Following a slate of games on Sunday, the NHL playoff picture slightly changed. While no team managed to jump into the top eight, there were some changes to the seeding.
NHL playoff picture: Bruins, Wild poised to regain division leads
The NHL postseason is on the horizon, with many teams still in the fight for playoff seeding.
Hannah Foslien
The Vancouver Canucks managed to retake the Northwest Division lead with a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. The Detroit Red Wings also moved up the standings after defeating the Anaheim Ducks, 2-1. This jump was assisted by the St. Louis Blues' loss to the Calgary Flames, 3-2.
Here are the current playoff standing entering competition on Monday:
Eastern Conference
1. Pittsburgh Penguins, 50 points (33 games played)
2. Montreal Canadiens, 45 points (31 GP)
3. Winnipeg Jets, 36 points (33 GP)
4. Boston Bruins, 43 points (30 GP)
5. Ottawa Senators, 40 points (32 GP)
6. Toronto Maple Leafs, 37 points (32 GP)
7. New Jersey Devils, 36 points (32 GP)
8. Carolina Hurricanes, 32 points (30 GP)
Western Conference
1. Chicago Blackhawks, 51 points (30 GP)
2. Anaheim Ducks, 48 points (31 GP)
3. Vancouver Canucks, 40 points (32 GP)
4. Minnesota Wild, 38 points (30 GP)
5. Detroit Red Wings, 37 points (32 GP)
6. Los Angeles Kings, 36 points (31 GP)
7. St. Louis Blues, 36 points (31 GP)
8. Dallas Stars, 33 points (31 GP)
Here are games scheduled for Monday that could directly affect playoff positioning:
Maple Leafs vs. Bruins, 7 p.m., ET
The Bruins have been in position to reclaim the Northeast lead from the Canadiens for sometime and have failed to do so. With a win on Monday, they will take over the division lead and jump into second place in the East. Toronto won’t move up with a win but could move down with a loss. New Jersey is playing the Senators and can jump over Toronto in the event of a regulation win and Maple Leafs regulation loss.
Nashville can take over the eighth spot in the West with a win and a regulation loss from the Stars, as well as any kind of loss by the Sharks.
Wild vs. Stars, 8:30 p.m., ET
Minnesota can regain the Northwest lead with a regulation win on Monday night. However, they could also slide in the event of a regulation loss. Dallas could slide in the event of a loss and a San Jose win or tie.
Red Wings vs. Coyotes, 10 p.m., ET
Detroit can jump to fourth place with a regulation win and a Minnesota regulation loss. However, the team is also open to sliding down the standings in the event of a loss (overtime or regulation) and a Los Angeles win or tie.
Sharks vs. Ducks, 10 p.m., ET
San Jose can retake the eight spot with a win and any kind of loss by Dallas.
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