As the NHL regular season nears its end, the playoff picture for 2025 is coming into focus, but the race for draft positioning is heating up. Notable matchups include the Chicago Blackhawks, currently second in the draft lottery order, facing the Boston Bruins, who find themselves in playoff contention. The Detroit Red Wings are fighting for their playoff lives against the Florida Panthers, who are chasing the top of the Atlantic Division. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are on a hot streak but are still in the draft lottery mix. The Carolina Hurricanes look to secure a higher seed against the already playoff-bound Washington Capitals.

The New York rivalry between the Rangers and Islanders has less significance this year, with both teams on the brink of elimination. In the West, the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars are battling for the top seed, while the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators are eliminated from contention. The Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights are also in action, with draft implications on the line.