If the playoffs began Friday: Kings reclaim the Pacific throne
Juan Ocampo / National Hockey League / Getty
Here's what the postseason matchups look like following Thursday's games:
Eastern Conference
| Team | Team | Season Series |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Panthers | W1 Rangers | Rangers 2-1 |
| A2 Lightning | A3 Red Wings | Tied 2-2 |
| M1 Capitals | W2 Bruins | Capitals 3-0 |
| M2 Penguins | M3 Islanders | Penguins 3-1 |
- With a 5-2 loss to the Bruins, the Red Wings missed an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot for the 25th straight season.
- Both the Penguins and Lightning clinched second place in their respective divisions, securing home-ice advantage in the first round.
Wild-Card Race
| Team | Points | Games Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rangers | 99 | 1 |
| 2. Bruins | 93 | 1 |
| Flyers | 92 | 2 |
- The Flyers failed to take full advantage of playing the last-placed team in the Maple Leafs, losing 4-3 in overtime.
- With two games in hand, however, the Flyers control their postseason fate.
Western Conference
| Team | Team | Season Series |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Stars | W2 Wild | Stars 4-1 |
| C2 Blues | C3 Blackhawks | Blues 3-2 |
| P1 Kings | W1 Predators | Predators 2-1 |
| P2 Ducks | P3 Sharks | Ducks 3-1 |
- With a 2-1 win over the Ducks, the Kings leapfrogged Anaheim to claim top spot in the Pacific Division.
- Vladimir Tarasenko and the Blues rallied to defeat the Blackhawks 2-1, preventing the Stars from clinching first place in the Western Conference.
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