The excitement of the NHL playoff race intensified as the Chicago Blackhawks stunned the Montreal Canadiens in a shootout, preventing the Canadiens from securing their playoff spot. This leaves the Columbus Blue Jackets clinging to hopes of a wild-card berth, requiring two regulation wins and a Canadiens regulation loss. In contrast, the Eastern Conference's top teams, like the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins, prepare for their final matchups ahead of the playoffs, with the Devils eyeing a first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes.

In the West, playoff positioning remains tight, particularly among the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and the Calgary Flames, all vying for the last playoff spots. The Wild can clinch their playoff berth with any win against the Anaheim Ducks, while the Blues need to win against the Utah Hockey Club. Every game counts as the Flames require regulation wins to keep their playoff dreams alive.