The NHL regular season draws to a close, making Thursday a critical day for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. As the teams finalize their standings, three playoff spots remain undecided, influencing the matchups for the first round.
Current Standings and Playoff Implications
Three teams have secured playoff berths: the Edmonton Oilers (91 points), Anaheim Ducks, and Los Angeles Kings (both with 90 points). The final games will determine their exact placements within the Pacific Division and the wild card standings.
Playoff Scenarios for Thursday
The outcomes of Thursday’s games will shape the first-round matchups. Here’s how different scenarios could play out:
- If Edmonton vs. Vancouver:
- Oilers earn at least one point vs. Canucks and Ducks defeat Predators:
– Edmonton vs. Anaheim
– Colorado vs. Los Angeles - Predators defeat Ducks in overtime or shootout and Flames defeat Kings:
– Edmonton vs. Los Angeles
– Colorado vs. Anaheim - If Predators beat Ducks in regulation and Flames beat Kings:
– Edmonton vs. Los Angeles
– Colorado vs. Anaheim
- Oilers earn at least one point vs. Canucks and Ducks defeat Predators:
- If Ducks vs. Predators:
- Ducks defeat Predators and Canucks defeat Oilers in regulation, Flames beat Kings:
– Anaheim vs. Los Angeles
– Colorado vs. Edmonton - Ducks beat Predators, Canucks defeat Oilers, and Kings beat Flames:
– Los Angeles vs. Edmonton
– Colorado vs. Anaheim
- Ducks defeat Predators and Canucks defeat Oilers in regulation, Flames beat Kings:
Key Matchups and Times
On Thursday, several crucial matchups are scheduled:
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks at 9 p.m. ET
- Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators at 8 p.m. ET
- Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings at 9 p.m. ET
The outcomes of these games are vital, as they will finalize the playoff picture. Teams are not just playing for wins; they are fighting for better positioning in the upcoming postseason.
