We’ve reached the eventful final stretch of the NHL season. At this point, something significant is on the line virtually every day, whether it’s a playoff spot or division title to clinch or a major individual milestone. At Daily Faceoff, we’re here to break down exactly what you need to know between now and the end of the season April 17.
So what’s at stake across the five-game slate for Wednesday, April 9?
– Um, Edmonton Oilers (44-28-5)? You OK? Weathering injuries to superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the defending Western Conference champs still haven’t clinched a playoff spot. A home win Wednesday over the St. Louis Blues will do the trick if the Calgary Flames also lose to the Anaheim Ducks in regulation. That will clinch not just a postseason berth but also a top-three Pacific spot for Edmonton.
– If the St. Louis Blues (43-29-7), beat the Oilers in regulation AND the Flames lose in regulation Wednesday, the Blues clinch a playoff berth. Not bad for a team that seemed to have no chance two months ago. Going 18-3-2 since the 4 Nations Face-Off will do that.
– The Vancouver Canucks (36-29-13) got a stay of execution with their historic final-minute comeback over the Dallas Stars Tuesday but face elimination again as an idle team tonight. The Canucks are out if the Wild beat the Sharks.
– Utah Hockey Club (36-30-12) bought themselves one more day of playoff contention with a 7-1 pummelling of the Seattle Kraken Tuesday, but Utah’s tragic number is one. They will be mathematically eliminated if the Wild collect even one point tonight versus San Jose.
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