Connect with us

Published

2 years ago

on

7:00 AM ET

  • Tim KavanaghESPN.com

    Close

      Tim Kavanagh is a senior NHL editor for ESPN. He’s a native of upstate New York.

The NHL schedule Tuesday night includes a special volumetric broadcast of the Washington Capitals–New York Rangers game, where the action on the ice will be transformed into the world of “Big City Greens.” That broadcast will be available on the Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney+ and ESPN+, with the traditional version available on ESPN and ESPN+.

But beyond the innovation on display in that game, there are 11 other games on the docket, including a battle of two playoff-bound teams as the Winnipeg Jets visit the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes are neck-and-neck with the New Jersey Devils atop the Metropolitan Division. But where will the Jets finish in a crowded Central Division?

The Jets have been playing leapfrog with the Colorado Avalanche for the Central’s No. 3 slot on a game-by-game basis for the past several days. After Monday night’s action, the Jets are in the West’s second wild-card spot, with 79 points and 29 regulation wins through 67 games. The Central crown is not out of the realm of mathematical possibility, as the Minnesota Wild are at 84 points and 27 regulation wins while the Dallas Stars are at 87 points and 31 regulation wins. Moneypuck gives the Jets a 2.4% chance to win the division title, a 14.3% chance of the Central’s No. 2 seed, and a 30.6% chance of their division’s No. 3 spot; the chances of the two wild-card slots are 18.0% and 19.8%, respectively.

After the game Tuesday, Winnipeg has five games against teams currently in playoff position, including a season-closing two-game road stint at the Wild and Avalanche.

As we enter the final stretch of the regular season, it’s time to check in on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2023 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via FiveThirtyEight.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s games
Last night’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Boston Bruins vs. WC2 New York Islanders
A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Carolina Hurricanes vs. WC1 Pittsburgh Penguins
M2 New Jersey Devils vs. M3 New York Rangers

Western Conference

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

Tuesday’s games

Note: All times Eastern. All games not on ESPN, TNT or NHL Network are available via NHL Power Play, which is included in an ESPN+ subscription (local blackout restrictions apply).

Winnipeg Jets at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.
Washington Capitals at New York Rangers, 7 p.m. (ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+)
Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m.
Vegas Golden Knights at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.
Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.
Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m.
Ottawa Senators at Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m.
Calgary Flames at Arizona Coyotes, 10 p.m.
Dallas Stars at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m.
New York Islanders at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.

Monday’s scoreboard

Watch “In the Crease” on ESPN+ for highlights from every game.

Colorado Avalanche 8, Montreal Canadiens 4
Buffalo Sabres 4, Toronto Maple Leafs 3
Dallas Stars 5, Seattle Kraken 2

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Points: 105
Regulation wins: 43
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 133
Next game: @ CHI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 16
Points pace: 109
Next game: vs. COL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: >99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 15
Points pace: 103
Next game: @ NJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: >99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 89
Next game: vs. MTL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 38%
Tragic number: 27

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 88
Next game: @ WSH (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 12%
Tragic number: 27

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 87
Next game: @ EDM (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 5%
Tragic number: 26

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 86
Next game: @ NSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 2%
Tragic number: 25

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 71
Next game: @ PIT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 12

Metropolitan Division

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 119
Next game: vs. WPG (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: >99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 16
Points pace: 117
Next game: vs. TB (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: >99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 104
Next game: vs. WSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: >99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 97
Next game: vs. MTL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 85%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 14
Points pace: 92
Next game: @ LA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 47%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 87
Next game: @ NYR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 12%
Tragic number: 25

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 73
Next game: vs. VGK (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 15

Points: 47
Regulation wins: 15
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 59
Next game: @ SJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 5

Central Division

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 15
Points pace: 107
Next game: @ VAN (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: >99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 103
Next game: @ STL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 97%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 17
Points pace: 101
Next game: @ TOR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 97
Next game: @ CAR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 74%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 94
Next game: vs. DET (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 33%
Tragic number: 30

Points: 63
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 78
Next game: vs. MIN (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 16

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 72
Next game: vs. CGY (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 10

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 62
Next game: vs. BOS (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 3

Pacific Division

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 15
Points pace: 108
Next game: @ PHI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: >99%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 104
Next game: vs. NYI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 98%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 15
Points pace: 99
Next game: @ SJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 88%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 15
Points pace: 98
Next game: vs. OTT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 95%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 89
Next game: @ ARI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 17%
Tragic number: 24

Points: 61
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 77
Next game: vs. DAL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 16

Points: 54
Regulation wins: 12
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 66
Next game: vs. NYI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 5

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 61
Next game: vs. CBJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: <1%
Tragic number: 1

Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order at the top of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team might move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the draw for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process can be found here. Sitting No. 1 on the draft board for this summer is Connor Bedard, who has been lauded as a generational talent.

Points: 47
Regulation wins: 15

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14

Points: 50
Regulation wins: 14

Points: 54
Regulation wins: 12

Points: 58
Regulation wins: 17

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 18

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 22

Points: 61
Regulation wins: 17

Points: 63
Regulation wins: 21

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 24

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 26

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28

Notes on traded picks impacting the top 16:

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Sports

Linesman exits after collision with Vegas’ Howden

Published

2 hours ago

on

April 21, 2025

By

Linesman exits after collision with Vegas' Howden

  • Associated Press

Apr 21, 2025, 12:14 AM ET

LAS VEGAS — NHL linesman Bryan Pancich left Sunday night’s Minnesota–Vegas playoff game 3:37 into the second period after a collision with Golden Knights forward Brett Howden.

