1. Buffalo Sabres – 96 Points
2. Tampa Bay Lightning – 94
3. Montreal Canadiens – 90
1. Carolina Hurricanes – 96
2. Pittsburgh Penguins – 88
3. Columbus Blue Jackets – 87
No teams in the East have clinched a playoff spot yet, and that includes the Atlantic-leading Sabres. However, Buffalo is positioned to end the NHL’s longest active playoff drought. On Friday, they’ll face the Red Wings, who own the league’s second-longest drought.
Detroit is within striking distance of a wild-card spot but will need some help down the stretch to get in. It does not have any remaining games against the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, or Ottawa Senators. The Red Wings are currently +120 (bet $100 to win $120) to make the playoffs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Boston stayed atop the wild-card race with an overtime win on Wednesday, but it has some tough matchups in the immediate future. On Saturday, the Bruins will face the Minnesota Wild. On Sunday, they’ll get the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Boston is -185 (bet $185 to win $100) to reach the postseason.
The Islanders picked up a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday, increasing their playoff odds to -170. Their next two games will come against the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Senators lost a 4-3 shootout decision against the Penguins on Thursday but remain -200 to make the playoffs. Upcoming games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Panthers can potentially vault Ottawa back into a wild-card position.
Pittsburgh’s win allowed the Penguins to gain some ground in the Metro Division on Thursday. The Columbus Blue Jackets lost, moving Pittsburgh into the No. 2 spot, albeit nine wins and eight points behind the Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot.
Carolina will be in action against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres
Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins