NHL Playoff Standings: Key Games on Showdown Saturday

Saturday in the NHL offers a packed schedule with 14 games throughout the day, starting at 1 p.m. ET and concluding with the final faceoff at 10:30 p.m. ET. Here`s a breakdown of what`s at stake in each game:

Vancouver Canucks at New York Rangers
1 p.m., NHL Network

After a recent loss, the Canucks are looking to regain a Western Conference wild-card spot. The Rangers aim to avoid a rare miss of the playoffs after winning the Presidents` Trophy the previous season, a fate only three other teams have faced.

Philadelphia Flyers at Dallas Stars
2 p.m., ESPN+

The Flyers are focused on improving their draft lottery position. The Stars are aiming to close the gap in the Central Division and challenge for the top spot, making this a crucial game for their divisional aspirations.

Buffalo Sabres at Minnesota Wild
2 p.m., ESPN+

The Sabres are out of playoff contention again, but hoping for a better season next year. The Wild, positioned in a wild-card spot, are trying to move up in the Central Division standings, within striking distance of third place but comfortably ahead of the Blues.

Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues
3 p.m., ESPN+

The Blues have an easier schedule ahead, starting with this game against the rebuilding Blackhawks. Chicago, already eliminated from playoff contention, is now focused on the draft lottery.

Calgary Flames at New York Islanders
4 p.m., ESPN+

The Flames are trying to sweep their New York area road trip and remain in the Western Conference wild-card picture, helped by strong play from rookie goalie Dustin Wolf. The Islanders have quietly entered the Eastern Conference wild-card race, close behind the Canadiens.

Carolina Hurricanes at Los Angeles Kings
4 p.m., ESPN+

Both the Hurricanes and Kings are almost certain for the playoffs, but both are looking to improve their chances of reaching the Stanley Cup Final. This game could be a potential Stanley Cup Final preview.

Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals
5 p.m., ESPN+

The Panthers, leading the Atlantic Division, are aiming for another Stanley Cup Final run, and a potential dynasty discussion could begin. They might face the Capitals, who recently clinched a playoff spot and are a strong contender, in the conference finals, making this game a possible preview. Washington`s Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky`s goal record.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Utah Hockey Club
5 p.m., ESPN+

The Lightning, after strategic trade deadline acquisitions, are likely headed to the playoffs again. The Utah Hockey Club, in their inaugural season, are trying to make a playoff push, currently trailing the Blues for a wild-card spot.

Colorado Avalanche at Montreal Canadiens
7 p.m., ESPN+

The Avalanche are expected to make the playoffs once again. The Canadiens, surprisingly in a wild-card position, are fighting to maintain their spot as every game becomes crucial.

Ottawa Senators at New Jersey Devils
7 p.m., ESPN+

The Senators last playoff appearance saw them reach the conference finals. The Devils, despite recent struggles and injuries to key players, are holding onto a Metro Division third-place spot, leading the Islanders and Rangers.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators
7 p.m., ESPN+

The Predators are likely looking towards the draft lottery, while the Maple Leafs are competing for the top seed in the Atlantic Division, currently tied in points with the Panthers.

Detroit Red Wings at Vegas Golden Knights
8 p.m., ABC/ESPN+

The Red Wings, after a period of decline, are still chasing a wild-card spot. The Golden Knights are trying to extend their lead in the Pacific Division over the Oilers.

Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers
10 p.m., ESPN+

The Oilers are having a strong season, avoiding a Stanley Cup Final runner-up slump. They are deciding whether to aim for a division lead and potentially face the Wild, or remain second and likely face the Kings in the first round again. The Kraken are evaluating their roster for next season as they continue their team development.

Boston Bruins at San Jose Sharks
10:30 p.m., ESPN+

This matchup lacks the playoff implications it once might have had. The Sharks are already eliminated, and the Bruins have very slim playoff hopes, needing a significant turnaround and help from other teams.

With weeks remaining until the regular season`s end on April 17, the NHL playoff picture is still evolving. We will continue to track the playoff races and the draft lottery standings.

Current Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings

Saturday`s Games

Note: All times ET. Games not on TNT or NHL Network stream on ESPN+ (blackouts apply).

Vancouver Canucks at New York Rangers, 1 p.m. (NHLN)
Philadelphia Flyers at Dallas Stars, 2 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres at Minnesota Wild, 2 p.m.
Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues, 3 p.m.
Calgary Flames at New York Islanders, 4 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes at Los Angeles Kings, 4 p.m.
Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals, 5 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Utah Hockey Club, 5 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
Ottawa Senators at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Nashville Predators, 7 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings at Vegas Golden Knights, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN+)
Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers, 10 p.m.
Boston Bruins at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.

Friday`s Scoreboard

Pittsburgh Penguins 6, Columbus Blue Jackets 3

Race for the No. 1 Pick

The NHL Draft Lottery determines the first-round order, ensuring the last-place team isn`t guaranteed the top pick. A team can move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery. Matthew Schaefer is currently projected as the No. 1 draft pick.

1. San Jose Sharks

Points: 45

Regulation wins: 13

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Points: 49

Regulation wins: 17

3. Nashville Predators

Points: 58

Regulation wins: 21

4. Buffalo Sabres

Points: 60

Regulation wins: 21

5. Philadelphia Flyers

Points: 64

Regulation wins: 17

6. Seattle Kraken

Points: 65

Regulation wins: 24

7. Pittsburgh Penguins

Points: 68

Regulation wins: 20

8. Anaheim Ducks

Points: 68

Regulation wins: 22

9. Boston Bruins

Points: 69

Regulation wins: 23

10. Detroit Red Wings

Points: 70

Regulation wins: 24

11. Columbus Blue Jackets

Points: 71

Regulation wins: 23

Note: `x` – clinched playoff berth, `e` – eliminated from playoff contention.