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 1, 2025.
Clinching Scenarios
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes, who are not playing, will clinch a playoff berth if:
The Montreal Canadiens lose to the Florida Panthers in any fashion (7 p.m. ET; RDS, TSN2, SCRIPPS)
OR
The Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Nashville Predators in any fashion (7 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, FDSNSO)
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs, who are not playing, will clinch a playoff berth if:
The Canadiens lose to the Panthers in any fashion
OR
The Blue Jackets lose to the Predators in any fashion
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning will clinch a playoff berth if:
They defeat the New York Islanders in any fashion (7:30 p.m. ET; Disney+, HULU, ESPN+, SN360)
AND
The Canadiens lose to the Panthers in regulation
AND
The Blue Jackets lose to the Predators in regulation
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers will clinch a playoff berth if:
They defeat the Canadiens in regulation
AND
The Blue Jackets lose to the Predators in regulation
Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights will clinch a playoff berth if:
They defeat the Edmonton Oilers in any fashion (10 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, SN1, TVAS)
OR
If the Calgary Flames lose to the Utah Hockey Club in regulation (9 p.m. ET; Utah16, SNW)
OR
If they get one point vs. the Oilers
AND
either of the following occurs:
The Flames lose to Utah in any fashion
The St. Louis Blues lose to the Detroit Red Wings in regulation (8 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, FDSNDET)
Elimination Scenarios
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks will be eliminated from playoff contention if:
They lose to the San Jose Sharks in any fashion
AND
The Blues defeat the Red Wings in any fashion
