The Stanley Cup Playoffs are less than one week away, and the field could be set by Monday’s end. But there are three spots up for grabs — one in the Eastern Conference and two in the West.
Here’s a look at how a full slate of games could finalize the NHL’s playoff picture:
Clinch a playoff berth (Metropolitan 3) AND a locked-in first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins (Metropolitan 2) if they:
Ducks clinch a playoff spot if the San Jose Sharks defeat the Nashville Predators in any fashion.
Clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Kraken in any fashion.
AND
If the Sharks defeat the Predators in regulation.
The Carolina Hurricanes will clinch the Eastern Conference title:
If they get at least one point against the Flyers.
OR
If the Blackhawks defeat the Sabres in any fashion.
They defeat the Blackhawks in regulation.
AND
with any result in the Lightning-Red Wings game other than a Lightning regulation win.
OR
The Blackhawks defeat the Blackhawks in overtime or shootout AND if the Red Wings defeat the Lightning in any fashion.