Sat Apr 05 18:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Wild Card Frenzy: Five Teams Battle for Final Eastern Conference Playoff Spot
With just two weeks remaining in the NHL regular season, the race for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot is heating up. Five teams – the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Islanders – are locked in a fierce battle for the coveted playoff berth.
The Canadiens currently hold the second wild-card position, but their lead is precarious. Thursday night features key matchups: the Canadiens host the Boston Bruins, and the Blue Jackets face the Colorado Avalanche. Both games will significantly impact the standings. According to Stathletes’ projection model, the Canadiens have the highest probability of making the playoffs (42.1%), followed by the Blue Jackets (27.4%), Rangers (26.8%), with the Islanders and Red Wings trailing significantly.
The remaining games will be crucial in determining the final playoff team. The intense competition underscores the importance of each remaining game, with every point and regulation win potentially making the difference. ESPN+ will stream many of the crucial games. Fans can follow the playoff race and the NHL draft lottery race on ESPN’s NHL playoff watch.
First Piper 