NHL 2025 Playoff Clinching/Elimination Scenarios – 04/14/2025

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 14, 2025.

Clinching Scenarios

Montreal Canadiens

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

They defeat the Chicago Blackhawks in any fashion (7 p.m. ET; RDS, Prime, CHSN)

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning, who are not playing, can clinch home-ice advantage in Round 1 if:

The Florida Panthers lose to the New York Rangers in any fashion (7 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, MSG)

Elimination Scenarios

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets, who are not playing, will be eliminated from playoff contention if:

The Canadiens defeat the Blackhawks in any fashion

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