NHL Playoff Scenarios (updated 4/9)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The Eastern Conference playoff berths were wrapped up yesterday with wins by the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens to secure the last two spots.

The Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and New Jersey Devils have each clinched their respective divisions and the top three playoff spots.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Northwest division comes down to two teams nearly tied for the lead. The Calgary Flames have two games remaining against Edmonton and are two points behind. The Vancouver Canucks play their final game against Colorado. The team scoring the most points in these last two games will get the title, with Calgary holding the tie-breaker.

The Anaheim Ducks can clinch with a win in either of their last two games against Dallas and Phoenix OR at least a overtime loss AND EITHER (a St. Louis regulation loss and second loss of any kind OR a Nashville loss of any kind) OR TWO OF (two St. Louis regulation losses OR a Nashville regulation loss or pair of overtime losses OR a Minnesota loss of any kind).

The St. Louis Blues can clinch a playoff spot with a win in either of their last two games against Columbus and Colorado OR at least a overtime loss AND EITHER (two Anaheim regulation losses OR a Nashville regulation loss of pair of overtime losses) OR two Nashville losses of any kind AND a Minnesota loss of any kind.

The Nashville Predators can clinch a playoff spot with a win in either of their last two games against Detroit or Minnesota AND two St. Louis regulation losses AND a Minnesota loss of any kind OR a win and overtime loss AND EITHER (two St. Louis regulation losses OR two Anaheim regulation losses) OR two wins AND EITHER (two Anaheim losses of any kind OR a St. Louis regulation loss or pair of overtime losses.

The Minnesota Wild can clinch a playoff spot with a win and at least an overtime loss in their last two games against Nashville and Columbus AND two St. Louis regulation losses AND two Nashville losses of any kind OR two wins AND a St. Louis regulation loss and second loss of any kind AND EITHER (a Nashville loss to Detroit or a Nashville loss to Minnesota in regulation)

Minnesota has only a prayer. The Wild would probably need two wins against playoff fighting opponents (including defeating Nashville in regulation) and two St. Louis losses in order to qualify. They probably have a greater chance, though, than Buffalo has in the East.

Anaheim, St. Louis, and Nashville are all fighting for the last two spots. Nashville has a better chance of knocking out St. Louis. If the Predators win both of their games and the Blues only manage 2 points in their last 2 games then Nashville is in. Anaheim only needs a win against eliminated Dallas or Phoenix.