The NHL playoff picture is shaping up as teams battle for positioning in the final days of the regular season. On April 12, 2025, the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights clinched their respective division titles, while other teams are still vying for playoff spots.
The Winnipeg Jets solidified their dominance in the Central Division with a 2-1 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. This win not only secured the Jets the Central Division title but also the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. With 114 points, the Jets are poised to make a deep playoff run, showcasing their resilience and skill throughout the season.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights clinched the Pacific Division title, setting the stage for an exciting first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. The Golden Knights achieved this feat by defeating the Nashville Predators in regulation, ensuring their place at the top of the division with 107 points.
In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Maple Leafs also made headlines with a crucial 1-0 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens. This victory allowed the Maple Leafs to secure a top-two finish in the Atlantic Division, further solidifying their playoff aspirations. However, the Canadiens’ overtime loss means they will have to wait another day to clinch a playoff berth.
The Canadiens did manage to earn a point from the game, which eliminated the idle Detroit Red Wings from playoff contention. The point gained keeps Montreal in the hunt, but they now find themselves in a precarious position as they face pressure from the Columbus Blue Jackets, who emerged victorious against the Washington Capitals.
As of now, the Eastern Conference playoff picture includes the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators, and the Canadiens, who are still fighting for their playoff lives.
In the Western Conference, the playoff participants are the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings, and Edmonton Oilers. The Minnesota Wild are on the brink of clinching a playoff berth as they need to defeat the Vancouver Canucks while hoping for a St. Louis Blues loss to the Seattle Kraken.
With the regular season set to conclude on April 17, 2025, teams are racing against time to secure their playoff positions. The NHL playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 19, promising an exciting postseason filled with intense competition and thrilling matchups.
As the final games approach, fans are eagerly anticipating the playoff bracket and the potential matchups that could unfold. The Dallas Stars are set to face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, while the Kings will take on the Oilers, with home-ice advantage still to be determined.
In summary, the playoff race is heating up with teams making their final pushes for postseason glory. The Jets and Golden Knights have established themselves as frontrunners, while the Maple Leafs continue to build momentum heading into the playoffs. The Canadiens, despite their loss, remain in contention, showcasing the unpredictability of the NHL as the regular season comes to a close.
