<p>We’ve reached the eventful final stretch of the NHL season. At this point, something significant is on the line virtually every day, whether it’s a playoff spot or division title to clinch or a major individual milestone. At Daily Faceoff, we’re here to break down exactly what you need to know between now and the end of the season April 17.</p>



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<p>So what’s at stake across the five-game slate for Friday, April 11?</p>



<p>– Is tonight the night for the <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/montreal-canadiens/line-combinations">Montreal Canadiens</a> (39-30-9)</strong>? They will clinch a playoff berth if they beat the Ottawa Senators in regulation. They have plenty of other ways into the postseason <a href="https://www.playoffstatus.com/nhl/canadiensclinch.html">depending on Saturday’s results</a>, too. Since there’s only one Eastern Conference playoff spot up for grabs: a regulation Habs win Friday eliminates the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders in a single blow.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="146"></div>



<p>– The <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/new-york-rangers/line-combinations">New York Rangers</a>’ (37-35-7) </strong>tragic number is one. Even a single point via overtime or shootout loss from the Canadiens Friday will mathematically eliminate the Broadway Blueshirts. The scenario is exactly the same for the <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/new-york-islanders/line-combinations">New York Islanders </a>(34-33-11).</strong></p>



<p>– A lot must go right for the <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/detroit-red-wings/line-combinations">Detroit Red Wings</a> (36-35-7) </strong>to survive the night. Their playoff hopes end if they lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning in any fashion OR if the Habs collect a single point.</p>



<p>– The injury-ravaged <strong><a href="https://oilersnation.com/">Edmonton Oilers </a>(45-28-5) </strong>will finally clinch a playoff spot Friday and a top-three position in the Pacific Division if (a) they collect at least a point against the San Jose Sharks or (b) the Calgary Flames lose to the Minnesota Wild in any fashion.</p>



<p>– The stakes are simple for the <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/minnesota-wild/line-combinations">Minnesota Wild</a> (43-29-7): </strong>beat the Calgary Flames Friday and clinch a playoff berth.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="147"></div>



<p>– The Habs’ <strong>Lane Hutson </strong>needs two more assists in Montreal’s final four games to become the second rookie NHL defenseman <em>ever </em>to get 60 in a season. Three assists will break Larry Murphy’s record.</p>



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