NHL playoff picture: Bruins, Canadiens can earn postseason berth

With the 2013 season winding down, the push for the playoffs is starting to heat up.

Apr 11, 2013, 2:43 PM UTC

USA TODAY Sports

There are nine games in the NHL on Thursday night, with six games in the Eastern Conference and three games in the West.

The Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins are the only teams to officially qualify for the playoffs, but two more clubs will have an opportunity to do so on Thursday. The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens have a shot at punching their ticket, but will require some assistance from the Florida Panthers.

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Here’s a look at the playoff picture:

Eastern Conference

1. Pittsburgh Penguins, 60 points (40 games played) Y
2. Boston Bruins, 56 points (39 GP)
3. Washington Capitals, 44 points (40 GP)
4. Montreal Canadiens, 55 points (39 GP)
5. Toronto Maple Leafs, 49 points (40 GP)
6. Ottawa Senators, 44 points (39 GP)
7. New York Islanders, 44 points (40 GP)
8. New York Rangers, 44 points (40 GP)
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9. Winnipeg Jets, 42 points (41 GP)
10. New Jersey Devils, 40 points (40 GP)

Western Conference

1. Chicago Blackhawks, 64 points (39 GP) X
2. Anaheim Ducks, 59 points (41 GP)
3. Vancouver Canucks, 52 points (40 GP)
4. Los Angeles Kings, 48 points (40 GP)
5. San Jose Sharks, 47 points (39 GP)
6. St. Louis Blues, 46 points (38 GP)
7. Minnesota Wild, 46 points (39 GP)
8. Detroit Red Wings, 43 points (39 GP)
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9.Phoenix Coyotes, 42 points (40 GP)
10. Dallas Stars, 41 points (39 GP)
11. Columbus Blue Jackets, 41 points (40 GP)
12. Edmonton Oilers, 39 points (40 GP)