The Eastern Conference playoff race is so tight – who’ll take the final spot?

Sam Nestler
Sam Nestler
The Eastern Conference playoff race is so tight – who’ll take the final spot?
Credit: Apr 9, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren (79) makes a save in front of Detroit Red Wings left wing Lucas Raymond (23) and defenseman John Carlson (74) in the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the final two days of the NHL 2023-24 regular season, there are a whopping four teams still alive for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. 

After the Detroit Red Wings made a frantic two-goal comeback late in the third to get past the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in overtime, wins by the Pittsburgh Penguins (4-2 against Nashville Predators) and Washington Capitals (2-0 against Boston Bruins) have made this playoff race even more exhilarating. 

Here is where the teams stand on Tuesday: 

The Capitals, Red Wings, and Flyers each play on Tuesday, with the Penguins wrapping up their regular season on Wednesday. 

Washington can clinch with a win against the Flyers, and Detroit can clinch with another win against the Canadiens and a Capitals loss. If both lose, Pittsburgh can clinch with a win and the regulation tiebreaker. Philadelphia needs a lot of help. 

Frank Seravalli: You look forward to tonight. The Caps have the easiest scenario of any team… Any win of any kind against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Caps get two points, turn out the lights for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Philadelphia Flyers, as well as the Detroit Red Wings. If the Flyers can somehow win, and only in regulation for the Flyers does it matter, which will make for some great theater. Will John Tortorella pull the goalie if it’s close or if they’re tied in regulation, knowing that is the only way to keep your season alive in Game 82? 

Colby Cohen: I think the Washington Capitals are going to win and get in. I really do. I think they had a good effort last night, it was an inspiring effort. Very lopsided first period. I think they took the hope and will away from the Boston Bruins early… I think the team in that second wild-card spot that could give the New York Rangers the best run for their money is the Pittsburgh Penguins. If the Penguins continue to get saves, I think they have played the best and most consistent hockey the last 4-6 weeks amongst these other teams.

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