NHL: What Awaits Mix Teams This Week
- With less than a month remaining in the regular season, the battle for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference is intensifying.
- Here's a look at what's ahead for the teams in contention this week, March 24-30:
- Despite two losses in their last three games, the Senators, coached by Travis Green, control their playoff destiny, currently holding the first of two wild-card spots in the...
Eastern Conference Playoff Race Heats Up
Table of Contents
With less than a month remaining in the regular season, the battle for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference is intensifying. Six teams are vying for two available positions.
Here’s a look at what’s ahead for the teams in contention this week, March 24-30:
Ottawa Senators (37-27-5) – 79 points
Despite two losses in their last three games, the Senators, coached by Travis Green, control their playoff destiny, currently holding the first of two wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference.
After facing the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa will face two teams also in the playoff hunt. They visit the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. the Senators then travel to Pittsburgh to play the Penguins on Sunday.
Montreal Canadiens (33-27-9) – 75 points
The Canadiens also have four games this week, all on the road.
First, they face the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday, a team also fighting for a playoff berth in the Western Conference, currently holding the final wild-card spot and riding a six-game winning streak. After a stop in Philadelphia on Thursday to play the Flyers, Montreal concludes the week against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday and the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
The Canadiens then return home to face the Panthers again two days later.
New York Rangers (34-31-6) – 74 points
The Rangers have played more games than their rivals in the playoff race.
One point behind the Canadiens, the Rangers spend the week in California, playing three games. They face the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday, followed by the anaheim Ducks on Friday, and the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
New York Islanders (32-28-9) – 73 points
With three wins in their last four games, the Islanders are two points behind the Canadiens, after defeating them last Thursday.
The Islanders also have four games this week, starting Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. New York then hosts the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday before traveling to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday and the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.
Columbus Blue Jackets (31-29-9) – 71 points
Following Monday’s game against the Islanders,the Blue Jackets have three days off before playing the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday.
The next day, they travel to face the Ottawa Senators.
Time is running out for the Blue Jackets to make a playoff push.
Detroit Red Wings (32-31-6) – 70 points
The Red Wings are five points out of a playoff spot.
After losing two of three games last week, the Red Wings start the week on the road with games on consecutive nights. They visit the Utah hockey club on monday and the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
Detroit then returns home to host the Ottawa Senators on Thursday and the Boston Bruins on saturday.
Eastern Conference Playoff Race Heats Up: A Extensive Guide (March 2025)
Introduction
With the NHL regular season winding down, the competition for playoff spots in the Eastern conference is reaching a fever pitch. Six teams are vying for the final two available positions, making every game crucial. This article provides a detailed look at the current standings and upcoming schedules for the teams in contention, updated as of March 24, 2025.
Who is in the Eastern conference Playoff Race?
Several teams are battling for the final playoff spots in the Eastern conference. These teams are vying for one of the of wild-card spots. The top six teams have already secured their spots.
Which Teams Are Currently in a Playoff Position and What Are Their Chances?
The Ottawa Senators currently hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The second wild-card spot is highly contested.
Here’s a snapshot of the teams in the hunt and their key information:
| Team | Points | Current Position | Key Games This Week |
| ——————– | —— | ——————————– | —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Ottawa Senators | 79 | 1st Wild Card | vs. Buffalo Sabres, @ Detroit Red Wings, vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, @ Pittsburgh Penguins |
| Montreal Canadiens | 75 | In contention | @ St. Louis Blues, @ Philadelphia Flyers, @ Carolina hurricanes, @ Florida Panthers |
| New York Rangers | 74 | In contention | @ Los Angeles Kings, @ Anaheim Ducks, @ San Jose Sharks |
| New York Islanders | 73 | In contention | vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, vs. Vancouver Canucks, @ Tampa Bay Lightning, @ Carolina Hurricanes |
| Columbus Blue Jackets| 71 | In contention | @ New York Islanders, vs. Philadelphia Flyers, @ Ottawa Senators |
| Detroit Red Wings | 70 | In contention | @ Utah hockey club, vs. Colorado Avalanche, @ Ottawa Senators, vs. Boston Bruins |
The Week Ahead: Key Matchups and What to Watch For
Here’s a closer look at the upcoming games for each team and the critical factors that will influence their playoff hopes:
Ottawa Senators: The Senators,coached by Travis Green,are in control of their destiny,holding the first wild-card position. They face crucial games against playoff contenders like the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets.
montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens have a challenging road trip ahead, which includes a matchup against the St.Louis Blues in the Western Conference, as well as two games against the Florida Panthers.
New York Rangers: The Rangers are on the road, playing three games in California.
New York Islanders: The Islanders, with three wins in their last four games, have a busy schedule, including games against the Columbus Blue Jackets and carolina Hurricanes.
Columbus Blue jackets: Time is running out for the Blue Jackets, who face the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators.
Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings are five points out of a playoff spot which play the Utah hockey club and the Colorado Avalanche.