Mar 30, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) celebrates with defenseman Mike Matheson (8) after the game against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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2025 NHL Playoff Picture: Current Standings, Bracket Projections, and Tiebreaker Scenarios

Stay updated on the latest 2025 NHL standings, playoff projections, and crucial tiebreaker scenarios impacting teams' postseason hopes

The race for the second wild-card spot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference is a rollercoaster, changing hands three times in three days. On Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens jumped back into the spotlight with a big win over the Florida Panthers. Just a day earlier, the New York Rangers held it, and before that, the Columbus Blue Jackets were in control. With several teams still in the mix, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling finish. No teams in the wild-card battle are playing Monday, so the standings will hold steady, at least for now.

Montreal’s win also means the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes will have to wait until at least Tuesday to officially clinch a playoff spot. Over in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild are trying to hold off the red-hot St. Louis Blues, who have won nine straight and are now tied in points for the first wild-card position. The Wild hold the tiebreaker and will use up their game in hand when they face the New Jersey Devils on Monday night.

Finishing touches ahead of tonight's game

Read ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/68nLvPhATo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 1, 2025

Montreal’s win means the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes will have to wait until at least Tuesday to officially lock in their playoff spots. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights, who had the night off, have a chance to clinch on Monday.

Also, on Monday, the Minnesota Wild will look to create some breathing room in the Western Conference wild-card race. They’re now tied in points with the red-hot St. Louis Blues, who have won nine straight. The Minnesota Wild still hold the tiebreaker and will use up their game in hand when they take on the New Jersey Devils.

Stanley Cup Playoff clinching Possibilities

In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs are both idle but can clinch a playoff berth if either the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Florida Panthers or the Columbus Blue Jackets fall to the Nashville Predators. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning need to beat the New York Islanders, but they also need the Canadiens and Blue Jackets to lose in regulation. The Florida Panthers can secure their spot if they defeat the Canadiens in regulation and the Blue Jackets also lose in regulation.

Out West, the Vegas Golden Knights have multiple paths to the playoffs. They’ll clinch with a win against the Edmonton Oilers or by earning a single point if either the Calgary Flames lose to the Utah Hockey Club or the St. Louis Blues lose to the Detroit Red Wings in regulation. A regulation loss by the Flames to Utah would also help Vegas punch their ticket.

Which teams have secured a spot in the NHL playoffs?

As the NHL regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals have secured their spot, leading the Metropolitan Division with 103 points. In the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets top the Central Division with 106 points, and the Dallas Stars follow with 100 points; both have clinched playoff berths.

NHL Eastern Conference Standings (as of April 1, 2025)

The Washington Capitals lead the East, while the Hurricanes and Maple Leafs battle for top spots. The Lightning, Panthers, and Senators hold strong playoff positions. The Canadiens, Rangers, and Blue Jackets are in a tight race for wild-card spots, with the Red Wings, Islanders, and Penguins still in contention. With just weeks left in the season, every game counts in the fight for the playoffs!

Image Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

2025 NHL Playoff

Montreal Canadiens

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!