NHL playoff watch: It’s Super Tuesday in the Atlantic races
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Tim Kavanagh, ESPN.com
Twenty-six of the NHL’s 32 teams will be in action tonight, including seven of eight in the Atlantic Division. The Florida Panthers are off until Thursday, but the results for everyone else will help the continued revealing of the final playoff standings.
Atop both the division and the Presidents’ Trophy standings are the Boston Bruins. They aren’t quite at their record-setting pace from a season ago, but they are close to locking up a playoff berth with 95 points through 69 games. Stathletes projects them to have 112 by season’s end (just behind the Panthers, projected for 112.6). Earning two points in games like tonight’s against the Ottawa Senators (7 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+) will be critical if they’re going to get to that high total.
On the other end, the Senators are currently fifth on the draft lottery board, with the Columbus Blue Jackets three points and one regulation win behind their pace. Stathletes projects the Sens to finish with 76 points, the seventh-fewest in the league. Ottawa had mixed results with high draft picks in the early stages of their current franchise run, but they’ve done well recently: Captain Brady Tkachuk was their top pick in 2018 (No. 4 overall), while Tim Stutzle was selected third overall in 2020.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently third in the division, projected for 103.3 points, and have another game at the Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+) after defeating them 6-2 this past Thursday. The Leafs appear pretty well situated in the No. 3 spot, nine points and 11 regulation wins behind the Panthers (albeit with two games in hand), and seven points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning. So who would the Leafs rather face in the first round? They were swept in the regular-season series against the Bruins, and have split the first two against the Panthers (with two games remaining in April).
Speaking of the Lightning, they’ll skate in one of four West Coast games tonight, taking on the Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). Tampa Bay appears pretty secure in the East’s first wild-card position, and is projected for 97 points per Stathletes (compared to around 90 for the teams chasing them). The Lightning are currently on track to face the New York Rangers in the first round, against whom they had some trouble in the first two matchups of the season but whom they beat 6-3 on March 14.
Thanks to a recent swoon, the Detroit Red Wings are much less secure in the playoff race than they were in late February. They will hope to get right against the lottery-bound Blue Jackets (7 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). Detroit is projected for 86.8 points, so they can’t afford to let too many slip away against opponents like this.
The Buffalo Sabres will play the second half of a back-to-back tonight after beating the Seattle Kraken Monday. Unfortunately, tonight’s game is against significantly more difficult competition in the Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). Nevertheless, the Sabres do remain on the periphery of the wild-card chase, and have games against fellow bubble teams (Detroit, Philadelphia and Washington twice) down the stretch.
Finally, the Montreal Canadiens will visit the Edmonton Oilers (9 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). The Habs’ playoff chances set sail a while back this season, and they are currently projected to have the fifth-fewest standings points by season’s end (72.5). Montreal has had mixed success with high draft picks this millenium, but this young roster could certainly lose another injection of top-flight talent as it looks to get back to the postseason.
As we traverse 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 2024 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Last night’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Boston Bruins vs. WC2 Washington Capitals
A2 Florida Panthers vs. A3 Toronto Maple Leafs
M1 New York Rangers vs. WC1 Tampa Bay Lightning
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 Philadelphia Flyers
Western Conference
C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC1 Nashville Predators
C2 Colorado Avalanche vs. C3 Dallas Stars
P1 Vancouver Canucks vs. WC2 Vegas Golden Knights
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings
Tuesday’s games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available via NHL Power Play, which is included in an ESPN+ subscription (local blackout restrictions apply).
Ottawa Senators at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m.
Winnipeg Jets at New York Rangers, 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu)
Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m.
San Jose Sharks at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.
Montreal Canadiens at Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres at Vancouver Canucks 10 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.
Minnesota Wild at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu)
Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings, 10 p.m.
