NHL Playoff Picture Nears Completion: Canadiens Eye Final Spot, Flames Eliminated

Eastern Conference Wild Card Race: The Montreal Canadiens need just one point against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight (April 16) to clinch the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Clinching Scenario: If the Canadiens secure a point (win or overtime/shootout loss), they make the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and face the Washington Capitals. If they lose in regulation, the Columbus Blue Jackets remain alive but must defeat the New York Islanders in regulation on Thursday.

Hurricanes Roster: Carolina is resting several key players (Aho, Jarvis, Staal, Slavin) for their game against Montreal, potentially aiding the Canadiens' chances. Coach Rod Brind'Amour's son, Skyler, is expected to make his NHL debut.

Western Conference Set: The Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues secured the final spots, finalizing the Western Conference playoff bracket. The Winnipeg Jets clinched the Presidents' Trophy.

Flames Eliminated: The Calgary Flames have been eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive season, despite a late push.

Playoffs Start Date: The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 19.

Why this matters: The final playoff spot determines crucial first-round matchups, impacting betting odds, fan excitement, and team strategies heading into the postseason. For eliminated teams like the Flames, the focus shifts to offseason adjustments and building for the future.

How to Prepare: Calgary needs to address offensive generation and special teams efficiency in the offseason. Continued development of their young core (Wolf, Coronato, Zary, Parekh) is crucial. Strategic free-agent signings or trades could bolster scoring depth.

Who This Affects Most: Flames fans, players, and management are most affected. It extends the playoff drought but offers hope through the emergence of young talent like goalie Dustin Wolf, a Calder Trophy candidate, and promising prospects like Zayne Parekh. Veterans like Huberdeau (showing improvement) and Kadri (career-high goals) will be key leaders moving forward.

Q: When do the 2025 NHL Playoffs start?

A: The Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Q: How are playoff ties broken in the NHL?

A: If teams are tied in points, the tiebreakers are: 1) Regulation wins, 2) Regulation and overtime wins, 3) Total wins, 4) Head-to-head points, 5) Goal differential, 6) Total goals.

Q: Which teams have clinched playoff spots?

A: East: Capitals, Hurricanes, Devils, Maple Leafs, Lightning, Panthers, Senators. West: Jets, Stars, Avalanche, Golden Knights, Kings, Oilers, Wild, Blues. (Montreal/Columbus pending).

Watch the Canadiens vs. Hurricanes game tonight – it likely decides the final playoff team.

Understand the tiebreaker implications if Montreal loses in regulation.

Familiarize yourself with the set playoff matchups in both conferences.

For Flames fans, focus on the positive development of young players like Dustin Wolf as a sign of future potential.

Keep track of the official playoff schedule once released after the regular season concludes.

Source 1: When do NHL playoffs start? 2025 schedule, latest standings and bracket (USA TODAY) target="_blank"

Source 2: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes: Game thread, rosters, lines, and how to watch (Habs Eyes on the Prize) target="_blank"

Source 3: Flames miss Stanley Cup Playoffs for 3rd straight season (NHL.com) target="_blank"