NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Lightning Secure Spot, Oilers and Wild on the brink
The NHL playoff picture is becoming clearer as the regular season winds down. Last night’s action saw one team secure their position, while others are on the verge of clinching a coveted playoff berth.
Eastern Conference: Lightning Lock In
the Tampa Bay Lightning have clinched a top-three spot in the Atlantic division. They secured at least one point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings,solidifying their position for the playoffs. With this result, the Lightning are guaranteed a home-ice advantage (at least to start) in the first round.
Western Conference: Oilers and Wild Look to Clinch
The Edmonton Oilers are on the cusp of returning to the playoffs. Edmonton will clinch a playoff berth if they secure at least one point in their late game against the San jose Sharks on Thursday night. Alternatively, their ticket is punched if the Calgary Flames lose in any fashion to the Minnesota Wild.
Speaking of the Minnesota Wild, they control their own destiny. A win of any kind against the Calgary Flames will guarantee the wild a spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
What specific outcome guarantees the Minnesota Wild a playoff spot, regardless of other games?
NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Lightning Secure Spot, Oilers and Wild on the brink
The NHL playoff picture is becoming clearer as the regular season winds down. Last night’s action saw one team secure their position, while others are on the verge of clinching a coveted playoff berth.
Eastern Conference: Lightning Lock In
the Tampa Bay Lightning have clinched a top-three spot in the Atlantic division. They secured at least one point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings,solidifying their position for the playoffs. With this result, the Lightning are guaranteed a home-ice advantage (at least to start) in the first round.
Western Conference: Oilers and Wild Look to Clinch
The Edmonton Oilers are on the cusp of returning to the playoffs. Edmonton will clinch a playoff berth if they secure at least one point in their late game against the San jose Sharks on Thursday night. Alternatively, their ticket is punched if the Calgary Flames lose in any fashion to the Minnesota Wild.
Speaking of the Minnesota Wild, they control their own destiny. A win of any kind against the Calgary Flames will guarantee the wild a spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Playoff Race FAQs
- How did the Tampa Bay Lightning clinch a playoff spot?
- The Lightning secured at least a point in their overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings,guaranteeing them a top-three spot in their division and a playoff berth. This also ensures home-ice advantage for at least the first round of playoffs.
- What do the Edmonton Oilers need to do to make the playoffs?
- The Oilers needed at least one point in their game against the San Jose Sharks, or a loss by the Calgary Flames against the Minnesota Wild.
- What is the Minnesota Wild’s path to the playoffs?
- The Wild controlled their own destiny. They needed a win against the Calgary Flames to clinch a playoff spot.
- What does “home-ice advantage” mean in the playoffs?
- Home-ice advantage means the team with the better regular season record gets to play more games (potentially) at their home arena in a playoff series. This can be a significant advantage due to crowd support and familiarity with the rink.
- Why is the playoff race so exciting?
- The playoff race is exciting as it is indeed the culmination of the regular season, where competitive matches decide which teams will compete for the stanley cup. It also showcases the best teams, and the best players, fighting for the ultimate prize.
Stay tuned as the NHL playoff picture continues to unfold. The race is on!