Monday’s scoreboard
Washington Capitals 5, Calgary Flames 2
Buffalo Sabres 6, Seattle Kraken 2
Expanded standings
Atlantic Division
Points: 95
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 13
Points pace: 113
Next game: vs. OTT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 94
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 14
Points pace: 113
Next game: vs. NSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 106
Next game: @ PHI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 78
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 15
Points pace: 96
Next game: @ VGK (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 97.6%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 89
Next game: vs. CBJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 20.3%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 13
Points pace: 84
Next game: @ VAN (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 4.8%
Tragic number: 22
Points: 61
Regulation wins: 15
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 75
Next game: @ EDM (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 16
Points: 60
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 75
Next game: @ BOS (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 17
Metropolitan Division
Points: 94
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 14
Points pace: 113
Next game: vs. WPG (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 90
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 14
Points pace: 109
Next game: @ NYI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 76
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 14
Points pace: 92
Next game: vs. TOR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 55.7%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 92
Next game: vs. TOR (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 57.3%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 89
Next game: vs. CAR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 51.2%
Tragic number: 28
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 85
Next game: @ NJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 6.9%
Tragic number: 24
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 82
Next game: vs. PIT (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 6.2%
Tragic number: 21
Points: 57
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 69
Next game: @ DET (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 10
Central Division
Points: 91
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 15
Points pace: 111
Next game: @ NYR (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 91
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 14
Points pace: 110
Next game: @ STL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 91
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 13
Points pace: 108
Next game: vs. ARI (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 82
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 14
Points pace: 99
Next game: vs. SJ (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 96.1%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 90
Next game: vs. COL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 5.4%
Tragic number: 24
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 89
Next game: @ ANA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 13.6%
Tragic number: 23
Points: 61
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 74
Next game: @ DAL (Wednesday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 10
Points: 43
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 52
Next game: @ LA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Pacific Division
Points: 92
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 14
Points pace: 111
Next game: vs. BUF (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 84
Regulation wins: 32
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 106
Next game: vs. MTL (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 15
Points pace: 97
Next game: vs. CHI (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 89%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 79
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 97
Next game: vs. TB (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 89.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 86
Next game: @ VAN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 4.8%
Tragic number: 20
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 83
Next game: @ VGK (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 1.2%
Tragic number: 19
Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 59
Next game: vs. MIN (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Points: 39
Regulation wins: 12
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 48
Next game: @ NSH (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
p — clinched Presidents’ Trophy
y — clinched division
x — clinched playoff berth
e — eliminated from playoff contention
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 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 Macklin Celebrini, a freshman at Boston University.
Points: 39
Regulation wins: 12
Points: 43
Regulation wins: 14
Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17
Points: 57
Regulation wins: 18
Points: 60
Regulation wins: 19
Points: 61
Regulation wins: 15
Points: 61
Regulation wins: 23
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 22
Points: 68
Regulation wins: 27
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 25
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 27
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 28
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 21
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 24
Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 27
* The Penguins’ first-round pick was traded to the Sharks as part of the Erik Karlsson trade. However, it is top-10 protected.
Mike Sullivan, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, is out as the team’s head coach, it was announced Monday.
Sullivan was the longest-tenured coach in Penguins history after just completing his 10th season. The 57-year-old, who also coached Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, was under contract in Pittsburgh through 2026-27.
In a statement, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said the decision was “the best course forward for all involved” as Pittsburgh navigates a transitional period.
“On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade,” Dubas said. “Mike is known for his preparation, focus and fierce competitiveness. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to his dedication to this franchise for the past two seasons. He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history, not only for the impressive back-to-back Cups, his impact on the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust, but more importantly, for his love and loyalty to the organization. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved.”
The Penguins have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons as Dubas works to retool the team into a contender while Crosby is still competing at a high level. Crosby just completed his 20th straight season in which he posted a point-per-game scoring pace, and he was voted by his peers in the NHLPA as the league’s most complete player. The captain is under contract through next season on a two-year extension he signed prior to the 2024-25 season.
Sullivan was elevated to Penguins head coach in 2015 after leading the organization’s AHL team in Wilkes-Barre. With 409 wins in Pittsburgh, he leaves as the Penguins’ all-time wins leader.
With Sullivan’s departure, there are now seven head-coaching vacancies in the NHL. The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken and New York Rangers are also searching for new coaches right now. According to sources, Sullivan has been atop the Rangers’ wish list.
Sources also said Sullivan is keen on coaching again next season and will be a top candidate for several of the vacancies. Sullivan worked as an assistant coach with the Rangers and as both an assistant and head coach with the Bruins earlier in his career.
Home teams are on a tear in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, going 21-10 thus far. Will that trend continue Monday?
The early matchup is Game 4 of the Battle of Florida, and the festivities have become heated; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel was given a major penalty for his hit on Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov in Game 2, and subsequently suspended for Game 3. In that game, Matthew Tkachuk leveled a hard hit on Jake Guentzel but did not receive the same punishment. What will transpire in Game 4?
In the nightcap, the clash of West titans continues, as the Colorado Avalanche look to keep the momentum going after their 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 4 on Saturday.
Read on for game previews with statistical insights from ESPN Research, recaps of what went down in Sunday’s games, and the Three Stars of Sunday Night from Arda Öcal.
Matchup notes
Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers
Game 4 (FLA leads 2-1) | 7 p.m. ET | ESPN
Teams that hold a 2-1 series lead have gone on to win the best-of-seven matchup 69% of the time in Stanley Cup playoff history. The Panthers have won two out of three best-of-seven series when holding a 2-1 lead, and the Lightning are 6-7 all time when trailing 2-1.
Jake Guentzel had three points (goal, two assists) in Game 3, and his 40 career playoff goals are third most among active U.S.-born players, trailing Patrick Kane (53) and Chris Kreider (48).
With his win in Game 3, Andrei Vasilevskiy now has 67 for his postseason career, second most among active goaltenders (behind Marc-Andre Fleury, who has 92), and one behind Andy Moog for 11th on the all-time list.
