NHL Teams on the Brink of Playoffs

Buffalo, Carolina, and Minnesota are all in a position to clinch a playoff spot on Thursday, April 4th. With just nine or fewer games remaining for each team, the race for the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs is intensifying.

Sabres and Hurricanes: Win and You're In

Both the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes have a magic number of two. This means a win in their respective games will guarantee their postseason berths. The Sabres face the Ottawa Senators, while the Hurricanes take on the Philadelphia Flyers.

Key Matchups and Scenarios

  • Sabres vs. Senators: A Sabres victory clinches their playoff spot.
  • Hurricanes vs. Flyers: Similarly, a Hurricanes win secures their place in the playoffs.

However, a loss for either the Sabres or Hurricanes won't be enough for them to clinch, as one of the Flyers or Red Wings is expected to win their game.

Wild with a Slight Advantage

The Minnesota Wild hold a slight advantage with a magic number of one. This provides them with more flexibility to clinch a playoff berth. They will host the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday.

Understanding Magic and Tragic Numbers

Teams clinch a playoff spot when their magic number reaches zero. Conversely, they are mathematically eliminated when their tragic number reaches zero. An “x” next to a team’s name indicates a clinched playoff spot, while an “e” signifies elimination.

Looking Ahead to the Draft Lottery

As the regular season nears its conclusion on April 16th, teams not making the playoffs will also be vying for better positioning in the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery. The lottery determines the order of selection for the first round, with a maximum move of 10 spots for the winning team.