<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 nine-game slate for Thursday, April 3?</p>



<p>– The <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/tampa-bay-lightning/line-combinations">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> (45-25-5) </strong>have a magic number of one. They will clinch a playoff spot tonight if (a) they collect at least a point on the road vs. the Ottawa Senators AND the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Boston Bruins; (b) they collect a point AND the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Colorado Avalanche; or (c) the Habs and Blue Jackets both lose in regulation.</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="142"></div>



<p>– After a late rally to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks Wednesday, the <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/colorado-avalanche/line-combinations">Colorado Avalanche</a> (46-26-4) </strong>are positioned to clinch a playoff spot tonight if (a) they beat the Blue Jackets in any fashion; (b) the Calgary Flames lose to the Anaheim Ducks in regulation or (c) the Avs collect at least a point AND the Flames collect no more than one point.</p>



<p>– The <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/anaheim-ducks/line-combinations">Anaheim Ducks </a>(33-33-8) </strong>will be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention if they lose to the Flames in any fashion.</p>



<p>– The <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/winnipeg-jets/line-combinations">Winnipeg Jets</a> (51-20-4) </strong>can clinch home ice in Round 1 of the playoffs if (a) they beat the Vegas Golden Knights and the Avs lose to the Blue Jackets or (b) if they collect at least a point against Vegas AND Colorado loses in regulation.</p>



<p>– Avalanche defenseman <strong>Cale Makar</strong>, in action tonight, is one goal away from becoming the first NHL defenseman to score 30 in a season since Mike Green in 2008-09. Green is the only blueliner to do it since 1992-93.</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="169"></div>



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