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NHL Clinching Scenarios: All Wild Cards could be cemented tonight

Matt Larkin
Matt Larkin(MLarkinHockey)
Apr 14, 2026, 09:53 EDTUpdated: Apr 14, 2026, 11:31 EDT
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz
Credit: Apr 9, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth center Nick Schmaltz (8) celebrates with center Alexander Kerfoot (15), left wing Lawson Crouse (67) and center Liam O'Brien (38) after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Welcome to the home stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season. This deep into the schedule, something significant is on the line virtually every day, whether it’s a playoff spot, division title to clinch or a major individual milestone. At Daily Faceoff, we’re breaking down what you need to know every day between now and the end of the season April 16.

So what’s at stake across the nine-game slate for Tuesday, April 14?

– The Boston Bruins (44-27-10) and Ottawa Senators (43-27-11) have clinched playoff spots but continue to jockey for the No. 1 Eastern Conference Wildcard position. Each has a single game remaining. The Bruins play tonight and will lock in the top spot and a matchup vs. the Buffalo Sabres if the Bruins beat the New Jersey Devils in any fashion. That would mean Ottawa faces the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1.

– We know the Montreal Canadiens (48-23-10) and Tampa Bay Lightning (49-25-6) will face off in Round 1, but home ice remains on the line, and the teams are tied with 106 points apiece. The Habs are in action tonight but, since they have fewer regulation wins, they don’t control their destiny. They won’t clinch second in the Atlantic Division even if they win.

– We could see the Western Conference Wildcard spots finalized tonight. The Utah Mammoth (42-32-6) can lock in the first Wildcard spot (a) if they beat the Winnipeg Jets in any fashion AND the Los Angeles Kings get one point or fewer or (b) if they collect at least a point AND the Kings lose in regulation – as long as the the Anaheim Ducks hold off the Kings (35-26-19). L.A. will be locked into the second West Wild Card and a matchup with the Colorado Avalanche if (a) they lose in regulation AND the Anaheim Ducks collect at least a point vs. the Minnesota Wild or (b) if they collect one point or fewer AND the Ducks win in any fashion. A Mammoth win and a Ducks loss also locks Utah into seventh.

– The New York Islanders fell just short of making the 2025-26 postseason, but sensational freshman Matthew Schaefer still has something to play for. If he can score one more goal in the Isles’ final game of the season Tuesday night vs. the Hurricanes, he’ll set a new single-season record for goals by a rookie blueliner at 24. He’s currently tied with Brian Leetch for the record at 23.

– The Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski will set a single-season franchise record for assists with 60 if he can get one tonight.

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PRESENTED BY STAKE

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