Sat Apr 12 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Oilers and Wild Eye Playoff Berths in Tight NHL Race

**April 11, 2025 –** With just seven days remaining in the NHL regular season, the playoff race is heating up. Several teams have the chance to clinch their postseason berths on Friday, April 11th.

The Edmonton Oilers can secure a playoff spot with a win or a loss by the Calgary Flames against the Minnesota Wild. A Wild victory, meanwhile, would guarantee them a playoff berth. The Oilers currently trail the Los Angeles Kings for second place in the Pacific Division.

In the East, the Montreal Canadiens can clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2021 with a regulation win over the Ottawa Senators. The Tampa Bay Lightning can secure a top-three finish in the Atlantic Division with a point against the Detroit Red Wings or a Senators loss to the Canadiens. The Florida Panthers also have a chance at clinching a top-three spot if the Senators lose in regulation.

Several other games carry significant playoff implications. The Detroit Red Wings face elimination if they lose to the Lightning or if Montreal earns a point against Ottawa. The Calgary Flames, currently battling for a Wild Card spot, face a must-win situation against the Minnesota Wild.

Elsewhere, the Washington Capitals clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Carolina Hurricanes secured the second seed in the Metropolitan Division. The New York Rangers and New York Islanders remain in contention, though their playoff hopes are fading. The Winnipeg Jets moved closer to clinching the Central Division title, while the Vegas Golden Knights extended their lead in the Pacific Division. The Colorado Avalanche are locked into the third seed in the Central Division.

The intense competition makes for a thrilling finish to the regular season, with several teams fighting for their playoff lives in the final week.

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