NHL playoff picture: Ducks on top in the West; Capitals swat Bruins

The New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks continued their dominance on Sunday, as both squads took home victories, cementing their stance atop their respective conferences. The Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins went face-to-face in an important matchup at the bottom of the playoff picture, with Washington taking the win.

Here's how the rest of the league looks after an exciting Sunday night:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic

The Red Wings dominated a Penguins team that was without Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist, helping them move up the standings with the 5-1 victory.

Metropolitan

The Rangers remained on top of the Metropolitan with their win over the Florida Panthers, while Pittsburgh stayed put with a devastating loss at the hands of Detroit.

Wild Card

The Capitals moved past the Bruins after their Sunday match-up, with Ottawa closing in after their win over Philadelphia. Florida stayed still after their loss.

Current Matchups

Montreal (A1) vs. Washington (WC1)

Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Detroit (A3)

N.Y. Rangers (M1) vs. Boston (WC2) 

N.Y. Islanders (M2) vs. Pittsburgh (M3) 

Western Conference

Central

After going up early against a tough Anaheim squad, Nashville squandered a lead and lost two points in the process. St. Louis was triumphant over Dallas, moving them up the standings. Chicago had the night off and stood still.

Pacific

The Ducks were the only movers in the Pacific with their win over the Predators, while Vancouver and Calgary both had the night off. 

Wild Card

The Western Conference wild card race showed no movement, as all teams had the night off on Sunday.

Current Matchups

St. Louis (C1) vs. Minnesota (WC1)

Nashville (C2) vs. Chicago (C3)

Anaheim (P1) vs. Winnipeg (WC2)

Vancouver (P2) vs. Calgary (P3) 

Race for Last

Carolina took a 3-2 win over Columbus, which moves them higher in the standings than Toronto, giving the Maple Leafs a better chance at landing top pick in the McDavid sweepstakes.