NHL 2025 Playoff Clinching/Elimination Scenarios – 04/16/2025

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are approaching, and teams are officially clinching playoff berths and being eliminated from contention. Here are the potential scenarios where teams can clinch or be eliminated on April 16, 2025.

Clinching Scenarios

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens can clinch a playoff berth, and would face the Washington Capitals in Round 1 if:

They earn at least one point against the Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m. ET; RDS, SN1, SNE, SNO, FDSNSO)

Elimination Scenarios

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be eliminated from playoff contention if:

The Canadiens lose to the Hurricanes in regulation

Substack Subscribe to the THW Daily and never miss the best of The Hockey Writers Banner