NHL Playoff Race Heats Up: Devils' Fate Hangs in the Balance

The Devils' Playoff Push

The New Jersey Devils have been one of the most intriguing teams in the NHL this season. After a strong start, they’ve faced adversity with injuries to key players, including star forward Jack Hughes, who is out for the season. Despite these setbacks, the Devils remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, currently holding the No. 3 seed in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points and 31 regulation wins in 66 games.

The Eastern Conference Race

The Devils are not alone in their quest for postseason glory. The Carolina Hurricanes are hot on their heels with 82 points, while the Columbus Blue Jackets are lurking as the East’s second wild card with 70 points. The Ottawa Senators, with 73 points, are also in the mix, making every game crucial for the Devils as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

Key Matchups Ahead

The Devils’ playoff fate could be decided in their upcoming games, starting with a crucial showdown against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night. After that, they have just five games against current playoff teams out of their remaining 15 contests. According to projections from Stathletes, the Devils are expected to finish with 94 points, likely securing the No. 3 spot ahead of the Blue Jackets, who are projected for 86.7 points.

Playoff Projections and Draft Lottery Outlook

As the regular season winds down, the NHL playoff watch is in full swing. The Devils’ journey is just one of many storylines in the Eastern Conference, where teams are jockeying for position in the playoff bracket. Meanwhile, the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL draft lottery is heating up, with several teams vying for the top spot.

Current Playoff Matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Columbus Blue Jackets
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Calgary Flames
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings

Thursday’s Games

Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m.
Boston Bruins at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m.
St. Louis Blues at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
Vegas Golden Knights at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers at New Jersey Devils, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
New York Rangers at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m.
Washington Capitals at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m.
Chicago Blackhawks at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.

Expanded Standings

Atlantic Division

Florida Panthers: 83 points
Toronto Maple Leafs: 81 points
Tampa Bay Lightning: 78 points
Ottawa Senators: 73 points

Metro Division

Washington Capitals: 94 points
Carolina Hurricanes: 82 points
New Jersey Devils: 76 points
Columbus Blue Jackets: 70 points

Central Division

Winnipeg Jets: 94 points
Dallas Stars: 86 points
Colorado Avalanche: 81 points
Minnesota Wild: 78 points

Pacific Division

Vegas Golden Knights: 83 points
Edmonton Oilers: 78 points
Los Angeles Kings: 77 points
Calgary Flames: 71 points

Race for the No. 1 Pick

The NHL draft lottery adds another layer of intrigue to the end of the season. Teams at the bottom of the standings are vying for the chance to select the top prospect, with the San Jose Sharks currently holding the worst record. The draft lottery process ensures that even the lowest-ranked teams have a shot at the No. 1 pick, making the final games of the season crucial for those looking to rebuild.

As the NHL season enters its final stretch, the Devils’ playoff hopes hang in the balance. With key games ahead and a tight race in the Eastern Conference, every point matters. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in the race for the Stanley Cup.