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Eastern Conference Wild Card Race: Devils, Lightning, and Senators Battle

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, April 9th 2026 at 20:00 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES

Eastern Conference: A Three-Team Scramble

The Eastern Conference Wild Card race is a particularly tight affair. The Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers have already cemented their places in the playoffs, leaving the New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators to battle for the two remaining spots. As of today, the Devils (82 points in 78 games) hold a narrow lead, but their position is far from secure. Tampa Bay (79 points in 77 games) is breathing down their neck, just three points behind, while Ottawa (75 points in 76 games) remains a threat, albeit trailing by seven points.

The Devils' game against the Hurricanes on Thursday night is a pivotal matchup. A victory would significantly bolster their playoff chances, creating a comfortable cushion between themselves and their rivals. However, a loss could throw the entire race wide open, allowing Tampa Bay and Ottawa to close the gap. The Devils' recent form has been inconsistent, making this game all the more crucial. They've struggled to consistently generate offense, relying heavily on their goaltending, which has been solid but not spectacular.

The Lightning, perennial contenders, find themselves in a similar position to last season. Despite their playoff experience and star power, they've had an up-and-down year. Fortunately for the Lightning, their remaining schedule is relatively favourable, featuring several matchups against teams already eliminated from playoff contention. They will need to capitalize on these opportunities and secure points consistently. Veteran leadership from players like Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy will be essential if they want to avoid another early playoff exit.

Ottawa, despite being further back, cannot be completely discounted. They've shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly with the emergence of young stars. However, their inconsistent defense and lack of depth have hampered their progress. To have a realistic chance of making the playoffs, the Senators need to win the majority of their remaining games and hope for some favourable results from other teams.

Western Conference: Kings and Red Wings Lead the Charge

The Western Conference Wild Card race is slightly more defined, with the Los Angeles Kings (81 points in 77 games) and Detroit Red Wings (79 points in 75 games) currently holding the top two spots. However, both teams are facing stiff competition from the Nashville Predators, who are eight points behind Detroit and ten points behind Los Angeles, having played the same number of games.

The Kings, known for their defensive solidity and strong goaltending, are aiming to secure a third Wild Card spot and avoid a potentially difficult first-round matchup. They've been a consistent force throughout the season, but they've struggled to score goals at times. Maintaining their defensive structure and finding ways to generate more offense will be key to their success.

The Red Wings, after years of rebuilding, are finally on the cusp of returning to the playoffs. They've been led by a core of young players and veteran leaders, and their offensive firepower has been impressive. However, their defense remains a work in progress, and they've been prone to costly mistakes. A strong finish to the season will be crucial for the Red Wings to secure their playoff berth and build momentum for a potential deep run.

The Predators, despite being further back, are not giving up. They've been bolstered by the addition of several key players at the trade deadline and are playing with renewed energy. However, their lack of offensive depth remains a concern. A playoff berth would be a significant achievement for a team that has struggled for consistency this season.

Key Games and Remaining Schedules

The final week of the season will be filled with high-stakes matchups. The Devils-Hurricanes game is arguably the most important game in the Eastern Conference. In the West, the Kings' upcoming games against fellow playoff contenders will be crucial in determining their final seeding. All eyes will be on the scoreboard as teams battle for every precious point in this thrilling race to the playoffs.