Apr 6, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmarlk (35) makes a save on a shot from Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

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NHL Playoff Bubble Teams: Key Matchups & Stakes This Week

The battle for the final playoff spots heats up as bubble teams fight for survival in a crucial week of NHL action.

As the NHL regular season approaches its climax, the battle for playoff berths intensifies, particularly among teams on the postseason bubble. In the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens have bolstered their wild-card aspirations with a pivotal 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, extending their winning streak to five games and solidifying their position ahead of the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings. Conversely, the New York Islanders, despite snapping a recent losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild, face daunting odds, trailing the Canadiens by five points with several teams ahead of them in the standings.

In the Western Conference, the St. Louis Blues have set a franchise record with their 12th consecutive win, firmly positioning themselves in the wild-card race. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres continue to showcase resilience, rallying to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning in a shootout, extending their home win streak to five games, and keeping their playoff hopes alive. As the season winds down, each game carries significant weight, with teams vying for the remaining playoff spots, making the upcoming matchups critical in determining the final postseason picture.

Edmonton Oilers & St Louis Blues can clinch their playoff birth tonight !

Via @NHL pic.twitter.com/ZKgxqxORA1
— VegasHockeyFreak (@VGKHockeyFreak) April 7, 2025

Let’s take a look at the key matchups and scenarios for these “bubble teams” in the week ahead.

Eastern Conference

Montreal Canadiens: Currently holding the second wild-card spot with 85 points, the Canadiens have a pivotal game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, April 8. A win would solidify their position and create distance from their closest competitors.
New York Rangers: Trailing the Canadiens by six points, the Rangers face a challenging matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday, April 7. With the Lightning having recently clinched a playoff berth, the Rangers must capitalize on this opportunity to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Columbus Blue Jackets: With 77 points, the Blue Jackets are still in contention. They host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, April 8. A victory is essential to remain in the playoff conversation, especially against a team like the Senators, who are also vying for a spot.

Western Conference

St. Louis Blues: Riding a franchise-record 12-game winning streak, the Blues have surged into the first wild-card position with 93 points. They face the Winnipeg Jets on Monday, April 7, aiming to extend their streak and further cement their playoff status.
Minnesota Wild: Holding the second wild-card spot with 91 points, the Wild have a crucial game against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, April 9. Securing a win is vital to fend off challengers like the Calgary Flames, who are close behind with 85 points.
Calgary Flames: With 85 points, the Flames are on the outside looking in. They face the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, April 9, and need a win to stay in the hunt for a wild-card spot.

Bubble Teams’ Crucial Week in NHL Playoff Race

As the NHL regular season approaches its climax, several teams on the playoff bubble face pivotal games that will determine their postseason fate. In the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens have solidified their hold on the second wild-card spot with a recent 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, extending their winning streak to five games.

This surge places them six points ahead of the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, both of whom are in desperate need of wins to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Rangers, in particular, are grappling with a struggling power play, converting only twice in their last 43 attempts over 16 games, which has significantly hindered their performance.

In the Western Conference, the St. Louis Blues have emerged as formidable contenders, setting a franchise record with their 12th consecutive win. This impressive streak has propelled them into the wild-card conversation, showcasing their resilience as the season winds down. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are leveraging the league’s easiest remaining schedule to their advantage, with upcoming games against direct competitors like the Blues and the Los Angeles Kings. The Calgary Flames, despite an inconsistent season marked by significant roster changes, remain in the hunt but face a challenging path ahead.

These teams navigate the final stretch of the regular season as each game carries heightened significance. The outcomes will not only impact their standings but also set the tone for potential postseason performances, making this week a critical juncture in the NHL playoff race.

Image Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

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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!