Which NHL teams are on the brink of playoff elimination? Rangers among those at risk

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 12, 2025, 15:10 IST

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The NHL regular season concludes with intense playoff contention as the Montreal Canadiens control their destiny, needing a win against the Ottawa Senators to secure a spot. The New York Rangers' hopes dwindle, requiring both wins and a Canadiens loss. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers have clinched their playoff berth, intensifying the battle for remaining spots.

Which NHL teams are on the brink of playoff elimination? Rangers among those at risk

Credit: Getty Images

The National Hockey League regular season comes to an end while multiple teams remain in intense competition to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs. The remaining playoff contenders continue while some teams have already confirmed their availability. With only a handful of games left, the margin for error is slim and several franchises are in danger of missing the cut.

Montreal Canadiens Control Their Destiny

How the mighty New York Rangers have fallen | Up in the Blue Seats - Ep. 183

The Canadiens are in a strong position to clinch a playoff berth with a regulation win against the Ottawa Senators. Sitting second in the Eastern Conference wildcard standings, a victory would lock in their place. However, a loss or even an overtime defeat could leave the door open for other teams.

New York Rangers Hanging by a Thread

Credit: Getty Images

The Rangers’ playoff hopes are fading fast. They not only need a win in their remaining games but also require the Canadiens to lose in regulation. If Montreal earns even a single point against Ottawa, New York’s season will effectively be over. Despite a recent dominant 9-2 win over the Islanders, the Rangers’ fate is out of their hands.
Head coach Peter Laviolette remains optimistic, praising his team’s recent performance. Meanwhile, forward Brett Berard highlighted the strong team effort, crediting goaltender Igor Shesterkin for key saves that kept them competitive.

Other Teams on the Bubble

The Wild suffered a 4–2 loss to the Calgary Flames on April 11.The Edmonton Oilers have clinched a playoff berth following a 4–2 victory over the San Jose Sharks on April 11. If the Montreal Canadiens defeat the Ottawa Senators by the end of regulation time the Columbus Blue Jackets would lose their playoff potential. Every game carries high stakes as teams fight to keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive.
Read more: The Evolution of Alex Ovechkin: Career, Family, and Top Rivals

Final Push for Survival

As the regular season winds down, every shift, save, and goal carries immense weight. The Canadiens could dash the dreams of the Rangers and others with a single victory. Will New York defy the odds, or will Montreal seal their fate? The next few games will decide.
Fans won't want to miss the drama as the playoff picture comes into focus. Who do you think will cut? Share your thoughts below.

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About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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