, but the Sharks could still make a push if they can pull off a few upsets.
Buffalo Sabres at Chicago Blackhawks
The Sabres are currently top dog in the Atlantic, and control their own destiny in staying there. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, are locked in to the No. 2 position in the draft lottery order, meaning they will pick no worse than No. 4 overall in June's first round. I think the Sabres will hold on to their lead, but the Blackhawks could still make a push.
Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers
The Avs clinched the Presidents' Trophy -- and home-ice advantage as long as they remain in the playoffs -- last week, and will skate against the Western Conference's second wild card (L.A., Nashville, San Jose or Winnipeg). The Oilers, meanwhile, dropped out of the top spot in the Pacific over the weekend, but can get back on top if they make up one point on the Golden Knights, as they hold the regulation wins tiebreaker. I think the Avs will take care of business and secure their home-ice advantage, but the Oilers could still make a push.
Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken
The Kings have put the pedal to the metal in recent play, going 6-1-3 in their last 10 to take control of the second wild card in the West. I think the Kings will hold on to their spot, but the Kraken could still make a push.
Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights
The Jets are in a similar spot to the Sharks when it comes to making a run into the playoffs; they need to win here and then a lot of help elsewhere to pull it off. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, are heating up at the right time, and are undefeated in regulation since hiring John Tortorella to replace Bruce Cassidy. I think the Golden Knights will take care of business and secure their spot, but the Jets could still make a push.
