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As has been the case for the past few campaigns, the Central Division includes multiple top-tier Stanley Cup contenders this season. Going simply by points percentage, the Central boasts the second- (Winnipeg Jets) and third-best (Dallas Stars) teams in the league, as well as the eighth (Colorado Avalanche).

Those first two clubs face off Friday night (8 p.m. ET, NHL Network), with one additional matchup on the schedule (April 10 in Dallas). The Jets and Stars have split the season series thus far, and Winnipeg holds the No. 1 spot in the division, with 94 points and 37 regulation wins in 66 games. Dallas is not out of range to make a run at that spot, with 86 points and 35 RW in 64 games.

Neither team wants to match up against Colorado in the first round, as the Avs loaded up (again) at the trade deadline, including deals for Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle. Colorado is at 81 points and 34 RW through 66 games and theoretically could catch the other two teams, but it would need losing streaks out of its opponents to make much of a dent. The Avs visit the Calgary Flames on Friday (9 p.m. ET, ESPN+).

How do the projections see this playing out for the rest of the season — and beyond? Stathletes projects the three teams to finish in the exact same order: Jets (115.2 points), Stars (106.7) and Avalanche (103.0). But, of those three clubs, the Avs have the highest chance of winning it all (15.3%), followed by the Jets (8.8%) and Stars (2.4%).

There is a lot of runway left until April 17, the final day of the regular season, and we’ll help you keep track of it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we’ll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Yesterday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Columbus Blue Jackets
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

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

Friday’s games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Detroit Red Wings at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.
Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets, 8 p.m. (NHLN)
Colorado Avalanche at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m.
Nashville Predators at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m.
Utah Hockey Club at Seattle Kraken, 10 p.m.

Thursday’s scoreboard

Florida Panthers 3, Toronto Maple Leafs 2
Ottawa Senators 6, Boston Bruins 3
Philadelphia Flyers 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 3 (SO)
Pittsburgh Penguins 5, St. Louis Blues 3
Vegas Golden Knights 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 0
New Jersey Devils 3, Edmonton Oilers 2
New York Rangers 3, Minnesota Wild 2 (OT)
Los Angeles Kings 3, Washington Capitals 0
San Jose Sharks 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 105.6
Next game: @ MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 102.2
Next game: vs. OTT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 17
Points pace: 99.7
Next game: @ BOS (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 94.6
Next game: @ TOR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 97.7%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 87.1
Next game: vs. FLA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 10.9%
Tragic number: 34

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 85.8
Next game: @ CAR (Friday)
Playoff chances: 12%
Tragic number: 33

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 83.2
Next game: vs. TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 13.7%
Tragic number: 29

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 71.8
Next game: vs. VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 23

Metro Division

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 116.8
Next game: @ SJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 103.5
Next game: vs. DET (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 15
Points pace: 95.5
Next game: @ PIT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 95.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 88.3
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 32.8%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 87.0
Next game: @ CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 23.9%
Tragic number: 33

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 83.3
Next game: vs. EDM (Friday)
Playoff chances: 12.4%
Tragic number: 32

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 78.3
Next game: vs. CAR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 1.0%
Tragic number: 25

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 77.2
Next game: vs. NJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.3%
Tragic number: 23

Central Division

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 116.8
Next game: vs. DAL (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 110.2
Next game: @ WPG (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 100.6
Next game: @ CGY (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 98.2
Next game: vs. STL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 94.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 87.1
Next game: @ SEA (Friday)
Playoff chances: 26.6%
Tragic number: 33

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 85.7
Next game: @ MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 29.2%
Tragic number: 31

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 73.0
Next game: @ ANA (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 23

Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 60.9
Next game: @ VAN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 11

Pacific Division

Points: 85
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 107.2
Next game: @ BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 101.2
Next game: vs. NSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98.2%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 17
Points pace: 98.4
Next game: @ NYI (Friday)
Playoff chances: 99.7%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 91.0
Next game: vs. COL (Friday)
Playoff chances: 29.4%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 89.6
Next game: vs. CHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 22.1%
Tragic number: 35

Points: 63
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 79.5
Next game: vs. NSH (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 27

Points: 60
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 74.6
Next game: vs. UTA (Friday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 22

Points: 45
Regulation wins: 13
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 55.1
Next game: vs. WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 5

Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL’s Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.

