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 8, 2025.
Clinching Scenarios
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators can clinch a playoff berth if:
They defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets in any fashion (7 p.m. ET; FDSNOH, TSN5, RDS2)
OR
The Detroit Red Wings lose to the Montreal Canadiens in any fashion (7 p.m. ET; RDS, TSN2, FDSNDETX)
OR
They get one point against the Blue Jackets
AND
Any result in the Red Wings/Canadiens game other than a Red Wings regulation win
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils will clinch a playoff berth if:
They earn at least one point against the Boston Bruins (7 p.m. ET; NESN, MSG, SN360)
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals, who are not playing, will clinch the first spot on the Metropolitan division if:
The Carolina Hurricanes lose to the Buffalo Sabres in regulation (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, MSG-B)
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs will clinch home-ice advantage in Round 1 if:
They defeat the Florida Panthers in regulation (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, TSN4)
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes will clinch home-ice advantage in Round 1 if:
They defeat the Sabres in any fashion
AND
The Devils lose to the Bruins in any fashion
OR
They get one point against the Sabres
AND
The Devils lose to the Bruins in regulation
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars will clinch home-ice advantage in Round 1 if:
They defeat the Vancouver Canucks in any fashion (8 p.m. ET; Victory+, SNP)
OR
The Colorado Avalanche lose to the Vegas Golden Knights in regulation (9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, SN360)
OR
They get one point against the Canucks
AND
The Avalanche lose to the Golden Knights in any fashion
Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights will clinch home-ice advantage in Round 1 if:
They get at least one point against the Avalanche
Elimination Scenarios
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres will be eliminated from playoff contention if:
They lose to the Hurricanes in regulation
OR
The Canadiens defeat the Red Wings in any fashion
OR
The Sabres lose to the Hurricanes in overtime/shootout
AND
The Canadiens lose to the Red Wings in overtime/shootout
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets will be eliminated from playoff contention if:
They lose to the Senators in regulation
AND
The Canadiens defeat the Red Wings in regulation
Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club will be eliminated from playoff contention if:
They lose to the Seattle Kraken in any fashion (9 p.m. ET; Utah16, KHN, KONG)
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks will be eliminated from playoff contention if:
They lose to the Stars in regulation
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