NHL Playoff Race Tightens: Bruins and Senators Near Clinching on April 14, 2025

The NHL playoff race is heating up with only a few games left. The Bruins and Senators have a very high chance to make the playoffs, unlike teams like the Sharks who have only a 3% chance.
By Newsroom | Sports, Hockey |

The National Hockey League finds itself at a pivotal juncture, with the approaching conclusion of the regular season dictating not only playoff berths but also the nuances of draft lottery positioning for several franchises. As the calendar flips towards the final stretch, matchups on Monday, April 14, 2025, carry significant weight for teams jockeying for final seeding and others eyeing the top picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

==With only a handful of games remaining, the Eastern Conference playoff picture sees the Bruins and Senators on the verge of clinching spots, boasting high probability percentages. Conversely, the Flyers, Islanders, Blue Jackets, and Red Wings are engaged in a precarious dance for the remaining slots. The Western Conference is similarly tight, with the Oilers and Golden Knights holding strong claims to top positions, while the Kings and Jets are locked in a battle for a wild-card spot, facing dwindling chances. The Predators and Sharks in the West also find themselves on the periphery, their playoff hopes appearing increasingly remote.

Read More: Spurs face Brighton today with key players missing

Eastern Conference Scramble

The Eastern Conference's playoff race is characterized by a distinct stratification. The Bruins and Senators are practically assured of their presence, while a cluster of teams including the Flyers (42%), Islanders (29%), Blue Jackets (22%), and Red Wings (5%) are fighting for the last available tickets.

Western Conference Dynamics

In the West, the top spots appear to be solidified for the Oilers and Golden Knights, though the order remains fluid. The Kings hold a commanding position (76%), while the Jets (13%) and Predators (12%) are facing significant uphill battles for the final wild-card slot. The Sharks, with a mere 3% chance, are largely out of contention.

Draft Lottery Implications

Beyond playoff aspirations, the Chicago Blackhawks have secured a position in the draft lottery, guaranteed no worse than the fourth overall pick. The Rangers, meanwhile, have climbed to third in the lottery order following the Flames' recent victory, a development tied to tiebreakers. Teams like the Sharks and Winnipeg are also positioned to benefit from the draft lottery, depending on their final standings.

Read More: Vancouver Canucks President Jim Rutherford to leave team soon

Monday's Schedule Highlights

Monday's slate features ten matchups, including:

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

  • New York Rangers at Florida Panthers (7 p.m. ET)

  • Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m. ET)

  • Dallas Stars at Toronto Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m. ET)

  • Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues (8 p.m. ET)

  • San Jose Sharks at Nashville Predators (8 p.m. ET)

  • Buffalo Sabres at Chicago Blackhawks (8:30 p.m. ET)

  • Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers (9:30 p.m. ET)

  • Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken (9:30 p.m. ET)

  • Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET)

All games not broadcast on TNT or NHL Network are available for streaming on ESPN+.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which NHL teams are close to making the playoffs on April 14, 2025?
The Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators are very close to officially making the NHL playoffs. They have a high chance of clinching their spots soon.
Q: Which teams are fighting for the last playoff spots in the Eastern Conference?
The Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings are competing for the final playoff places in the Eastern Conference. Their chances vary, with the Flyers having the best odds among this group.
Q: What is the situation in the Western Conference for playoff spots?
The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are likely to secure top spots. The Los Angeles Kings have a strong chance for a wild-card spot, while the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators are fighting for the last wild-card position.
Q: Are there any draft lottery implications for NHL teams?
Yes, the Chicago Blackhawks are guaranteed a top-four pick in the draft lottery. The New York Rangers have also improved their lottery position. Teams like the San Jose Sharks and Winnipeg Jets could also benefit from the lottery depending on their final standings.