Backup official Frederick L’Ecuyer took Pancich’s place in the opening game of the first-round Western Conference series.

Howden was trying to bat down a puck in the offensive zone when he appeared to make contact with Pancich’s head with both by the boards. Howden briefly kneeled down to check on the official before joining his team as the Wild went on an offensive rush.

The Golden Knights beat the Wild 4-2.

Continue Reading

Sports

Stankoven’s 2 goals jolt Canes in playoff opener

Published

7 hours ago

on

April 21, 2025

By

Stankoven's 2 goals jolt Canes in playoff opener

  • Associated Press

Apr 20, 2025, 08:24 PM ET

RALEIGH, N.C. — Logan Stankoven provided an immediate jolt in his first playoff game with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The 22-year-old forward scored twice in the second period Sunday to help the Hurricanes beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1 in the opener of their first-round playoff series. It was part of a strong debut that included his work on the Hurricanes’ top defensive forward line with captain Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook.

“I love playing in the big games and meaningful hockey. I’m motivated to try to contribute in any way possible,” Stankoven said. “Yeah, it’s always a nice feeling to get on the scoresheet.”

Stankoven’s play was part of a strong top-to-bottom start for the Hurricanes in their seventh straight trip to the playoffs. And it offered an example of why he was the primary return in a trade-deadline deal that allowed Carolina to pivot out of its big-swing January addition of scoring winger Mikko Rantanen.

“He’s got a little more skill than me and Marty, and obviously he can put the puck in the net,” Staal said. “He’s a good little player obviously: finds holes, he’s got good speed, and he can shoot the puck. So he’s just getting warmed up.”

The 5-foot-8, 165-pound Stankoven had five goals and four assists in 19 regular-season games with Carolina, with coach Rod Brind’Amour tinkering with the line groupings to find Stankoven’s best fit. That eventually led to Stankoven playing alongside the 6-4, 220-pound Staal and the 6-1, 208-pound Martinook more as the Hurricanes closed the regular season, even as they lost seven of eight after clinching their playoff spot on April 3 while resting key guys with the goal of being healthy for the postseason.

“It worked tonight,” Brind’Amour said. “But you’re right, it’s a safety net for players to play with two guys that do it the right way every shift — or at least certainly try to. there’s a lot of comfort there I think for any player that gets to play with guys like that.”

Stankoven’s first goal offered an example of the fit, coming when Martinook pushed up ice on the right side and tried to send a backhand feed across the ice back toward the crease. Devils center Nico Hischier knocked it down, but Martinook stayed on the forecheck and forced Hischier into a turnover behind the goal.

Martinook then slipped the puck to a trailing Stankoven, who sent the puck past Jacob Markstrom for a 2-0 lead. Stankoven slid to a stop as he bumped into Staal, the linemates facing each other as they raised both arms in victory before embracing with Martinook skating over to join them.

“I mean, I think they’ve got skill, too,” Stankoven said with a smile of his linemates. “It’s nice having a couple of big bodies on my line. They do such a good job of creating space for me, and I think we can thrive down low.”

Minutes later, Stankoven provided a needed punch to a power play. Fellow new addition Taylor Hall whipped a cross-ice pass to the right side to Stankoven, who had a clean lane from the faceoff dot with Markstrom. Stankoven whipped a rising shot past Markstrom’s right shoulder, the puck pinging off the inside of the left post and into the net for a 3-0 lead.

“I’m just trying to adapt to those players and be in the right spots to get pucks off,” Stankoven said. “Like you said, it takes a bit of time at first, but I think I’ve been adjusting pretty well. The guys have done a good job of communicating with me and helping me out.”

Continue Reading

Sports

Padres’ Arraez exits on stretcher after collision

Published

7 hours ago

on

April 21, 2025

By

Padres' Arraez exits on stretcher after collision

  • ESPN News Services

Apr 20, 2025, 07:58 PM ET

HOUSTON — San Diego Padres designated hitter Luis Arraez was carted off after colliding with Mauricio Dubon on a play at first base in the first inning of Sunday night’s game against the Houston Astros.

According to the Padres, Arraez was transported to Houston Methodist Hospital for further evaluation, and he was stable, conscious, responsive and could move his extremities.

During an in-game interview with ESPN’s Buster Olney on “Sunday Night Baseball,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said that Arraez has “a little bit of a cut on the jaw,” and that the club is “worried about the jaw, the stability of that.”

Arraez was seen in the Padres’ clubhouse after the game, which San Diego won 3-2.

On the first pitch of his at-bat, Arraez hit a drag bunt down the first-base line to Christian Walker, who flipped it to second baseman Dubon as he ran to cover first. Dubon then collided with Arraez, who appeared to hit Dubon’s arm or elbow with his face.

Both players hit the ground, but Arraez took the worst of it, lying motionless in foul territory next to first base as trainers and coaches from both teams attended to him.

Dubon and Walker, as well as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, watched as Arraez was placed on a backboard and carted out of the stadium. As he was being placed on the cart, Arraez put his arm around Shildt.

Arraez entered hitting .287 with three home runs and seven RBIs this season. He is in his second season with the club after he was dealt to San Diego by the Miami Marlins last year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Continue Reading

Trending