Written by Scott on Thursday, April 13th, 2023
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Only 3 games yesterday.
The Isles beat the Canadiens 4-2 and clinched the final playoff spot. With them clinching the Penguins have been eliminated from the playoffs which ends a 16 year streak.
The Stars beat the Blues 5-2 and are currently in 1st place in the Central. Heiskanen had 2 assists and move past Sergei Zubov for most points in a season by a Stars defenseman with 73.
15 games tonight. We should have a better picture of who will be playing who after tonight’s action.
Penguins vs Blue Jackets
Well the Penguins are eliminated so who knows how much effort they will show here if any.
The Jackets have long been eliminated.
Maple Leafs vs Rangers
Both teams have clinched.
The Leafs have finished 2nd in the Atlantic and the Rangers 3rd in the Metro.
With both teams positions already set I’m not sure how this game goes.
Senators vs Sabres
Both are eliminated so I have no idea how this goes.
They both were recently eliminated so they may decide to make this a game between two teams with bright futures.
Bruins vs Canadiens
The Bruins have already won the Presidents Trophy and have set the NHL record for points in a season they will probably push their win streak to 8 games in this one.
The Canadiens are long eliminated but may show up for this game against their long time rivals.
Hurricanes vs Panthers
The Canes need to win this game to win the Metro Divison. They have a 1 point lead over the Devils.
The Panthers have clinched a spot but will want to win this game so they get to play these Canes in the 1st round as no team wants to face the Bruins.
This is a big game for both.
Red Wings vs Lightning
The Wings are out of the postseason so just playing for pride at this point.
The Lightning are going to finish in 3rd in the Atlantic so there is no reason to go all out in this game.
Devils vs Capitals
The Devils need to win this game and have the Canes lose theirs to win the Metro.
The Caps are eliminated and have gone 2-6-2 over last 10.
Wild vs Predators
The Wild are in 3rd in the Central and they will finish there.
The Predators have been eliminated but may want to finish off the season on a winning note against another team from the Central.
Blues vs Stars
They played yesterday and the Stars won .
The Stars can move further into 1st with a win and see how the Avalanche do over their remaining 2 game. They need to win this game to give themselves any chance of winning the division with the Avs having 2 games left and are only behind them by 1 point.
Jets vs Avalanche
The Jets claimed the final wild card spot in the West.
The Avalanche are looking to win the Central and to do that they need to win their final two games.
Flyers vs Blackhawks
Both eliminated so not sure who wins.
This could be the last game as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks and maybe the NHL for Jonathan Toews so this should be an emotional one. No matter what Toews decides to do he has had an amazing career winning 3 Stanley Cups, a World Championship, 2 Olympic Golds, a World Junior Gold, a Selke, a Messier Award, a Conn Smythe and was a 6x All-Star. From a lifelong Hawks fan, thanks for everything Tazer!
Sharks vs Oilers
Sharks are just showing up because they have to.
The Oilers are in 2nd in the Pacific and will finish the season no lower than that. If they win this game and the Knights lose in regulation then they will win the Pacific Divison which is something they haven’t done since they traded Gretzky in 1988.
Kings vs Ducks
The Kings need to win this game or have the Kraken lose their game to lock down 3rd in the Pacific.
The Ducks have lost 12 straight so no reason to back them here.
Canucks vs Coyotes
Both eliminated so nothing for this game.
Golden Knights vs Kraken
The Knights can win the Pacific with a win here or a loss by the Oilers.
The Kraken can move out of the wild card with a win and a Kings loss.
