The 2025 NHL playoff picture is heating up as teams make their final pushes for postseason berths. With the Columbus Blue Jackets' recent victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, they remain in contention for the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues have already secured their places in the playoffs.
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Blue Jackets defeated the Flyers, keeping their hopes alive in a tightly contested race for the final playoff position. Columbus has been on a roll, winning five straight games in just eight days, accumulating a crucial 10 points that have put them within striking distance of the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens, however, have struggled recently, losing their last three games, which has opened the door for Columbus.
As the stakes rise, the scenario for the Canadiens is clear: they will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Carolina Hurricanes or manage to earn at least one point by losing in overtime on Wednesday, April 16. A regulation loss, however, would mean that the Blue Jackets control their destiny heading into their final game against the New York Islanders on Thursday, April 17. In that case, a win in regulation would secure Columbus a spot in the postseason.
The excitement doesn't stop there. In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues both clinched their wild-card spots on the same night. Minnesota secured their position with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Anaheim Ducks, thanks to a game-winning goal from Matt Boldy. Meanwhile, the Blues cruised to a 6-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club, marking their return to the playoffs for the 46th time in franchise history.
Remarkably, the Blues' playoff berth seemed unlikely just a few months ago. On February 2, they were seven points out of a wild-card spot and had not been in contention since early November. However, a stunning turnaround saw them compile a 21-5-4 record, the best in the league over that span. This impressive performance not only secured their playoff spot but also made them the tenth team in NHL history to qualify for the playoffs after being eight or more points out with 26 or fewer games remaining in the regular season.
As the playoff picture continues to take shape, the upcoming matchups promise to deliver intense action. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, April 19, 2025, featuring 16 teams competing in a best-of-seven series format. The Eastern Conference is already shaping up with notable teams like the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Western Conference showcases the Presidents' Trophy winners, the Winnipeg Jets, alongside the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the final regular-season games on April 17, which will finalize the playoff bracket. The Blue Jackets, Wild, and Blues have all made significant strides, but the Canadiens' fate hangs in the balance as they look to secure a playoff berth in their upcoming match. With so much on the line, the final days of the regular season promise to be filled with drama and excitement.
As the playoffs approach, the narrative of each team becomes more compelling. The Winnipeg Jets, having clinched the Central Division title, are poised to make a deep run, while the Maple Leafs and Red Wings rivalry is set to reignite in the postseason. The stakes are high, and every game counts as teams vie for the coveted Stanley Cup.
In conclusion, the NHL playoff race is entering its final stretch, and fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the regular season. With the Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Wild, and Blues all battling for their playoff lives, the excitement is palpable. As the puck drops on the playoffs, one thing is certain: hockey fans are in for a wild ride.
