Stanley Cup Playoff Watch: What to Expect on Monday's Six-Game Slate

As the NHL regular season approaches its conclusion, the playoff races are heating up. Monday's six-game slate offers plenty of intrigue, with playoff clinching scenarios, first-round matchups, and draft lottery order all on the line. Here's a closer look at what to expect:

Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens

The Columbus Blue Jackets' win on Sunday kept them in the playoff race for at least one more day; a win by the Canadiens in this one will clinch a berth (and eliminate the Blue Jackets). On the other side, the Blackhawks are locked in to the No. 2 spot in the draft lottery order.

Dallas Stars at Detroit Red Wings

The Stars can no longer catch the Jets or be caught by the Avalanche, so they will begin their first-round playoff series against the Avs at home. The Red Wings enter the evening 11th in the draft lottery order, tied in points with the Rangers, three points behind the Ducks (and the Penguins, but they have only one game left) and one point ahead of the Islanders.

New York Rangers at Florida Panthers

As noted above, the Rangers are right in the mix for a top-10 draft pick, but could finish as low in the order as 13th if they win out. On the other side, the Panthers cannot catch the Maple Leafs for first in the Atlantic Division, but they can potentially move ahead of the Lightning into second in the final week. They are four points ahead of the Senators, but hold a three-regulation win advantage with just two games left for both clubs, so Ottawa cannot catch them.

Utah Hockey Club at Nashville Predators

These two teams enter the evening 14th and 3rd, respectively, in the draft lottery order. Nashville is locked in at No. 3, but the Hockey Club (with 87 points) can potentially move up a spot to No. 13 (currently the Blue Jackets, 85 points), or down to No. 15 (currently the Canucks, 88 points).

Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers

Here's your No. 2 vs. No. 3 series in the Pacific Division, but it remains to be seen which team gets home-ice advantage. The Kings enter the evening in the second spot, with 101 points and 41 regulation wins (and a game in hand). The Oilers have 99 points and 35 RW, so this is essentially a must-win for them (and in regulation too).

San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks

In the nightcap, it's two lottery-bound teams, though at the two ends of the table. The Sharks have clinched the No. 1 spot in the lottery, while the Canucks are 15th heading into this matchup. The Canucks can potentially switch spots with the Hockey Club at No. 14, and could also flip with the Calgary Flames at No. 16.

What to Watch For

• Playoff Clinching Scenarios: The Canadiens, Stars, and Panthers can all clinch playoff berths with wins on Monday. The Senators can also clinch with a win and a Blue Jackets loss.

• Draft Lottery Implications: The Blackhawks, Sharks, and Predators are all in the running for the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery. A win by the Blackhawks would give them a better chance at the top pick, while a loss by the Sharks or Predators would increase their odds.

• First-Round Matchups: The Stars and Avalanche will square off in the first round of the playoffs, while the Kings and Oilers will battle for the Pacific Division title and home-ice advantage.

Conclusion

Monday's six-game slate offers plenty of excitement for NHL fans, with playoff clinching scenarios, draft lottery implications, and first-round matchups all on the line. Be sure to tune in to see how the standings shake out and which teams punch their tickets to the postseason.