Maple Leafs, Lightning clinch 2024 Stanley Cup Playoff spots

Without even playing, both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning clinched their ticket to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Friday night.

The Maple Leafs needed two of the following three scenarios to happen for them to clinch a spot before their next game on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens:

• The Washington Capitals lose in regulation to the Carolina Hurricanes

• The Detroit Red Wings lose in regulation to the New York Rangers

• The Philadelphia Flyers lose in either regulation or overtime to the Buffalo Sabres

Since all three scenarios happened, Toronto secured their spot for the eighth consecutive season.

As for the Lightning, they required all three of the Capitals, Red Wings and Flyers to lose in regulation, which they did. This is the 10th time in 11 seasons that they’ve made it to the playoffs.

With Toronto and Tampa Bay clinching, six teams from the Eastern Conference have sealed a spot in the postseason. In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets have clinched a spot.