GAME NIGHT: Playoff picture developing. Sens, Bruins, Oilers, VGK IN, Wings, Kraken, Blues OUT

Playoff dreams are made or broken as the Ottawa Senators clinch a spot with Linus Ullmark’s shutout over the New York Islanders, while the Detroit Red Wings suffer a crushing collapse—sparking boos on Fan Appreciation Night and extending their playoff drought. Can the Islanders or Washington Capitals rally in their final games to claim the last open position in the East? Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers look to stay ahead of the competition in the Metropolitan Division. On the Western front, the LA Kings seize a crucial victory to hold the wild card, Nashville Predators remain within striking distance after Steven Stamkos’ 40th goal, and the Vegas Golden Knights clinch their eighth playoff berth in nine years behind an overtime winner from Jack Eichel. Key matchups, clutch performances, and upset losses shift the playoff picture, with teams like the Seattle Kraken and St. Louis Blues fading away while contenders gear up for the chase for Lord Stanley’s Cup.