If the playoffs began Tuesday: Best-ever Panthers on the verge

Here's what postseason matchups look like after play on Monday, April 4:

Eastern Conference

• In reaching 99 points for the first time in club history, the Panthers moved four points clear of the Lightning with three games remaining apiece.
• The Rangers clinched a postseason spot with a 4-2 win over the Blue Jackets, but saw the Islanders keep pace with two points earned over the Lightning.

Wild-Card Race

• The Islanders did not a clinch a postseason berth, but are now within a win of punching their ticket.
• Detroit, Philadelphia, and Boston were idle.

Western Conference

• St. Louis remains in second by virtue of ROW, but have rejoined the Stars atop the Central, beating the Coyotes. One point over the next two games will secure home-ice in the first round.
• Vancouver dealt the Kings a major blow in its third straight win over a Californian opponent. Los Angeles remains a point behind the Ducks for tops in the Pacific with one less game remaining on the schedule.

Wild-Card Race

• Minnesota and Colorado were off Monday night, ostensibly still licking their wounds.