The Flames are looking to stay hot, the Leafs are reeling from a big loss, the Blackhawks take the lead and more.
Here’s a look at the post-season picture right now.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(M1) vs. 
(WC2)
(A1) vs. 
(WC1)
(M2) vs. 
(M3)
(A2) vs. 
(A3)
Here’s what the Eastern Conference standings look like today:
What’d I miss?
The Toronto Maple Leafs were levelled by the desperate Florida Panthers 7-2 and are feeling the effects Wednesday morning in the form of a lost playoff spot and a whole bunch of backlash for an off-day fishing trip.
The Islanders, meanwhile, defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in overtime to further the Toronto-New York tug-of-war match for the second wild card spot in the east.
In Ottawa, the Senators’ six-game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night. The injury-riddled Senators welcomed forward Kyle Turris and Bobby Ryan back into the lineup, but were without red-hot goaltender Craig Anderson (lower body), whose stellar play of late has been the driving force behind Ottawa’s climb up the Atlantic standings. Luckily for the Senators, backup netminder Mike Condon picked up where the starter left off with a 35-save performance in the 2-1 overtime loss.
And if anyone had counted out the Lightning, watch out—Tampa’s on a four-game tear and knocking on the post-season door with 77 points, one up on the Maple Leafs.
The powerhouse Washington Capitals continued their powerhouse ways, defeating the Minnesota Wild to cushion their Eastern Conference lead with the help of captain Alex Ovechkin, whose 10-game goal drought came to an end (not that anyone was worried).
Fun fact:
Wednesday’s game to watch: Penguins vs. Flyers
Every meeting between these rivals is a must-watch, let alone when there are playoff implications involved. The Penguins had a nice little win streak going before being bested by the Calgary Flames Monday night, while the Flyers have struggled. Philadelphia’s 70 points has them seven out of the playoff picture. It’s desperation time.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(C1) vs. 
(WC2)
(P1) vs. 
(WC1)
(C2) vs. 
(C3)
(P2) vs. 
(P3)
Here’s what the Western Conference standings look like today:
What’d I miss?
The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Montreal Canadiens, claiming the top spot in the tough Central Division thanks also to the Minnesota Wild’s regulation loss to the Capitals.
The San Jose Sharks easily handled the Buffalo Sabres, padding their Pacific Division lead—they’re now nine points up on the next best team in the west.
The Edmonton Oilers dominated Dallas to the tune of 7-1, but the strong play of Calgary and Anaheim means they’ve been knocked down to a wild card spot.
The Los Angeles Kings need all the wins they can get, but came away with just one point in a shootout loss to the Arizona Coyotes, 3-2.
Fun fact:
Monday’s game to watch: Bruins vs. Flames
The Flames’ historic win streak reached double digits on Monday night with their win over the Penguins, and they’ll look to hit 11 versus the Bruins on Wednesday night. Boston has been enjoying a hot streak of its own to jump into the playoff picture since changing coaches. A regulation win for the Flames would keep them No. 2 in the Pacific.
They’ll be playing without starting goalie Brian Elliott, who has been a major key to the club’s streak. Chad Johnson will play in Elliott’s place.
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