Points: 45
Regulation wins: 13

Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17

Points: 56
Regulation wins: 21

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 21

Points: 60
Regulation wins: 22

Points: 63
Regulation wins: 20

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 17

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 18

Points: 65
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 21

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 22

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 22

Points: 70
Regulation wins: 29

Points: 71
Regulation wins: 23

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Reports: Blue Jays’ Swanson has carpal tunnel

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March 15, 2025

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Reports: Blue Jays' Swanson has carpal tunnel

  • Field Level Media

Mar 14, 2025, 03:41 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Erik Swanson received relatively good news when an MRI earlier this week on his pitching elbow revealed no structural damage, according to multiple reports Friday.

Swanson was diagnosed with what the team called median nerve entrapment, or carpal tunnel syndrome, according to the reports. He will get a cortisone shot and rest his arm for a few days.

The Blue Jays announced earlier this week that Swanson was scheduled to meet with elbow surgeon Dr. Keith Meister on Thursday following the onset of discomfort in his right elbow during a recent bullpen session.

Swanson, 31, spent the past two seasons as a key piece of the Blue Jays’ bullpen and dealt with right forearm discomfort earlier this spring. He has not pitched in a spring training game this year.

He was 2-2 with a 5.03 ERA, 14 walks and 37 strikeouts in 39⅓ innings over 45 relief appearances last season.

In six seasons with the Seattle Mariners (2019-22) and Blue Jays, Swanson is 10-16 with 10 saves, a 3.97 ERA and a 1.116 WHIP, 69 walks and 278 strikeouts in 240 games (11 starts) over 260⅔ innings.

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Braves’ Riley leaves game after HBP on right hand

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7 hours ago

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March 15, 2025

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Braves' Riley leaves game after HBP on right hand

  • Associated Press

Mar 14, 2025, 02:06 PM ET

NORTH PORT, Fla. — Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley left a Grapefruit League game Friday after a pitch hit him in the hand that he broke last season.

Riley got hit by a pitch from Jackson Rutledge in the first inning of the Braves’ game with the Washington Nationals. Riley held out his right hand immediately afterward in apparent pain before heading up the first base line.

Riley was removed when the Braves took the field in the top of the second inning.

The Braves announced that the two-time All-Star had been taken out of the game “as a precaution.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and MLB.com reported that X-rays were negative.

Riley, who turns 28 on April 2, batted .256 with a .322 on-base percentage, 19 homers and 56 RBIs last year. His season ended after he was hit in the right hand by a 97 mph fastball from Los Angeles Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz. An MRI revealed his hand was fractured.

Riley finished seventh in the MVP balloting in 2021, sixth in 2022 and seventh again in 2023. He hit at least 33 homers in each of those seasons.

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Yanks’ Rodon gets Opening Day nod with Cole out

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7 hours ago

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March 15, 2025

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Yanks' Rodon gets Opening Day nod with Cole out

  • ESPN News Services

Mar 14, 2025, 05:57 PM ET

Left-hander Carlos Rodon was tabbed as the New York Yankees‘ Opening Day starter Friday by manager Aaron Boone.

The Yankees open the season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27.

A serious injury to ace right-hander Gerrit Cole opened the door for Rodon. Cole underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday.

“It’s an honor,” Rodon told reporters. “I’m excited. Just want to go out there and win the game.”

Boone said left-hander Max Fried will start the second game. The former Atlanta Braves standout signed an eight-year, $218 million free agent deal in the offseason.

Rodon, 32, is entering the third season of a six-year, $162 million deal. He is 19-17 with a 4.74 ERA in 46 starts with New York. A two-time All-Star, he won a career-best 16 games last season.

“I feel like his arsenal continues to evolve — the secondary stuff is getting stronger and stronger, the changeup becoming a real factor for him now,” Boone said of Rodon.

This will be Rodon’s second Opening Day start; he also received the honor in 2019 for the Chicago White Sox.

“Honestly it’s just the first game of the season,” Rodon said. “It’s another baseball game. Take it like another game, it just so happens to be the first game of the year.”

Right-hander Freddy Peralta will start for the Brewers.

Field Level Media contributed to this report.

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