Matthew Tkachuk scored his third goal of the series in Game 3, and became the third player in franchise history with 20 career playoffs goals (Carter Verhaeghe 26, Sam Reinhart 22); he is also the third Panther to record 50 playoff points for the club (Aleksander Barkov 62, Verhaeghe 54).
Aaron Ekblad‘s return from suspension didn’t go so well. According to Stathletes, Ekblad and Gustav Forsling played 10:50 together at 5-on-5, and the Lightning scored three goals while they were on the ice.
Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
Game 5 (series tied 2-2) | 9:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
With the series tied 2-2, history is on the Stars’ side: Colorado is 11-12 when a series is tied 2-2. Dallas has gone 18-14 in the same scenario.
Nathan MacKinnon is up to 52 career playoff goals, which is six away from tying Peter Forsberg for second in Avalanche/Nordiques franchise history; Joe Sakic is first with 84.
Gabriel Landeskog made his return to the ice in Game 3 for the first time since the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, and scored a goal in Game 4, the 28th playoff goal of his career.
Mikko Rantanen (formerly of the Avs, now of the Stars) has only one point (an assist) through four games, but it’s not for a lack of trying; he has 12 shots on goal, which is second most on the team this postseason (Roope Hintz has 13).
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger was pulled in Game 4, just the fourth time in 49 career playoff starts he has played 40 minutes or less. Since 2022, Oettinger has the second-most postseason wins (25), behind Sergei Bobrovsky (34).
Arda’s three stars from Sunday night
Svechnikov potted a hat trick to lift the Canes to a 5-2 win against the Devils in Newark, giving them a 3-1 series lead. Svechnikov is the only Hurricanes/Whalers player in franchise history (45 seasons, 205 playoff games) with a hat trick in the playoffs (he now has two).
His two goals in the third period tied the game at 3, setting the stage for the Oilers to win in OT and tie up the series. Bouchard is now the fourth defenseman to have back-to-back multigoal games in Stanley Cup playoff history.
After two points over the first three games of the series, Neighbors scored a goal and added two assists as the Blues emphatically tied the series with a 5-1 victory in Game 4.
Sunday’s scores
St. Louis Blues 5, Winnipeg Jets 1
Series tied 2-2 | Game 5 Wednesday
Although he is the overwhelming favorite to win the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goalie in the regular season, Connor Hellebuyck is not having a great time this postseason. He was pulled in the third period of this loss after giving up five goals on 18 shots. Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor opened the scoring in this game, but the Blues charged back with five straight goals off the sticks of Jake Neighbours, Tyler Tucker, Brayden Schenn, Justin Faulk and Robert Thomas. The home team has won every game in this series. Will that continue in Game 5 in Winnipeg? Full recap.
0:51
Tyler Tucker puts the Blues ahead with a goal
Tyler Tucker scores in the second period to give the Blues a 2-1 lead over the Jets.
Carolina Hurricanes 5, New Jersey Devils 2
CAR leads 3-1 | Game 5 Tuesday
After the Canes went up 3-0, the Devils punched back with two second-period goals, and Carolina starting goalie Frederik Andersen was knocked out after a collision with New Jersey’s Timo Meier. However, that was as close as the Devils would get, as Brent Burns added a goal at 14:14 of the third, and Andrei Svechnikov finished off his hat trick with an empty-net goal to seal the deal. Full recap.
2:05
Andrei Svechnikov scores his second career playoff hat trick
Andrei Svechnikov lit the ice with his second career playoff hat trick in Game 4 vs. the Devils.
Washington Capitals 5, Montreal Canadiens 2
WSH leads 3-1 | Game 5 Wednesday
The Bell Centre was rocking again for this one. Washington’s Dylan Strome started the scoring at 1:25 of the second period, but the Canadiens answered back with two power-play goals (from Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield) to take the lead heading into the third. However, the Caps proved they were the better team, tying it 6:39 into the third, taking the lead 10 minutes later and then pumping in two empty-netters to put it out of reach. Full recap.
0:39
Andrew Mangiapane’s big-time goal gives Caps a lead in the 3rd period
Andrew Mangiapane notches a big-time goal to give the Capitals a lead late in the third period.
Edmonton Oilers 4, Los Angeles Kings 3 (OT)
Series tied 2-2 | Game 5 Tuesday
Another back-and-forth contest for these two teams. The Kings held a 3-1 lead heading into the third, thanks to goals from Trevor Moore, Warren Foegele and Kevin Fiala. But the Oilers came back, thanks to a pair of goals by Evan Bouchard (both of which were assisted by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid) to send the game to overtime. Draisaitl then scored the winner on the power play with just 1:42 left in the extra session. Full recap.
1:14
Leon Draisaitl’s OT winner evens the series for the Oilers
Leon Draisaitl nets the winning goal in overtime to give the Oilers a dramatic win over the Kings in Game 4.
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