Exciting Playoff Showdown: Canadiens on the Brink of Their First Berth Since 2021!

There are five exciting NHL games happening this Friday, each crucial for playoff positions.

Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators (7 p.m. ET)

The Canadiens (39-30-9) have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since they reached the Cup Final in the 2020-21 season. If they win against the Senators (42-30-6), they clinch a playoff spot. Montreal trails Ottawa by three points in the race for the Eastern Conference’s first wild card spot.

Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m. ET)

The Red Wings (36-35-7) face a must-win. They sit eight points behind the Canadiens and could be eliminated from playoff contention by losing Friday. Meanwhile, the Lightning (45-26-7) are in a tight race in the Atlantic Division, chasing the Toronto Maple Leafs for first place but staying just ahead of the Florida Panthers.

Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m. ET)

The New Jersey Devils (41-30-7) have secured a spot in the playoffs and will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. The Penguins (32-35-12) have already been knocked out of contention this season.

San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers (9:30 p.m. ET)

The Oilers (45-28-5) can clinch a playoff berth with a victory. They’re currently in a race for second place in the Pacific Division, trailing the Los Angeles Kings. The Sharks (20-47-11) have been eliminated and are looking to end their season on a positive note.

Minnesota Wild at Calgary Flames (10 p.m. ET)

The Flames (37-27-14) are fighting to secure a wild card spot, currently five points behind the Wild (43-29-7) and the St. Louis Blues. With two games in hand on St. Louis, the Flames have a chance to shake things up in the Western Conference.

Current Playoff Picture

If the playoffs began today, the matchups would look like this:

Eastern Conference

• (1A) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators
• (2A) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3A) Florida Panthers
• (1M) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens
• (2M) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3M) New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

• (1P) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild
• (2P) Los Angeles Kings vs. (3P) Edmonton Oilers
• (1C) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues
• (2C) Dallas Stars vs. (3C) Colorado Avalanche

This season is heating up, with playoff spots on the line. Fans are buzzing on social media, expressing their excitement and anxiety. A recent survey by the NHL revealed that over 70% of fans are eager for playoff hockey, highlighting the league’s growing popularity. This Friday, every game promises high stakes and thrilling action as teams fight for their postseason lives.

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