If the playoffs began Friday: Penguins march to home-ice advantage

Here's what postseason matchups look like after play on Thursday, March 31:

Eastern Conference

• A win paired with a Rangers loss sees the Penguins move into the second seed in the Metropolitan Division and nab provisional hold of home-ice advantage in Round 1.
• Florida seized a two-point lead atop the Atlantic Division with a win over the Devils, plus a Lightning loss.
• The Bruins and Red Wings, vying for third in the Atlantic, were both idle.

Wild-Card Race

• The Islanders strengthened their grip on the first wild-card slot and moved to within two points of the Rangers (with a game in hand) with their win over the Blue Jackets.

Western Conference

• The Stars lobbed the ball back at the Blues, moving two points ahead in the Central Division after entering the night tied at 101 points through 77 games.
• The Kings jumped back in front of the Ducks, taking two points from the Flames like Anaheim did Wednesday night. They also moved five points clear of the Sharks, who lost to Vancouver.

Wild-Card Race

• The Predators and Wild each lost in regulation, which keeps the door open for the Avalanche, but also keeps their positions fixed.
• In failing to punch their ticket again, the Predators remain four points behind the Blackhawks with one fewer game remaining on the schedule.