Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, jersey number 71, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/Canadian Press, via AP)
Written by Stephen Wyno
AP Hockey Writer
The playoff race across the NHL is approaching the final week of the regular season. Seven of his eight games on Monday night will have some impact on who plays or the team's seeding. The New York Islanders can qualify by defeating their rival New Jersey Devils. The Washington Capitals vs. Boston, the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Nashville, and the Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal are all fighting to stay in the league.
The Out West, Edmonton and Los Angeles are vying for position with a winnable game at home.
Washington Capitals players range from being included in every NHL playoff scenario to having no idea what else is going on.
“This is a really big game for us and for them,” rookie defenseman Vincent Iorio said Sunday ahead of Monday night's game against the Boston Bruins. “They're trying, I don't know exactly what they're trying to do, but we know what we're trying to do.”
We will win the division, but who will win? His seven of the eight league games played Monday night will have some impact on the overall picture of the postseason, including who will play and which teams will be seeded.
eastern conference
Things are really heating up in the East, and the New York Islanders can earn a spot with a win over rival New Jersey. Meanwhile, the Capitals, the Pittsburgh Penguins against Nashville, and the Detroit Red Wings against Montreal all aim to stay.
“We've just been dealing with it and I've been dealing with it like I've been over the last two months staying in the moment and focusing on the opponent in front of me that day. And once we get through that, we can move on to the next one. We move on to the game,” Washington coach Spencer Carberry said. “It's going to be a little different going into the last two games. We're going to make sure everyone understands the situation, but we're not overstating any situation or game.”
If the Capitals, Penguins and Red Wings all lose in regulation, Pittsburgh and Detroit will be eliminated, setting up a make-or-break matchup between Washington and Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Wednesday night could spell trouble for the Penguins vs. Islanders.
Boston finishes the Atlantic, and a win in Washington would set up a first-round matchup with Tampa Bay, as well as a matchup between Florida and Toronto.
The New York Rangers will face the Ottawa Senators at home, and any win will clinch the Presidents Trophy and home-ice advantage through the playoffs.
western conference
All eight spots in the West are confirmed, but the only confirmed first-round matchup is Winnipeg vs. Colorado in the Central Division. Dallas has already won the division, but the Stars are still waiting to see which team they will open with.
That may depend on what Los Angeles does at home against Minnesota. The Kings and defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas each have a chance to finish third in the Pacific or qualify for one of the wild-card spots.
Edmonton, whose home is San Jose, which ranks last in the league, has a chance to win the division even after losing to Vancouver on Saturday night. The Oilers might want it if they can play Los Angeles for a third straight year, but they might not want it as much if it means starting against the Golden Knights or Predators.
