The NHL Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus

With just days remaining in the regular season, Friday's slate of games carries enormous consequences for:

• Final playoff seeding across both conferences
• The heated wild card races
• Positioning for the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery

Eastern Conference Showdowns

Ottawa vs. Montreal (7 PM ET, ESPN+) The Senators have clinched but could still jump to 3rd in the Atlantic with a strong finish. Meanwhile, the Canadiens look to solidify their wild card position with a six-point cushion.

Tampa Bay vs. Detroit (7 PM ET, ESPN+) The Lightning remain in striking distance of the Atlantic Division lead, while Detroit's faint playoff hopes require nothing short of perfection down the stretch.

New Jersey vs. Pittsburgh (7 PM ET, NHL Network) The playoff-bound Devils could gain crucial positioning, while the Penguins' disappointing season has them focused on improving their draft lottery standing.

Western Conference Battles

Edmonton vs. San Jose (9:30 PM ET, ESPN+) The Oilers can clinch their playoff berth with just one point, while the Sharks aim to protect their pole position for the draft lottery's top pick.

Calgary vs. Minnesota (10 PM ET, ESPN+) A must-win for the Flames' flickering playoff hopes as they face a Wild team looking to lock down their wild card spot.

Race for the No. 1 Pick

The draft lottery race remains tight between:

1. San Jose Sharks (51 pts)
2. Chicago Blackhawks (56 pts)
3. Nashville Predators (66 pts)

Matthew Schaefer, the Erie Otters defenseman, remains the consensus top prospect.

Why Tonight Matters

With the playoffs beginning April 19 and regular season concluding April 17, every point and regulation win could mean the difference between:

• Home ice advantage
• Favorable first-round matchups
• Higher draft positioning for non-playoff teams

Stay tuned to ESPN's NHL coverage for complete playoff scenarios and updated standings throughout the night.