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.
So what’s at stake across the 10-game slate for Tuesday, April 8?
– The Washington Capitals (49-19-9) have the Alex Ovechkin goal record checked off and can turn their focus back to the Stanley Cup playoffs. If the Carolina Hurricanes lose to the Buffalo Sabres in regulation Tuesday, Washington clinches the Metropolitan Division title.
– The New Jersey Devils (41-29-7) will clinch a playoff spot and a top-three position in the Metro on Tuesday if they collect at least a point against the Boston Bruins.
– The Carolina Hurricanes (46-26-4) will officially book a round-1 playoff series against the Devils if the Devils clinch a playoff spot AND the Capitals clinch the Metro on Tuesday.
– Will the Ottawa Senators (42-29-6) clinch their first playoff berth in eight years tonight? It happens if (a) they beat the Columbus Blue Jackets, (b) the Detroit Red Wings lose to the Montreal Canadiens or (c) the Sens and Habs each collect at least one point.
– What was looking like a miraculous playoff push under trying circumstances may come to an end for the Columbus Blue Jackets (34-33-9) Tuesday. They will be mathematically eliminated if they lose to Ottawa in regulation AND Montreal wins in regulation.
– The Buffalo Sabres (34-36-6) have passed several teams in the East during their four-game winning streak, but they’ll be eliminated from the playoffs Tuesday if (a) they lose to the Hurricanes in regulation, (b) the Canadiens beat the Red Wings or (c) if they collect one point or fewer and the Habs collect one point or more.
– The clock could strike midnight for the Vancouver Canucks (35-29-13) Tuesday. They will be eliminated from playoff contention if they lose to the Dallas Stars in regulation.
– With a loss to the Seattle Kraken in any fashion, the Utah Hockey Club (35-30-12) will officially miss the playoffs in their first season since relocating from Arizona.
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